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Life
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Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions
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Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 5523

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jacek Bil

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cardiology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Woloska 137 Street, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: interventional cardiology; coronary physiology; intravascular imaging; translational cardiovascular research; drug–device combination therapies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue entitled “Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions.” This Special Issue will focus on recent advances that are shaping the field of cardiovascular therapy, spanning the full spectrum from preclinical discovery to real-world clinical application.

Cardiovascular interventions continue to evolve rapidly, driven by technological breakthroughs, novel device development, pharmacologic innovation, and an improved understanding of pathophysiology. This Special Issue aims to showcase original research, high-quality reviews, and perspective articles that highlight how innovative strategies are improving patient outcomes and translating into practice.

We invite contributions on topics including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Development and evaluation of new interventional devices and technologies.
  • Image-guided and physiology-guided percutaneous procedures.
  • Drug–device combinations and bioresorbable platforms.
  • Translational research bridging preclinical and clinical cardiovascular science.
  • Novel pharmacologic approaches supporting interventional strategies.
  • Advances in structural heart interventions.
  • Artificial intelligence and digital health applications in interventional cardiology.
  • Health economics, implementation science, and registries evaluating innovation adoption.

Article Types:

  • Original research articles;
  • Systematic and narrative reviews;
  • Short communications;
  • Technical notes and perspectives.

We invite you and your colleagues to submit your work and share your insights with the international cardiovascular research community

Dr. Jacek Bil
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cardiovascular interventions
  • innovation
  • translational research
  • interventional cardiology
  • structural heart disease
  • device development
  • percutaneous therapy
  • imaging guidance
  • physiology-guided intervention
  • drug–device combination
  • artificial intelligence
  • digital health
  • bioresorbable scaffolds
  • clinical translation
  • cardiovascular technology

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  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

