Early Cardiac Catheterizations within 30 Days Post Congenital Heart Surgery in Children

Background:This study set out to assess the indications,feasibility,safety,and outcome of early cardiac catheterizations(CC)within 30 days after congenital heart surgery(CHS)in children.Methods and Results:This is a retrospective,single-center case review study of all CC within 30 days after CHS between 1/2010-12/2020.A total of 317(138 diagnostic,179 interventional)CC were performed in 245 patients at a median of 4 days(IQR 13)after CHS.The median age was 3 months(IQR 6),and body weight was 5 kg(IQR 4).A total of 194(61.2%)CC were performed in patients with univentricular hearts.CC revealed significant pathologies leading to early redo-surgery in 37 patients(12%).The transcatheter interventions primarily were needed in patients after cavo-pulmonary connection(n=69%,21.8%),right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit(n=39%,12.3%),and Norwood-I surgery(n=34%,10.7%)presenting with hypoxemia,prolonged postoperative course,and suspected arterial stenosis on echocardiography.The clinical impact of an early postoperative transcatheter intervention for the following clinical course was high in most cases.There were nine(2.8%)major and 20(6.3%)minor intra-procedural complications.Risk factor analysis revealed no difference for the occurrence of complications for patients’age,weight,and time from initial CHS,underlying uni-vs.biventricular heart disease,or ECMO.Conclusion:Early CC within 30 days after CHS in children can be performed safely with a high diagnostic and therapeutic value.The rate of complications is low,while the therapeutic consequence is relevant.

Effects of General Anesthesia on the Results of Cardiac Catheterization in Pediatric Patients with Ventricular Septal Defect

Background:There is no gold standard sedation method for pediatric cardiac catheterization.In congenital heart diseases with intracardiac shunts,hemodynamic parameters are prone to change depending on the ventilation conditions and anesthetics,although few studies have examined these effects.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different sedation methods on the hemodynamic parameters.Methods:This study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with ventricular septal defect(VSD)below 1 year of age who underwent cardiac catheterization at Aichi Children’s Health and Medical Center,who were divided into age-and VSD diameter-matched general anesthesia(GA)and monitored anesthesia care(MAC)under the natural airway groups(n=40 each),for comparison of hemodynamic parameters.Results:In the GA group,arterial blood pH and arterial partial pressure of oxygen were significantly higher(p<0.01),whereas arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was significantly lower than in the MAC group(p<0.01).Mean pulmonary artery pressure(p<0.05)and systemic blood pressure(p<0.01)were lower in the GA group.Pulmonary vascular resistance index(p<0.01)and systemic vascular resistance index(p<0.01)were also significantly lower in the GA group than the MAC group.There were no significant differences in pulmonary blood flow index,systemic blood flow index,and pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio between the two groups.Conclusions:Cardiac catheterization under GA in VSD patients results in different hemodynamic parameters compared to that under MAC.In particular,when using pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance measured under GA for judgment regarding the surgical indications or perioperative management,consideration should be given to the fact that these parameters might be lower compared to those measured under MAC.

Effects of oral premedication on cognitive status of elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization

