-
Annals of Vascular Surgery Jun 2024To examine the efficacy of antegrade and retrograde approaches with the AngioJet thrombectomy device for the treatment of acute lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and...
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of antegrade and retrograde approaches with the AngioJet thrombectomy device for the treatment of acute lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to evaluate the necessity of filter placement.
METHODS
The clinical data of patients with acute lower limb DVT treated with the AngioJet device from January 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the antegrade and retrograde treatment groups according to the surgical approach and the direction of valve opening. The thrombosis interception rate of the filter, incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), thrombectomy effectiveness, venous obstruction rate, and thrombosis recurrence rate of each treatment group were evaluated. In addition, factors affecting patency were analyzed.
RESULTS
AngioJet was employed for 84 patients with acute lower limb DVT, treating a total of 88 limbs. The thrombosis interception rate of the filter was 35.7% (30 patients). The incidence of new PE or PE exacerbation was 6.0% (5 patients), and a filter retrieval rate of 97.6% (82 patients) was detected. Thrombus removal of grade III occurred in 35 (64.8%) of the 54 limbs (61.4%) in the antegrade treatment group, versus 13 (38.2%) of the 34 limbs (38.6%) in the retrograde treatment group (P<0.05). At 3 months, venous patency and bleeding events involved 52 (96.3%) and 4 (7.4%) limbs in the antegrade treatment group, respectively, versus 29 (85.3%) and 2 (5.9%) in the retrograde treatment group, respectively (P>0.05). Regression analysis was performed to determine factors that may affect 3-month patency in both groups. Statistically significant linear relationships were found between 3-month patency and thrombus removal rate [OR=0.546 (0.326, 0.916)], thrombus formation time [OR=1.018 (1.002, 1.036)], and preoperative thrombosis score [OR=1.012 (1.002, 1.022)] in the antegrade treatment group, as well as thrombus removal rate [0.473 (0.229, 0.977)] in the retrograde treatment group. In regression analysis of factors affecting patency in both groups and VCSS/Villalta score, a statistically significant linear relationship was found between thrombus formation time and VCSS score in the antegrade treatment group [0.576 (0.467, 0.710)].
CONCLUSION
Both antegrade and retrograde approaches are safe and effective for the treatment of acute lower limb DVT. There are no differences in 3-month deep vein patency and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) incidence rates. Individuals with acute lower limb DVT are at high risk of thrombus shedding after treatment with AngioJet thrombectomy, and placement of a vena cava filter (VCF) is recommended for effective interception.
PubMed: 38942376
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.04.014 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and worsening renal function (WRF) remains a clinical challenge due to the need of dose adjustment of non-vitamin K...
BACKGROUND
Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and worsening renal function (WRF) remains a clinical challenge due to the need of dose adjustment of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the incidence of WRF in patients with AF treated with edoxaban, the association of WRF with clinical outcomes, and predictors of WRF and clinical outcomes in these patients.
METHODS
This is a subanalysis of the Edoxaban Treatment in routiNe clinical prActice for patients with non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Europe study (NCT02944019), an observational study of edoxaban-treated patients with AF. WRF was defined as a ≥25% reduction in creatinine clearance between baseline and 2 years.
RESULTS
Of the 9,054 patients included (69% of the total 13,133 enrolled), most did not experience WRF (90.3%) during the first 2 years of follow-up. WRF occurred in 9.7% of patients. Patients with WRF had significantly higher rates of all-cause death (3.88%/y vs 1.88%/y; < 0.0001), cardiovascular death (2.09%/y vs 0.92%/y; < 0.0001), and major bleeding (1.51%/y vs 0.98%/y; = 0.0463) compared with those without WRF. Rates of intracranial hemorrhage (0.18%/y vs 0.18%/y) and of any stroke/systemic embolic events were low (0.90%/y vs 0.69%/y; = 0.3161) in both subgroups. The strongest predictors of WRF were a high CHADS-VASc score, high baseline creatinine clearance, low body weight, and older age. Most predictors of WRF were also predictors of clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
WRF occurred in approximately 10% of edoxaban-treated AF patients. Rates of death and major bleeding were significantly higher in patients with WRF than without. Stroke events were low in both subgroups.
PubMed: 38939675
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100880 -
JACC. Advances May 2024
PubMed: 38939641
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100923 -
JACC. Advances Mar 2024Augmented reality (AR) guidance holds potential to improve transcatheter interventions by enabling visualization of and interaction with patient-specific 3-dimensional...
BACKGROUND
Augmented reality (AR) guidance holds potential to improve transcatheter interventions by enabling visualization of and interaction with patient-specific 3-dimensional virtual content. Positioning of cerebral embolic protection devices (CEP) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) increases patient exposure to radiation and iodinated contrast, and increases procedure time. AR may enhance procedural guidance and facilitate a safer intervention.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a novel AR guidance system with a custom user interface that displays virtual, patient-specific 3-dimensional anatomic models, and assess its intraprocedural impact during CEP placement in TAVR.
