Imaging- and physiology-guided percutaneous coronary intervention without contrast administration in advanced renal failure: a feasibility, safety, and outcome study

Aims: The feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without radio-contrast medium in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. In this series, we investigated a specific strategy for 'zero contrast' PCI with the aims of preserving renal function and preventing the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with advanced CKD.

Methods and results: A total of 31 patients with advanced CKD [creatinine = 4.2 mg/dL, inter-quartile range (IQR) 3.1-4.8, estimated glomerular filtration rate = 16 ± 8 mL/min/1.73 m²] who had clinical indication for PCI based on a prior minimal contrast coronary angiogram were included. Zero contrast PCI was performed at least 1 week after diagnostic angiography using real-time intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance, with pre- and post-PCI measurements of fractional flow reserve and coronary flow reserve to confirm physiological improvement. This approach resulted in successful PCI, no major adverse cardiovascular events and preservation of renal function without the need for RRT within a follow-up time of 79 days (IQR 33-207) in all patients.

Conclusion: In patients with advanced CKD who require revascularization, PCI may safely be performed without contrast using IVUS and physiological guidance with high procedural success and without complications.