Background Sedatives and analgesics are often administered to achieve conscious sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Appropriate concerns have been raised regarding post procedure delirium related to peri-procedural medication in the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of premedication on new onset delirium and procedural care in elderly patients. Methods Patients 〉 70 years old and scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to receive either oral diphenhydramine and diaze- pam （25 rag/5 mg） or no premedication. All patients underwent a mini mental state exam and delirium assessment using confusion assess- ment method prior to the procedure and repeated at 4 h after the procedure and prior to discharge. Patients＇ cooperation during the procedure and ease of post-procedure were measured using Visual Analog Scale （VAS）. The degree of alertness was assessed immediately on arrival to the floor, and twice hourly afterwards using Observer＇s Assessment of Alermess/Sedation Scale （OAA/S）. Results A total of 93 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 77 years, and 47 patients received premedication prior to the procedure. None of the patients in either group developed delirium. Patients＇ cooperation and the ease of procedure was greater and pain medication requirement less both during and after the procedure in the pre-medicated group （P 〈 0.05 for both）. Nurses reported an improvement with patient management in the pre-medicated group （P = 0.08）. Conclusions In conclusion, prcmedication did not cause delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The reduced pain medication requirement, perceived procedural ease and post procedure management favors premedication in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Efficacy and safety of distal radial approach for cardiac catheterization: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The traditional radial approach(RA)is recommended as the standard method for coronary angiography(CAG),while a distal RA(DRA)has been recently used for CAG.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of the DRA vs RA during CAG.METHODS The following databases were searched through December 2020:MEDLINE,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,EMBASE,the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal,and Clinical-Trials.gov.Individual randomized-controlled trials for adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were included.The primary outcomes were the successful cannulation rate and the incidence of radial artery spasm(RAS)and radial artery occlusion(RAO).Study selection,data abstraction and quality assessment were independently performed using the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation approach.RESULTS Three randomized control trials and 13 registered trials were identified.The two approaches showed similar successful cannulation rates[risk ratio(RR)0.90,95%confidence interval(CI):0.72-1.13].The DRA did not decrease RAS(RR 0.43,95%CI:0.08-2.49)and RAO(RR 0.48,95%CI:0.18-1.29).Patients with the DRA had a shorter hemostasis time in comparison to those with the RA(mean difference-6.64,95%CI:-10.37 to-2.90).The evidence of certainty was low.CONCLUSION For CAG,the DRA would be safer than the RA with comparable cannulation rates.Given the limited data,additional research,including studies with standard protocols,is necessary.

Carotid Artery Cut-Down in Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization: When and How?

Background:Vascular access used for pediatric cardiac catheterization is one of the most important factors that affects the success of the procedure.We aimed to compare the effect,success,and complications of cardiac catheterizations performed by carotid cut-down or femoral puncture in newborns or young infants.Methods:We included who underwent catheterization in our department between 28 January 2017 and 15 April 2021.These patients underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty,balloon coarctation angioplasty,ductal stenting,diagnostic procedures for aortic arch pathologies,and modified Blalock-Taussig in-shunt intervention.Patients were divided into two groups:femoral puncture(group=1)and carotid cut-down(CC,group=2).Results:Seventy-two catheterization procedures were performed in 64 patients;32(44.4%)were performed via the femoral approach and 40(55.6%)were performed via the carotid approach.Sixteen(22.2%)procedures were diagnostic and 56(77.8%)procedures were interventional.CC was performed in 13(32.5%)patients with failed femoral intervention.Patients in the CC group had shorter durations of procedure,vascular access,and anesthesia,compared with the femoral access group(80.9 and 116.2 min,p=0.001;12.9 and 22.5 min,p=0.001;140.9 and 166.6 min,p=0.001,respectively).Patients who underwent CC had fewer complications than did patients in the femoral access group(2.5%and 21.8%,respectively;p=0.01);larger sheats were used in CC patients(p=0.028).Conclusion:The carotid artery can be successfully used as a primary catheterization route,particularly in patients with small body weight and patients who require rapid vascular access,or stenting of the vertical duct.

Management of ductal spasm in a neonate with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum during cardiac catheterization:A case report

BACKGROUND Ductal spasm is a rare but life-threatening complication of cardiac catheterization in neonates with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum.In patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow,ductal spasm may lead to refractory hypoxemia and severe hemodynamic instability,which need to be treated in perfect order.CASE SUMMARY We present a male infant with a gestational age of 39 wk,and his fetal echocardiography showed pulmonary atresia.At 28 d of age,transcatheter pulmonary valvuloplasty with balloon dilatation was performed.Two hours after the operation,the patient's pulse oxygen saturation continued to decrease.The patient was then transferred to receive cardiac catheterization.During catheterization,the invasive blood pressure and pulse oxygen saturation suddenly decreased,and repeated aortography revealed partial occlusion of the ductus arteriosus.It no longer changed when pulse oxygen saturation rose to 51%after approximately 20 min of maintenance therapy.Therefore,a ductal stent was used for implantation.Hemodynamics and hypoxemia were improved.CONCLUSION We should know that ductal spasm may occur during pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum cardiac catheterization.Understand the pathophysiology of ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow and make comprehensive perioperative preparations essential to deal with hemodynamic disorders caused by ductal spasm.