METHODS
Patients undergoing CEP during TAVR were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either AR guidance or control groups. Primary endpoints were contrast volume used prior to filter placement, times to filter placement, and fluoroscopy time. Postprocedure questionnaires were administered to assess intraprocedural physician experience with AR guidance.
RESULTS
A total of 24 patients presenting for TAVR were enrolled in the study (12 with AR guidance and 12 controls). AR guidance eliminated the need for aortic arch angiograms prior to device placement thus reducing contrast volume (0 mL vs 15 mL, < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the time required for filter placement or fluoroscopy time. Postprocedure questionnaires indicated that AR guidance increased confidence in wiring of the aortic arch and facilitated easier device placement.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed a novel AR guidance system that eliminated the need for additional intraprocedural angiograms prior to device placement without any significant difference in time to intervention and offered a subjective improvement in performance of the intervention.
PubMed: 38938839
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100839 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a contraindication for LAA closure (LAAC). However, in selected cases, oral anticoagulants are strictly contraindicated because...
BACKGROUND
Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a contraindication for LAA closure (LAAC). However, in selected cases, oral anticoagulants are strictly contraindicated because of a history of life-threatening bleeding, and LAAC remains the only possible therapy to avoid systemic and especially cerebral embolization.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of LAAC despite a massive proximal thrombus in a patient who had an absolute contraindication to anticoagulant therapy, with thorough pre-planning using CT scan, device modelling and thrombus trapping techniques to reduce the risk of systemic embolic events and perform LAAC safely.
DISCUSSION
Although LAAC remains at high risk in this setting, the use of cautious techniques and tools, from pre-procedure planning to systemic embolization prevention systems associated to a precise transoesopheageal echocardiography guiding throughout the procedure, allows it to be performed as safely as possible when no other option is available.
PubMed: 38938471
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae286 -
JACC. Heart Failure Jun 2024The REDUCE LAP-HF II (Reduce Elevated Left Atrial Pressure in Patients With Heart Failure II) trial found that, compared with a sham procedure, the Corvia Atrial Shunt...
BACKGROUND
The REDUCE LAP-HF II (Reduce Elevated Left Atrial Pressure in Patients With Heart Failure II) trial found that, compared with a sham procedure, the Corvia Atrial Shunt did not improve outcomes in heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction. However, after 12-month follow-up, "responders" (peak-exercise pulmonary vascular resistance <1.74 WU and absence of a cardiac rhythm management device) were identified.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to determine: 1) the overall efficacy and safety of the atrial shunt vs sham control after 2 years of follow-up; and 2) whether the benefits of atrial shunting are sustained in responders during longer-term follow-up or are offset by adverse effects of the shunt.
METHODS
The study analyzed 2-year outcomes in the overall REDUCE LAP-HF II trial, as well as in responder and nonresponder subgroups. The primary endpoint was a hierarchical composite of cardiovascular death or nonfatal ischemic/embolic stroke, total heart failure events, and change in health status.
RESULTS
In 621 randomized patients, there was no difference between the shunt (n = 309) and sham (n = 312) groups in the primary endpoint (win ratio: 1.01 [95% CI: 0.82-1.24]) or its individual components at 2 years. Shunt patency at 24 months was 98% in shunt-treated patients. Cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal ischemic stroke were not different between the groups; however, major adverse cardiac events were more common in those patients assigned to the shunt compared with sham (6.9% vs 2.7%; P = 0.018). More patients randomized to the shunt had an increase in right ventricular volume of ≥30% compared with the sham control (39% vs 28%, respectively; P < 0.001), but right ventricular dysfunction was uncommon and not different between the treatment groups. In responders (n = 313), the shunt was superior to sham (win ratio: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.02-1.83]; P = 0.037, with 51% fewer HF events [incidence rate ratio: 0.49 [95% CI: 0.25-0.95]; P = 0.034]). In nonresponders (n = 265), atrial shunting was inferior to sham (win ratio: 0.73 [95% CI: 0.54-0.98]).
CONCLUSIONS
At 2 years of follow-up in REDUCE LAP-HF II, there was no difference in efficacy between the atrial shunt and sham groups in the overall trial group. The potential clinical benefit identified in the responder group after 1 and 2 years of follow-up is currently being evaluated in the RESPONDER-HF (Re-Evaluation of the Corvia Atrial Shunt Device in a Precision Medicine Trial to Determine Efficacy in Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trial. (Reduce Elevated Left Atrial Pressure in Patients With Heart Failure II [REDUCE LAP-HF II]; NCT03088033).
PubMed: 38934964
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2024.04.011 -
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology 2024We describe our findings in a child with a vein of Galen malformation, in whom the right superior caval and the azygos veins drained into the roof of the morphologically...
