The Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) conference kicks off March in DC. Worth noting: this year has 30+ late-breaking clinical trials (LBCTs) across 4 days — more than usual. Going to be a lot to cover.
Saturday — Coronary Day
Two LBCT sessions to pay
attention to:
Coronary I — The big one
here is the SUGAR trial (5-year follow-up): polymer-free amphilimus
stent vs. permanent-polymer zotarolimus stent in diabetic patients. Also
AGENT IDE (3-year data) on a drug-coated balloon for in-stent
restenosis — good follow-up topic for my stent post.
Coronary II — The X1-ACCURACY
study is interesting: AI-assisted single-view angiographic FFR vs.
invasive hyperemic FFR. If AI can replace invasive measurement, that's a
big deal. Also a meta-analysis on angiography, imaging, and physiology to
guide coronary revascularization — could tie into my piece on diagnostic
approaches.
Sunday — Coronary III & Cardiogenic Shock
The clopidogrel vs. aspirin
monotherapy study is one to watch — looking at post-PCI patients (beyond
12 months) at high CV risk. Antiplatelet therapy debates are always popular
with readers.
Also: DOBERMANN-D trial —
low-dose dobutamine infusion effect on NT-proBNP in acute MI
patients at risk of cardiogenic shock. Niche but important for the critical
care crowd.
Monday — Structural Heart + Biden Keynote
Don't miss the Women in
Cardiology session — always good material.
Featured Clinical Science has a SELUTION
trial substudy on how operator experience affects sirolimus-eluting
balloon outcomes in de novo coronary lesions. Learning curve data —
worth a mention.
LBCTs Monday are
structural-heavy: tirzepatide (Zepbound) data on subclinical leaflet
thrombosis and paravalvular leak after TAVI in obese patients. Also
real-world reintervention rates in low-risk Medicare TAVI patients —
good for the health policy angle.
Evening keynote: President
Biden (46th POTUS) speaks at 8 PM. Get there early — it'll be packed.
Tuesday — Endovascular
The CARPOOL study is the
highlight: radial-to-peripheral (R2P) vs. femoral access in PAD
revascularization. Access site debate in peripheral — my readers will like
this.
Also: standard vs. enhanced
radiation protection devices in peripheral cases, and a CREST-2 trial
update from the chair. Follow up on what's new there.