Thrombolytic therapy for femoral artery thrombosis after left cardiac catheterization in children

Background Femoral artery thrombosis is one of the most common complications of catheterizations in infants and young children. This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy for femoral artery thrombosis after left cardiac catheterization in children. Methods Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase was carried out in children with femoral artery thrombosis after left cardiac catheterization. Each patient was given a bolus injection of heparin （100 U/kg）. A bolus of urokinase （30 000 - 100 000 U） was injected intravenously, and then a continuous infusion of 10 000-50 000 U/h was administered. Transcatheter thrombolysis was performed once previous procedures failed. Results Eight patients （aged （3.1±2.3） years （8 months to 7 years）, body weight （13.1±4.2） kg （7 to 20 kg）） presented lower limbs ischemia after left cardiac catheterizations was performed. Seven patients accepted thrombolytic therapy with urokinase. In 5 patients, peripheral intravenous thrombolysis was successful with restoration of a normal pulse. In the other 3 cases, peripheral intravenous thrombolysis failed, followed by successful transcatheter thrombolysis. The average duration of therapy was （7.25±5.31） hours （1-17 hours）. The average doses of heparin and urokinase were （1600±723） U （800-3000 U） and （268 571±177 240） U （50 000-500 000 U）, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in partial thromboplastin time before and during urokinase therapy （（40.6±22.3） to （49.9±39.2） seconds）. However, the prothrombin time was significantly longer （（12.7±2.58） to （48.1±18.6） seconds, P〈0.05）. Patency of the target vessel was evaluated in all the patients for 2 weeks and no occlusion recurred. Conclusion Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase is a safe and useful modality in children with femoral artery thrombosis after left cardiac catheterization.

Relationship between hemoglobin A1c and contrast-induced acute renal injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing cardiac catheterization

Background There were few studies to explore the relationship between hemoglobin Alc （HbAlc）and contrast-induced acute renal injury （CI-AKI）in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. Methods Two hundred seventy-nine patients with T2DM undergonging elective cardiac catheterization from Dongguan Kanghua Hospital were recruited. Patients were classified into quartiles based on HbAlc （ 〈 6.30%, 6.30- 6.70%, 6.71-7.70, and 〉 7.70%）. Baseline data, CI-AKI incidence and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HbAlc and CI-AKI. Results CI-AKI occurred in 26 （9.3%）patients. CI-AKI incidences of HbAlc quartiles were 4.6 %（3/65）, 2.8%（2/71）, 12.3%（9/73） and 17.1%（12/70） （P = 0.003）, respectively. There were no significant differences in in-hospital death or required renal replacement therapy among the four groups. Univariate logistic analysis showed that HbAlc was related with CI-AKI （OR = 1.319, 95%CI： 1.078-1.615, P = 0.007）. Multivariate analysis found that after adjusting eGFR 〈 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, age 〉 70 years and anemia, I-IbAlc 〉17% was still a significant independent risk factor for CI-AKI in patients with T2DM. Conclusions HbAlc is significantly associated with CI-AKI. HbAlc ≥ 7% may increase the risk of CI-AKI in patients with T2DM undergoing elective cardiac catheterization.

