Anatomical Risks Research Articles

Treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures through the articular line approach

BackgroundPosterolateral tibial plateau fractures pose significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons due to the anatomical risks associated with the posterolateral approach. Despite numerous surgical techniques available, there lacks a consensus on the optimal approach.MethodsArticular line incision approach was employed on 12 patients suffering from posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Preoperative CT scans were utilized to assess the fractures, followed by an articular line incision to expose and fix the fractures with a 3.5 mm low-profile lateral locking compression plate. The surgical outcomes were evaluated through postoperative recovery metrics including pain levels, knee joint stability, and recovery time.ResultsAll patients achieved articular surface reduction and stable fixation without complications, loss of reduction, or infection. Postoperative assessments showed normal knee extension, with patients returning to pre-injury work levels. The average range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was 123.3°, and the average Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 96.4, indicating successful recovery outcomes.ConclusionThe articular line incision approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures provides a viable alternative to traditional methods. It offers the benefits of reduced trauma, shortened recovery times, and minimized risk of infection, making it a recommendable technique for such fractures.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Suspension of the penis – dissection, anatomical description and highlighting of anatomical risks in sectioning the suspensory ligaments

BackgroundThe suspension of the penis is provided by two ligaments: fundiform and suspensory. These ligaments are sectioned during some augmentative surgical procedures. The structure, the relations and the variability of these ligaments have been demonstrated. The penile neurovascular bundle and its relationships have also been emphasized. A clear knowledge of these details should ensure a reduction of the risk of surgical injury during augmentation procedures.ResultsWe dissected the ligaments providing the suspension of the penis in 7 formalized corpses. We identified, for each of the ligaments, the origin, the insertion and the relations. The dissection pieces were photographed and the images obtained were discussed upon. We described the variability of the anatomical distribution and highlighted the relations with the vascular and nervous structures for each of these ligaments. The anatomical variability of the fascia and the relations with the base of the penis were also emphasized. For the suspensory ligament, we identified three groups of fibers through which it is attached to the penile body.ConclusionsThe dissections were conducted in layers, corresponding to the operative steps for the penile augmentation procedures. We believe that our study highlights the anatomical basis necessary to safely perform these surgeries. The study contributes to the description of the anatomical variability of the ligaments and logically presents details that contribute to preventing most surgical incidents.

Hospital Solid Waste Status: A Case Study of Dosso Mother and Child Health Center (CSME) in Niger

Thus, this study evaluated the solid waste management of the mother and child health center (CSME) of Dosso to contribute to its improvement. The approach involved conducting surveys and interviews, quantifying waste production, and analyzing how it is managed. According to the CSME Dosso hospital solid waste management analysis, all surface technicians were trained in hospital waste management, but 69% were illiterate. However, as part of this management, 51 bins of different capacities are set up for the entire establishment, including (18 bins with a capacity of 240 liters, 14 bins with 20 liters, and 19 small baskets with 10 liters). This characterization, based on both qualitative and quantitative measurements, indicates that Dosso CSME produces 167.63 kilograms of waste per day, 58.67 tons of waste per year, of which 72% is waste that is risk-free, primarily waste. Approximately 28% of waste, including household waste and containing infectious, toxic, and anatomical risks, is at risk. The disposal of this produced waste is done either by burning, by landfilling, or by burial in pits dug without any standards. This management through these different stages constitutes a source of environmental impact. This analysis also shows that the Dosso CSME needs a waste management plan and an operational incinerator, given the absence of administrative regulations, unqualified technicians, and insufficient financial resources.

Buccal and palatal alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla: A micro-CT study.

