Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Rotational atherectomy (RA) historically was contraindicated in patients with impaired left ventricular (LV) function due to inherent cardio-depressive effects. Contemporary RA practice is less aggressive than traditional RA and no longer withheld from patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). The aim of this analysis is to explore the outcomes of rotational atherectomy (RA) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: Patients undergoing RA (n = 644) were divided into three groups according to LVEF (severely reduced ≤ 35%, n = 82; moderately reduced 36-54%, n = 170; and preserved LVEF ≥ 55%, n = 392). RESULTS: Compared to patients with preserved LVEF, those with severely reduced LVEF had higher rates of angiographic failure (12.2 vs. 3.3%, p = 0.003) and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE: 9.8 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.004) driven by more peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI: 6.1 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.049). In-hospital outcomes were similar between patients with preserved and moderately reduced LVEF. At 5-year follow-up, a stepwise increase in all-cause death was observed with lower LVEF (preserved: 15%, moderately reduced: 23%, severely reduced: 43%; p < 0.001). On the other hand, revascularization and MI rates at 5 years were not affected by LVEF. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to patients with preserved LVEF, those with severely reduced LVEF have worse acute outcomes after RA, whereas a moderate reduction of LVEF poses no additional acute hazard after RA. Up to 5 years, the extent of left ventricular dysfunction was associated with a stepwise increase in mortality.