Relationship between postoperative mean systolic blood pressure and contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization

Background There were few studies to explore the relationship between postoperative mean systolic blood pressure （PMSBP） within 6 h after cardiac catheterization and contrast-induced nephropathy （CIN）. Methods From June 2010 to February 2013, 299 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were recruited. Patients were classified into quartiles based on PMSBP （ 〈 112, 112-120, 121-131, and 〉 132 mmHg）. Baseline data, CIN incidence and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between PMSBP and CIN. Results CIN occurred in 26（8.7%） patients. The incidence of CIN in PMSBP quartiles were 15.3% （11/72）, 15.1% （11/73）, 2.4% （2/82） and 2.8% （2/72） （P = 0.001） respectively. There were no significant difference in in-hospital death, renal replacement therapy and intra-aortic balloon pump （IABP） support between the groups （P 〉 0.05）. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PMSBP was significantly associated with CIN （OR = 0.956, 95% CI： 0.928-0.986, P = 0.004）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that after adjusting baseline estimate glomerular filtration rate, age 〉 75 years and acute myocardial infarction, PMSBP 〈 120 mmHg was still an independent risk factor for CIN （OR = 5.049, 95% CI： 1.820-14.009, P = 0.002）. Conclusions Lower PMSBP was significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN. PMSBP 〈 120 mmHg was an independent risk factor for CIN. Intensive blood-pressure control after cardiac catheterization might increase the risk of CIN.

Cardiac catheterization and comprehensive clinical evaluation after bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery in 60 patients with complex congenital heart disease

Background The bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery is a palliative procedure for patients with complex congenital heart disease（CHD） who are not suitable for biventricular repair in early life. There is limited evidence of successful strategies for long-term hemodynamic stabilization. Furthermore, there have been no data on optimal hemodynamics that could be used as a reference for patients＇ follow-on management. Methods Sixty CHD patients, 44 male and 16 female, with bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery and cardiac catheterization were enrolled at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Pre-and post Glenn shunt percutaneous oxygen saturation（SpO_2）, 6-minute walk test（6 MWT）, superior vena cava pressure（SVCP）, pulmonary arterial pressure（PAP）, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure（PCWP）, pulmonary vascular resistance（PVR）, small pulmonary vascular resistance（s PVR） were measured. Pre-and post-total cavopulmonary connection（TCPC） SpO_2, and in-hospital complications were monitored. The optimal hemodynamic cutoff values for TCPC patient selection were estimated by receive operating characteristic（ROC） curve analysis. Results SpO_2 was significantly increased by bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery（75.42 ± 9.62% to 86.98 ± 7.63%, P 〈 0.001） from 82.70 ± 5.99% to 95.00 ±4.07% in the 47 patients with TCPC. Forty-two patients completed the 6 MWT with a mean distance of 362.7 ±75.0 m and a SpO_2 decrease from 81.80 ± 7.84% to 67.59 ± 1.82%（P 〈 0.001）. The △SpO_2 and 6-minute walk distance（6 MWD） in the 32 who underwent TCPC and ten of them did not reach statistical significance（17.22 ±13.82% vs. 13.87 ± 8.74%, P = 0.08 and 358.88 ± 78.97 m vs. 374.80 ± 62.55 m, P = 0.564]. After cardiac catheterization, 47 patients were selected for TCPC. The right pulmonary artery systolic pressure（s RPAP）, mean right pulmonary artery pressure（m RPAP）, mean left pulmonary artery pressure（m LPAP）, PVR, and s PVR were significantly lower in the TCPC group than in the non-TCPC group. The differences in superior vena cava systolic blood pressure（s SVCP）, mean superior vena cava pressure（m SVCP）, and left pulmonary artery systolic pressure（s LPAP） were not significant. The optimal cutoff values for TCPC were s SVCP ≤ 20 mm Hg（P = 0.025）,s RPAP ≤ 22 mm Hg（P = 0.0001, mRPAP ≤ 13 mm Hg（P =0.003）, s LPAP ≤ 27 mm Hg（P =0.03）, m LPAP ≤ 11 mm Hg（P = 0.01）, PVR ≤ 4.3 Wood U/m^2（P 〈0.0001） and were significantly associated with TCPC selection,except for m SVCP ≤ 19 mm Hg（P = 0.06） and s PVR ≤ 2.0 wood U/m^2（P = 0.0531）. One patient died because of low cardiac output after TCPC. In-hospital mortality was 2.1%. Conclusion The SpO_2 can be significantly improved after bidirectional Glenn shunt and TCPC surgery. The 6 MWT is an index of activity tolerance prior toTCPC. Hemodynamic values of s SVCP ≤ 20 mm Hg, s RPAP ≤ 22 mm Hg, m RPAP ≤ 13 mm Hg, s LPAP ≤ 27 mm Hg, m LPAP ≤ 11 mm Hg, and PVR ≤ 4.3 Wood U/m^2 can help identify post Glenn-shunt patients indicated for TCPC.