Anterior maxillary immediate implant placement has become a popular procedure. It has aesthetic and functional risks. A prerequisite for success is sufficient alveolar bone for primary stability. Many cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies have assessed alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla, with varying results. More accurate information on the alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla is required. The objective of the present study was to evaluate bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla using micro-CT, a high-resolution imaging tool. Seventy-two human skulls were scanned using micro-CT at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. Specialized software was used for 3-D rendering, segmentation, and visualization of the reconstructed volume data. Axial planes were created over each alveolus/tooth from canine to canine. Buccal and palatal bone dimensions were measured at crestal, 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm levels. Buccal bone rarely exceeded 0.5 mm, consisting of bundle bone only for all investigated teeth at all levels. Up to a third of teeth showed buccal fenestrations. Alveolar bone on the palatal side was thicker than buccal and increased from <1 mm at crestal level up to 3.77 mm, 4.56 mm, and 5.43 mm for centrals, laterals, and canines at the 9 mm level, respectively. Immediate implants in the anterior maxillae has anatomical risks. Alveolar bone on the buccal aspect is very thin, with fenestrations in certain positions. Therefore, a thorough planning and individual approach are needed to avoid possible complications and achieve stable aesthetic and functional results in the long-term.

Anatomical risks and complications associated with myocardial bridging

Objective: Myocardial bridging (MB) is an asymptomatic, benign, and congenital coronary anomaly with several possible manifestations. MB is formed by a segment of a coronary artery taking an intra-myocardial course. As of date, huge knowledge gap exists in the literature in terms of MB and its associated complications. Methods: This single-centre, observational, non-randomised study was conducted over a period of 20 months to identify the rare anomalies such as MB using coronary angiograms. Results: Eight of 400 cases screened have been found to have MB bridging in mid left anterior descending artery (LAD) segment. The male to female ratio was 7:1 all within an age range of 24 years to 45 years. Most of the patients were asymptomatic with no history of drug usage (6/8) and family history (3/8) of coronary disorders. In symptomatic cases, the most common presenting symptoms were observed to be typical chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, light-headedness, or headaches, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. In most of the patients, MB showed systolic shortening with resultant flow limitation on coronary angiography. The segments were reported to be 1 mm to 10 mm in size and traversed 1 cm to 3 cm length. All the patients were treated symptomatically and were kept on follow-up. No mortality was observed in any case with MB. Conclusion: Even though MB is a benign condition, but its vast array of related complications was reported to be life threatening and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. This study focus on such MB related risks by highlighting the importance of differential diagnosis and the treatment followed by to avoid all possible complications in all those patients presenting with possible signs and symptoms.

Prevention of severe injuries of child passengers in motor vehicle accidents: is re-boarding sufficient?

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether prolonged re-boarding of restraint children in motor vehicle accidents is sufficient to prevent severe injury.MethodsData acquisition was performed using the Trauma Register DGU® (TR-DGU) in the time period from 2010 to 2019 of seriously injured children (AIS 2 +) aged 0–5 years as motor vehicle passengers (MVP). Primarily treated and transferred patients where included.ResultsThe study group included 727 of 2030 (35.8%) children, who were severely injured (AIS 2 +) in road traffic accidents, among them 268 (13.2%) as MVPs in the age groups: 0–1 years (42.5%), 2–3 years (26.1%) and 4–5 years (31.3%). The pattern of severe injury was head/brain (56.0%), thoracic (42.2%), abdominal (13.1%), fractures (extremities and pelvis, 52.6%) and spine/severe whiplash (19.8%). The 0–1-year-old MVPs showed the significantly highest proportion of brain injuries with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) < 8 and severe injury to the spine. The 2–3-year-olds showed the significantly highest proportion of fractures especially the lower extremity and highest proportion of cervical spine injuries of all spine injuries, while the 4–5-year-olds, the significantly highest proportion of abdominal injury and second highest proportion of cervical spine injury of all spine injuries. MVPs of the 0–1-year-old and 2–3-year-old groups showed a higher median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 21.5 and 22.1 points than the older children (17.0 points). They also suffered an AIS-6-injury significantly more often (9 of 21) of spine (p = 0.001). Especially the cervical spine was significantly more often involved. Passengers at the age of 0–1 years were treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) three times as often as older children in the prehospital setting and twice as often at admission in the Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU). Their survival rate was 7 out of 8 (0–1 years), 1 out of 6 (2–3 years) and 1 out of 4 (4–5 years).ConclusionAlthough the younger MVPs are restraint in a re-boarding position, severe injury to the spine and head occurred more often, while older children as front-faced positioned MVPs suffered from significantly higher rates of abdominal and more often severe facial injury. Our data show, that it is more important to properly restrain children in their adequate car seats (i-size-Norm) and additionally consider the age-related physiological and anatomical specific risks of injury as well as co-factors in road traffic accidents, than only prolonging the re-boarding position over the age of 15 months as a single method.