15 pages, 692 KB  
Article
Determinants of Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Requiring CICU Admission: Diagnosis Versus Vulnerability in a Contemporary Real-World Cohort
by Aneta I. Gziut-Rudkowska, Adam Kern, Krystian Bojko, Robert J. Gil and Jacek Bil
Life 2026, 16(4), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040586 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Background: Contemporary cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) increasingly care for elderly and multimorbid patients, yet the relative contribution of admission diagnosis versus underlying comorbidity burden to long-term prognosis remains unclear. We aimed to identify independent determinants of 5-year mortality following emergent CICU admission, [...] Read more.
Background: Contemporary cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) increasingly care for elderly and multimorbid patients, yet the relative contribution of admission diagnosis versus underlying comorbidity burden to long-term prognosis remains unclear. We aimed to identify independent determinants of 5-year mortality following emergent CICU admission, with particular focus on acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1299 consecutive adults admitted emergently to a tertiary CICU between 2017 and 2019. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and in-hospital management were assessed. Five-year follow-up was available for 825 patients with ACS. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Results: ACS accounted for 63.3% of admissions. In-hospital mortality was 8.0%, without sex-related differences. At 5 years, cumulative mortality among ACS patients was 25.9% and differed across subtypes, being highest in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI, 31.1%) compared with unstable angina (24.0%) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 18.4%) (p < 0.001). However, after multivariable adjustment, ACS subtype and sex were not independently associated with mortality. Instead, older age (HR per year increase), atrial fibrillation, and prior stroke and Charlson Comorbidity Index emerged as the strongest predictors of death. Conclusions: In a contemporary, real-world CICU cohort, long-term survival was determined predominantly by age and comorbidity burden rather than by ACS phenotype or sex. These findings support a shift from diagnosis-centered to risk-profile-based long-term stratification following emergent intensive cardiac care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
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13 pages, 853 KB  
Article
The Critical Role of Nutritional and Procedural Factors in CTO-PCI Patient Prognosis
by Gürkan Karaca, Ahmet Ekmekci, Ali Kimiaei, Seyedehtina Safaei, Aziz İnan Çelik and Metin Çağdaş
Life 2026, 16(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020338 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 450
Abstract
(1) Background: Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) is a complex, high-risk procedure compared to standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Scoring systems such as the Japanese Chronic Total Occlusion (J-CTO), European Chronic Total Occlusion (EuroCTO), and Prospective Global Registry for the Study [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) is a complex, high-risk procedure compared to standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Scoring systems such as the Japanese Chronic Total Occlusion (J-CTO), European Chronic Total Occlusion (EuroCTO), and Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) evaluate lesion difficulty and predict outcomes. Nutritional status, measured by the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), may also affect procedural success and long-term survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of procedural complexity and nutritional status on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing CTO-PCI. (2) Methods: We analyzed 118 patients undergoing CTO-PCI between May 2021 and March 2022. Procedural complexity was assessed using the J-CTO, EuroCTO, and PROGRESS-CTO scores, while nutritional status was evaluated using the PNI. Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality and repeat revascularization, which were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. (3) Results: Adverse outcomes occurred in 25 patients (mortality: 17; revascularization: 8). Patients with adverse outcomes had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (46 ± 13.7% vs. 52.1 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001), lower PNI (p < 0.001), and higher J-CTO, EuroCTO, and PROGRESS-CTO scores (all p < 0.05). A PNI cut-off value of 46 predicted mortality with a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 75.2% (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.739, p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified LVEF (hazard ratio [HR] 0.966, p = 0.036), J-CTO score (HR 1.598, p = 0.027), and PNI (HR 0.925, p = 0.022) as independent predictors of mortality. (4) Conclusion: Both procedural complexity and nutritional status significantly influence outcomes following CTO-PCI. Incorporating PNI together with procedural complexity scores into pre-procedural assessments may enhance risk stratification and optimize patient management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
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11 pages, 239 KB  
Article
Determinants of Peri-Procedural Mechanical Complications During Peripheral Endovascular Revascularization: Insights from Single-Center Experience
by Thierry Unterseeh, Livio D’Angelo, Youcef Lounes, Francesca Sanguineti, Antoinette Neylon, Hakim Benamer, Benjamin Honton, Antoine Sauguet, Antonella Millin, Julius Jelisejevas, Giacomo Maria Cioffi, Stephane Cook, Mario Togni, Neila Sayah, Pietro Laforgia, Nicolas Amabile, Thomas Hovasse, Philippe Garot, Mariama Akodad, Stephane Champagne and Ioannis Skalidisadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Life 2026, 16(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020213 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Background: Peripheral endovascular intervention is the preferred revascularization strategy for patients with chronic lower-limb ischemia. Although generally safe, peri-procedural mechanical complications may occur and are influenced by both lesion complexity and procedural strategy. Data identifying determinants of such complications in routine clinical practice [...] Read more.
Background: Peripheral endovascular intervention is the preferred revascularization strategy for patients with chronic lower-limb ischemia. Although generally safe, peri-procedural mechanical complications may occur and are influenced by both lesion complexity and procedural strategy. Data identifying determinants of such complications in routine clinical practice remain limited. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing peripheral endovascular intervention for chronic lower-limb ischemia between 2010 and 2023. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of peri-procedural mechanical complications, defined as mechanical adverse events occurring during or immediately following the index intervention and directly related to catheter manipulation, device deployment, or vascular access. Lesion- and procedure-related predictors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 283 index procedures were included. Peri-procedural mechanical complications occurred in 9 procedures (3.2%), with arterial dissection being the most frequent event (2.1%). No cases of peri-procedural bleeding, distal embolization, or emergent surgical conversion were observed. In multivariable analysis, chronic total occlusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–3.11; p = 0.014), moderate-to-severe arterial calcification (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.03–2.93; p = 0.039), introducer sheath size ≥7 French (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.21–3.57; p = 0.007), and ≥3 vascular access attempts (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.00–2.81; p = 0.048) were associated with increased risk of peri-procedural mechanical complications in adjusted analyses. Conclusions: In this real-world institutional registry, peri-procedural mechanical complications during peripheral endovascular intervention were uncommon. Lesion complexity and procedural factors, rather than access route or device type, were the primary determinants of mechanical risk. These findings highlight the importance of careful lesion assessment and procedural planning to optimize peri-procedural safety in routine practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
14 pages, 948 KB  
Article
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Patterns as Indicator of Perioperative Stroke in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
by Henrik Heuer, André Truong, Christian Schach, Lukas Krämer, Jozef Micek, Franz Josef Putz, Bernhard Flörchinger, Fiona Rohlffs, Christof Schmid and Jing Li
Life 2025, 15(8), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081295 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Neurologic complications remain a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cerebral oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass; however, its utility in predicting perioperative stroke remains [...] Read more.
Neurologic complications remain a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cerebral oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass; however, its utility in predicting perioperative stroke remains inadequately defined. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 175 patients who underwent ATAAD repair between 2015 and 2023. Patients were stratified by the occurrence of perioperative stroke (n = 47, 26.9%). Intraoperative NIRS data, including cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) values at key procedural timepoints and signal variability with band power and crest factor, were analyzed in conjunction with demographic, anatomic, and postoperative variables. Patients with stroke exhibited significantly lower minimum NIRS values during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (left: 46.7 (15.7–69.4) vs. 52.2 (22.0–81.6); right: 47.0 (23.3–78.5) vs. 56.3 (20.2–85.0); p = 0.03 and p < 0.01). Within the stroke group, NIRS signal variability was significantly greater (crest factor and standard deviation; p < 0.05) and showed blunted recovery post-DHCA. crSO2 values below 50% were more frequent in the stroke group (p = 0.04). Right common carotid artery dissection was more prevalent in the stroke group (40% vs. 23%, p = 0.04). ICU length of stay was significantly increased in patients with stroke. Cerebral desaturation and NIRS signal instability during DHCA are significantly associated with perioperative stroke in ATAAD repair. These findings support the prognostic value of intraoperative cerebral oximetry in detecting critical ischemic thresholds and identifying at-risk perfusion patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
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Review