Femoral Access with Ultrasound-Guided Puncture and Z-Stitch Hemostasis for Adults with Congenital Heart Diseases Undergoing Electrophysiological Procedures

Aims:Although the application of ultrasound-guided vascular puncture and Z-stitch hemostasis to manage femoral access has been widely utilized,there is limited data on this combined application in adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients undergoing electrophysiological(EP)procedures.We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis for ACHD patients under-going EP procedures.Methods and Results:The population of ACHD patients undergoing transfemoral EP pro-cedures at the University of Zurich Heart Center between January 2019 and December 2022 was observed and analyzed.During the study period,femoral access(left/right,arterial/venous)was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance.At the end of the procedure,a single Z-stitch was performed at the puncture site.We eval-uated the incidence of in-hospital complications associated with femoral access puncture in this population.Among 101 patients who had a total of 147 previous ipsilateral vascular punctures(mean 1.5 per person),100 patients underwent successful femoral vascular access for EP procedures.The median age of the patients was 47±15 years and 34(34%)were male.Z-stitches were performed after the procedure in 100 patients with 303 femoral vascular accesses(mean 3 punctures per person).No patient developed vascular puncture relevant inguinal hematoma,pseudo aneurysm,arteriovenousfistula,venous or arterial thrombosis.Conclusion:In ACHD patients undergoing EP procedures,optimal femoral access management can be achieved with ultra-sound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis.

Delayed cardiac tamponade after simultaneous transcatheter atrial septal defect closure and left atrial appendage closure device implantation: a particular case report

Percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion evolved as an alternative treatment to the patients who are contraindicated or cannot tolerate oral anticoagulants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(AF)at risk of stroke or systemic embolism.[1]Abnormal hemodynamic changes in elder atrial septal defect(ASD)patients cause remodeling of the left atrium,which eventually leads to right heart failure.[2]As the ASDs elderly are associated with a higher incidence of AF,simultaneous transcatheter ASD and LAA closure has become a new effective therapeutic strategy.However,only a limited number of articles involving cardiac tamponade complications have been published in the literature.What’s more,previous studies involving early hemodynamically irrelevant pericardial effusion after the procedure attribute to multiple repositioning attempts of LAA occluder or delivery sheath injured the atrial wall.

Cardiac catheter angioplasty for patients after Norwood procedure

Objective To evaluate the outcome of the cardiac catheter angiograplasty for patients after Norwood procedure. Methods 13 patients,who had undergone Norwood procedure (prior to Glenn procedure) received cardiac catheterization and angiography. Interventional therapy

Current Advances in Transcatheter Intervention for Children Born with Congenital Heart Defects: A Review of Literature

This review aims to sum up the improvements witnessed in the field of interventional cardiology during recent times. The last decade has witnessed significant technical advances in the field of radiological imaging and also in interventional cardiology which has helped to offer more non-invasive solutions for the management of congenital heart defects. This has resulted from the use of advanced 3-dimensional fusion imaging instead of conventional 2-dimensional angiography, applying interactive real-time enhancement and using computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for interventional procedures. Similarly the introduction of next generation devices, have not only improved the final outcome of the procedure but also has helped in reducing the challenges that were faced before and with the initial generation of devices. These advances have helped not only in reducing the radiation exposure, the use of contrast medium dose but also have resulted in improved early survival. The field of neonatal cardiology has advanced at an unprecedented pace. The transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus has evolved over time and now it has been made possible at much lower body weight. Similarly, early use of stents for aortic coarctation has been found effective in some patients, especially when surgical intervention had been denied. The application of the hybrid approach for the management of complex congenital heart defects has also been effectively applied. More recently transcatheter placement of the pulmonary valve has been introduced for severely stenotic and/or regurgitant pulmonary valve in adolescents and adults. It is anticipated that in near future, this procedure would be available for relatively younger patients. In conclusion: last 2 decades have improvised pediatric interventional cardiology to incorporate less invasive solutions for CHD. The current advances in radio-diagnostic imaging, gadgetry and technical expertise have improved significantly and led to manage many of such defects by trans-catheter approach. This has led also, to replace the early surgical intervention with a more subtle hybrid approach, thus reducing not only the major surgical trauma but also been found to be cost-effective due to a shorter hospital stay. But a learning curve for performers is required for optimum results and also such procedures should be performed in a fully developed facility with an optimum surgical backup.