Coronary protection for the small left coronary sinus during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case report

BackgroundCoronary obstruction (CO) is an infrequent but life-threatening complication during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).Case summaryWe report the case of a patient who accepted TAVR with high anatomical risks of CO due to the small congenital left coronary sinus, which was treated with preliminary coronary protection. This case highlighted the importance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) evaluation, 3D-printing stimulation, predilation as a reference sign, and pre-emptive chimney stenting technology to successfully anticipate and prevent CO during TAVR. At the 3rd month follow-up, CTA evaluation and 3D-printing simulation identified the chimney stenting of the left main coronary arterial patency.DiscussionA ‘four-step assessment’ method also proposes a new clinical procedure on how to perform TAVR in patients with high risks of CO.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a prominent issue in the field of sports medicine, especially for the female athlete. Extensive research has been performed that acknowledges the disparity in anterior cruciate ligament injury rates between male and female athletes and the high prevalence of risk factors specific to females. The underlying causes of anterior cruciate ligament injuries are widespread and are important to consider when approaching injury prevention. For example, prevention techniques aim to correct neuromuscular imbalances and improve biomechanical deficits, which are some of the most significant risk factors leading to these injuries. While there is a lack of opportunity for intervention related to anatomical and hormonal risks, awareness of their influence on injury mechanisms remains an important factor in clinical decision-making. In pursuit of addressing the risks of this injury, several prevention programs have been established that have been shown to successfully reduce anterior cruciate ligament injury rates when properly executed. The most effective programs include early intervention with continuous training and are multicomponent programs including various targeted exercises to modify associated risk factors. Unfortunately, despite the development of these readily available programs, anterior cruciate ligament injury rates remain high due to insufficient implementation of these methods. Recognizing the efficacy and feasibility of utilizing prevention strategies and continuing to develop effective techniques remain of utmost importance to reduce the incidence of this substantial injury among athletes.

Pathological Lung Lesions of COVID-19 and Opioid Use Disorder: A Post-Mortem Lung and Toxicology Examination of 43 Decedents

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued from 2019 to current times, exacerbating existing epidemics since its beginning. Pathologic lung lesions in acute cases have consisted of hyaline membrane disease and microthrombi. More severe cases have pathologic lesions of alveolar and bronchiolar epithelial necrosis, lymphocytic interstitial infiltrate, and peribronchiolar and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The opioid epidemic is one epidemic exacerbated by COVID-19. Those with opioid use disorder (OUD) are more likely to have compromised lung function, of which infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can worsen. The combined symptoms lead to an increased risk of overdose. In addition to anatomical risks, those with OUD require person-to-person contact to obtain opioids. This enhances the spread of COVID-19 and increases the risk of acquiring the disease. Pathological findings in those with chronic OUD can contain fluorescing talc powder with multinucleated giant cells and granulomas in the lung tissue. Twenty-one positive cases and twenty-two negative cases were collected from COVID-19 suspicious decedents in Marion County Coroner’s Office. Toxicology screens and COVID-19 RT-PCR tests were run on each of the 43 decedents. Microscopic evaluation was done by hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson’s Trichrome stains. The age range of those collected was 3 to 81 years. The ethnicities were 1 Asian, 8 African American, 1 Cuban, 3 Hispanic, 29 Caucasian, and 1 unknown. The male to female ratio was 3.8:1. The histological features found in this study were alveolar and bronchiolar epithelial necrosis, lymphocytic interstitial infiltrates, perivascular and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrate, fibrosis, microthrombi, and hyaline membrane. Fluorescing talc was seen in 5 cases with granulomas and multinucleated giant cells. Toxicology reports showed 11 drug-related deaths, with cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, fentanyl, morphine, acetyl fentanyl, and sertraline as the causative agents.