We describe our findings in a child with a vein of Galen malformation, in whom the right superior caval and the azygos veins drained into the roof of the morphologically left atrium. A persistent left superior caval vein drained into the morphologically right atrium through the coronary sinus. The additional presence of dual brachiocephalic veins permitted the deployment of a multifunctional ventricular septal defect occluder device to occlude the right superior caval vein, correcting the right-to-left shunt. This also prevented azygos venous drainage into the left atrium.
PubMed: 38933044
DOI: 10.4103/apc.apc_170_23 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates, especially in older patients. Subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) is defined... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates, especially in older patients. Subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) is defined as the presence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) > 190 bpm for 10 consecutive beats > 6 min and <24 h, as detected by cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs). The selection of eligible patients for anticoagulation therapy among elderly individuals with AHREs detected through CIEDs remains a contentious issue. The meta-analysis of ARTESiA and NOAH-AFNET 6 clinical trials revealed that taking Edoxaban or Apixaban as oral anticoagulation therapy can reduce the risk of stroke by approximately 32% while increasing the risk of major bleeding by approximately 62%. However, it is still unclear which are, among patients with SCAF, those who can take the highest net clinical benefit from anticoagulant therapy. The present review summarizes the current evidence on this intriguing issue and suggests strategies to try to better stratify the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AHREs. We propose incorporating some parameters including chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, enlarged left atrial volume, the efficacy in blood pressure management, and frailty into the traditional CHADS-VASc score. Future trials will be needed to verify the clinical usefulness of the proposed prognostic score mainly in the view of a personalized therapeutic approach in patients with SCAF.
PubMed: 38930095
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123566 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is often diagnosed in patients with cryptogenic stroke, aged > 60-65 years, but few data report the outcomes of PFO closure in elderly...
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is often diagnosed in patients with cryptogenic stroke, aged > 60-65 years, but few data report the outcomes of PFO closure in elderly patients. Consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure at a single institution between January 2006 and December 2011 were included. Baseline clinical features and cerebral imaging data were collected, and a RoPE score was calculated for each patient. Procedural data were recorded as well as medical therapy upon discharge. All-cause death, ischemic stroke, TIA and systemic embolism recurrence at long-term follow-up were investigated, as well as new atrial fibrillation onset. : Overall, 462 patients were included, of whom 64 (13.8%) were aged ≥ 65 years. Female gender was slightly more prevalent in the younger group while hypertension was more frequent among elderly patients. Previous stroke/TIA was the indication for PFO closure in 95.3% of older patients and 80.4% of younger patients, whereas other indications were more frequent among younger patients. RoPE scores were lower in older patients (median RoPE score of 5 vs. 7), and atrial septal aneurysm was more frequently detected among elderly patients. All procedures were technically successful. Procedural or in-hospital complications equally occurred in 5 (7.8%) older patients (4 AF and 1 device embolization) and 30 (7.5%) young patients (29 AF or other supraventricular arrhythmias and 1 device embolization). The follow-up duration was longer among younger patients. All-cause mortality was higher in older patients (16 deaths vs. 4 at follow-up, log-rank < 0.001), no recurrent strokes occurred, and 2 TIAs were reported among non-elderly patients. New-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in three elderly and eight young patients. : PFO closure is a safe procedure in patients aged ≥ 65 years, associated with favorable long-term follow-up and the prevention of ischemic neurologic recurrences.
PubMed: 38930044
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123514 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of temporary ureteral occlusion combined with urinary diversion using a single-access route created by inserting a balloon...
: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of temporary ureteral occlusion combined with urinary diversion using a single-access route created by inserting a balloon catheter through a pigtail nephrostomy drainage catheter. With this approach, we aimed to offer an alternative for patients with ureteral leaks who are suboptimal surgical candidates. : This retrospective study included nine patients (eight of which were bilateral cases and one was unilateral, totaling seventeen cases) who underwent the surgery between September 2023 and March 2024. The method involved gaining percutaneous access to the pelvicalyceal system, inserting a 4-French Fogarty balloon catheter through a pigtail nephrostomy catheter, and inflating the balloon at the proximal or mid-ureter. : All 17 cases achieved technical successful with no major complications. The procedure effectively relieved symptoms associated with urinary leakage in most patients. However, the significant deflation of the balloon catheter occurred in five cases (29.4%), with three (17.6%) experiencing complete deflation. In these five cases, the final balloon size was 5.81 mm (range: 0-8.9 mm), confirming a 25.0% decrease in size from pre- to post-procedure. Ureteral occlusion was 28.3 d long on average (range: 8-57 d). All patients experienced symptom relief during temporary ureteral occlusion. Except for two patients lost to follow-up, three patients showed symptom improvement with only PCN and four patients underwent surgical closure of the fistula tract before or after balloon catheter removal. : This study confirms that this approach is safe and effective.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Urinary Diversion; Ureter; Drainage; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Balloon Occlusion; Treatment Outcome; Catheters; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous
PubMed: 38929592
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060975