Management of adults with coarctation of aorta

Coarctation of the aorta(CoA)is a relatively common congenital cardiac defect often causing few symptoms and therefore can be challenging to diagnose.The hallmark finding on physical examination is upper extremity hypertension,and for this reason,CoA should be considered in any young hypertensive patient,justifying measurement of lower extremity blood pressure at least once in these individuals.The presence of a significant pressure gradient between the arms and legs is highly suggestive of the diagnosis.Early diagnosis and treatment are important as long-term data consistently demonstrate that patients with CoA have a reduced life expectancy and increased risk of cardiovascular complications.Surgical repair has traditionally been the mainstay of therapy for correction,although advances in endovascular technology with covered stents or stent grafts permit nonsurgical approaches for the management of older children and adults with native CoA and complications.Persistent hypertension and vascular dysfunction can lead to an increased risk of coronary disease,which,remains the greatest cause of long-term mortality.Thus,blood pressure control and periodic reassessment with transthoracic echocardiography and threedimensional imaging(computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance)for should be performed regularly as cardiovascular complications may occur decades after the intervention.

Randomized study comparing incidence of radial artery occlusion post-percutaneous coronary intervention between two conventional compression devices using a novel airinflation technique

AIM To compare post-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) radial artery occlusion(RAO) incidence between two conventional radial artery compression devices using a novel air-inflation technique.METHODS One hundred consecutive patients post-PCI were randomized 1:1 to Safeguard or TR band compression devices. Post-radial sheath removal, each compression device was inflated with additional 2 m L of air above index bleeding point during air-filled device application and gradually down-titrated accordingly. RAO was defined as absence of Doppler flow signal performed at 24 h and at 6 wk post-PCI. Patients with missing data were excluded. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.RESULTS All patients had 6 F radial sheath inserted. No significant differences were observed between Safeguard Radial(n = 42) vs TR band(n = 42) in terms of age(63 ± 11 years vs 67 ± 11 years), clinical presentation(electives, n = 18 vs n = 16; acute coronary syndrome, n = 24 vs n = 26) and total procedural heparin(7778 ± 2704 IU vs 7825 ± 2450 IU). RAO incidence was not significantly different between groups at 24 h(2% vs 0%, P = 0.32) and 6 wk(0%, both).CONCLUSION Safeguard Radial and TR band did not demonstrate significant between-group differences in short-term RAO incidence. Lack of evidence of RAO in all postPCI patients at 6 wk follow-up, regardless of radial compression device indicate advantage of using the novel and pragmatic air-inflation technique. Further work is required to more accurately confirm these findings.

Interventional treatment of the left subclavian in 2 patients with coronary steal syndrome

In patients with history of coronary artery disease angina pectoris is usually attributed to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. However,in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft operation(CABG) using internal mammary artery grafts,great vessel disease should also be considered. Herein we present two patients with history of CABG whose symptoms were suspicious for coronary ischemia. During cardiac catheterization reverse blood flow was observed from the left artery disease to the left internal mammary artery(LIMA) graft in both cases. After angioplasty and stent implantation of the left subclavian artery antegrade flow was restored in the LIMA grafts and both patients had complete resolution of symptoms.