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13 pages, 460 KB  
Review
Right Ventricular–Pulmonary Artery Coupling as a Prognostic Marker in Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Comprehensive Review
by Nikolaos Tsiamis, Dimitrios Afendoulis, Christos Tountas, Fotios Toulgaridis, Flora Tsakirian, Sotirios Tsalamandris, Maria Drakopoulou, Kostas Tsioufis, Anastasia Kitsiou and Konstantinos Toutouzas
Life 2026, 16(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010109 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1206
Abstract
Background: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by progressive myocardial infiltration leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. While left ventricular assessment has traditionally dominated prognostic evaluation, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling have emerged as critical determinants of outcomes. Objectives: [...] Read more.
Background: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by progressive myocardial infiltration leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. While left ventricular assessment has traditionally dominated prognostic evaluation, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling have emerged as critical determinants of outcomes. Objectives: This review synthesizes current evidence on RV–PA coupling as a prognostic marker in cardiac amyloidosis, examining measurement methodologies, prognostic significance, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Methods: We comprehensively reviewed the recent literature on RV–PA coupling in CA, focusing on studies published from 2020 to 2025, including both AL and ATTR subtypes. We analyzed data from multicenter cohorts, prospective registries, and validation studies examining the relationship between RV–PA coupling indices and clinical outcomes. Results: RV–PA coupling, most commonly assessed using the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio, consistently demonstrates strong independent prognostic value for mortality and heart failure outcomes in CA patients. Impaired coupling (TAPSE/PASP < 0.45 mm/mmHg) identifies high-risk patients with hazard ratios ranging from 1.98 to 4.17 for adverse outcomes. In a multicenter cohort of 283 patients, TAPSE/PASP < 0.45 mm/mmHg was independently associated with death or heart failure hospitalization (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.32–2.96, p = 0.001) and significantly improved risk reclassification (NRI 0.46–0.49). In ATTR-specific populations receiving disease-modifying therapy, impaired coupling (TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.382 mm/mmHg) predicted three-year mortality with an adjusted HR of 2.99. The coupling index provides incremental value over individual RV parameters by accounting for afterload conditions and demonstrates consistent prognostic performance across both AL and ATTR subtypes. Conclusions: RV–PA coupling represents a robust, easily obtainable prognostic marker that should be routinely assessed in CA patients for risk stratification and clinical decision-making. The TAPSE/PASP ratio can be calculated from standard echocardiographic examinations without additional cost or time, making it practical for widespread implementation. Future research should focus on standardizing measurement protocols, establishing disease-specific thresholds, evaluating coupling trajectories with novel therapies, and integrating coupling assessment into staging systems and management algorithms. The strong prognostic signal, pathophysiological relevance, and ease of measurement position RV–PA coupling as an essential component of comprehensive cardiac amyloidosis evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
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Other

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7 pages, 1097 KB  
Case Report
Myocardial Infarction in a Young Adult: A Rare Case of Left Coronary Artery Arising from the Pulmonary Artery
by Stefan Veljković, Jovana Lakčević, Ana Peruničić, Armin Šljivo, Miloš Babić, Slobodan Tomić, Jelena Kljajević, Sanja Vučinić, Milovan Bojić and Aleksandra Nikolić
Life 2025, 15(9), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091482 - 21 Sep 2025
Viewed by 954
Abstract
Anomalous origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital coronary anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1 in 300,000 live births. While commonly diagnosed in infancy, adult presentations are exceedingly rare [...] Read more.
Anomalous origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital coronary anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1 in 300,000 live births. While commonly diagnosed in infancy, adult presentations are exceedingly rare and pose significant diagnostic challenges. Delayed diagnosis may result in progressive myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death. Surgical correction is the definitive treatment, with the goal of restoring a dual coronary artery system and preventing irreversible myocardial damage. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a prior history of non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction who was referred for evaluation of exertional angina and symptoms of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle with an ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35%. Coronary angiography and cardiac MDCT identified an anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery (LCx) from the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and a coronary–pulmonary artery fistula involving the LAD. The patient underwent successful surgical correction with reimplantation of the LCx into the ascending aorta. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At 3-month follow-up the patient was symptom-free, though echocardiography revealed persistent LV dilation and reduced LVEF, necessitating continued pharmacologic therapy and monitoring. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for ALCAPA in adult patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy or ischemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention remain crucial for improving long-term outcomes and preventing life-threatening complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Translation in Cardiovascular Interventions)
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