Simultaneous Transcatheter Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage and Congenital Interatrial Communication Closure

Background:Left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)with simultaneous interventional occlusion therapy for congenital interatrial communication has become a new focus of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.Little is known about the results of mid-and long-term results.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the midand long-term safety and effectiveness of simultaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage(LAA)and congenital interatrial communication closure in atrial fibrillation(AF)patients.Methods:From Jan 2016 to June 2017,27 patients with AF were treated with simultaneous transcatheter closure of the LAA and atrial septal defect(ASD,n=22),patent foramen ovale(PFO,n=5).Results:The perioperative closure success rate was 96.3%,except for cardiac tamponade occurred in one ASD patient.During the median 37.6-month follow-up period,no cases of cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular embolism,bleeding,infective endocarditis or thrombosis along the occluders were observed.Of the 21 patients with NYHA Class III,nineteen had significant improvements to NYHA Classes I or II,and 81.5%of patients were free from major or minor adverse events during midand long-term follow-up.Conclusions:Simultaneous closure of the LAA and congenital interatrial communication closure is a viable option for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke or systemic embolism,and it is effective and yields excellent mid-and long-term results.

Treatment for hemoptysis after percutaneous closure of a large intralobar pulmonary sequestration in elderly patient

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation.[1,2]Open surgical excision is the usual treatment,although thorascopic intervention and transcatheter embolization have been reported.However,only a limited number of articles involving percutaneous closure the rare pulmonary malformations have been published in the literature.[3]What’s more,previous studies involving percutaneous pulmonary sequestration closure with repeated respiratory symptoms at the very young age suggested that the optimal therapeutic strategy has yet to be determined.[4]We hereby describe a particular case of percutaneous closure of a large intralobar pulmonary sequestration at elderly age.

Risk stratification of patients who present with chest pain and have normal troponins using a machine learning model

BACKGROUND Risk stratification tools exist for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency room and have achieved the recommended negative predictive value(NPV)of 99%.However,due to low positive predictive value(PPV),current stratification tools result in unwarranted investigations such as serial laboratory tests and cardiac stress tests(CSTs).AIM To create a machine learning model(MLM)for risk stratification of chest pain with a better PPV.METHODS This retrospective cohort study used de-identified hospital data from January 2016 until November 2021.Inclusion criteria were patients aged>21 years who presented to the ER,had at least two serum troponins measured,were subsequently admitted to the hospital,and had a CST within 4 d of presentation.Exclusion criteria were elevated troponin value(>0.05 ng/mL)and missing values for body mass index.The primary outcome was abnormal CST.Demographics,coronary artery disease(CAD)history,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes mellitus,chronic kidney disease,obesity,and smoking were evaluated as potential risk factors for abnormal CST.Patients were also categorized into a high-risk group(CAD history or more than two risk factors)and a low-risk group(all other patients)for comparison.Bivariate analysis was performed using a χ^(2) test or Fisher’s exact test.Age was compared by t test.Binomial regression(BR),random forest,and XGBoost MLMs were used for prediction.Bootstrapping was used for the internal validation of prediction models.BR was also used for inference.Alpha criterion was set at 0.05 for all statistical tests.R software was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS The final cohort of the study included 2328 patients,of which 245(10.52%)patients had abnormal CST.When adjusted for covariates in the BR model,male sex[risk ratio(RR)=1.52,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-1.94,P<0.001],CAD history(RR=4.46,95%CI:3.08-6.72,P<0.001),and hyperlipidemia(RR=3.87,95%CI:2.12-8.12,P<0.001)remained statistically significant.Incidence of abnormal CST was 12.2%in the high-risk group and 2.3%in the low-risk group(RR=5.31,95%CI:2.75-10.24,P<0.001).The XGBoost model had the best PPV of 24.33%,with an NPV of 91.34%for abnormal CST.CONCLUSION The XGBoost MLM achieved a PPV of 24.33%for an abnormal CST,which is better than current stratification tools(13.00%-17.50%).This highlights the beneficial potential of MLMs in clinical decision-making.