A foreign body lodged in the sub-mental space through to the retro-pharyngeal area: a review of anatomical risks and surgical approaches

BackgroundForeign body inclusions are rare in head and neck. They are challenging in regard to anatomical risks and surgical approaches. This is the case of a particular foreign body with a curious trajectory, associated with a brief review of anatomical risks and surgical approaches.Case presentationThis is the case of a 25-year-old male who has been attacked with a sharp object, which caused an inclusion of a part of the foreign body in the sub-mental and pharyngeal areas.The clinical exam showed a painful bulging in the sub-mental area, with moderately hemorrhagic sputum and difficulty while swallowing. The intra-oral exam showed a foreign body that was located at the right side of the base of the tongue, and which goes backwards and outwards to penetrate retro-pharyngeal mucosa.The patients underwent an angio-CT scan, which showed a curious fine and sharp metallic object, without direct signs of lesions to the jugular vein or carotid artery or any collateral branches.The patient underwent extraction through cervical approach, with satisfying bleeding control. Intra-oral exploration showed a retro-pharyngeal lesion of 2 cm, without particular bleeding. The cervical lesion and retro-pharyngeal lesions were closed. The lesion at the base of the tongue was of 1 cm, palpable but not accessible to sutures, and a naso-pharyngeal tube was inserted.The patient presented very satisfying post-operative outcome, without any complications.ConclusionWhen dealing with foreign bodies of head and neck, physicians must be precocious and prepared for the risk of bleeding after extraction. Thorough radiological exploration is necessary as long as the patient is stable. Direct and indirect radiological signs allow the clinician to understand the nature and the trajectory of the object, as well as the damage to collateral structures.

647 THE LEFT AND RIGHT RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE LYMPH NODES POSSESS DIFFERENT ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK STRATIFICATIONS OF METASTASIS

Abstract The left and right recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN) are asymmetrical, and the precise differences and metastasis risk stratifications based on preoperative CT scan between the left and right RLN lymph nodes have not yet been analyzed. In this study, we compared the anatomical characteristics and generated prediction models to predict the probability of left and right RLN lymph node metastasis using preoperative clinical data in patients undergoing thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis to guide clinical treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 1660 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis at the Department of Thoracic Surgery at our center between January 2015 and December 2020 and investigated the anatomical characteristics and risks of bilateral RLN lymph nodes according to preoperative CT scan and pathological examination findings. Results A total of 299 and 343 patients who underwent left(right) RLN lymph node dissection were included in the final analysis. By plotting ROC curves, we concluded that the cutoff values of the long and short axis to predict metastasis of the left (right) RLN lymph nodes were 10 (8 mm) and 7.5 (6.5 mm), respectively. The short axis rather than the long axis was significantly associated with left RLN lymph node metastasis. Correspondingly, the long axis was much more important than the short axis in regard to the right RLN lymph nodes. Conclusion There were different anatomical characteristics and precise metastasis risk stratifications between the left and right RLN lymph node metastases.

Anatomical Considerations for Endovascular Intervention for Extracranial Carotid Disease: A Review of the Literature and Recommended Guidelines.

Patient selection for endovascular intervention in extracranial carotid disease is centered on vascular anatomy. We review anatomical considerations for non-traumatic disease and offer guidelines in patient selection and management. We conducted a systematic literature review without meta-analysis for studies involving anatomical considerations in extracranial carotid intervention for non-traumatic disease. Anatomical considerations discussed included aortic arch variants, degree of vessel stenosis, angulation, tortuosity, and anomalous origins, and atheromatous plaque morphology, composition, and location. Available literature suggests that anatomical risks of morbidity are largely secondary to increased procedural times and difficulties in intervention system delivery. We recommend the prioritization of endovascular techniques on an individual basis in cases where accessible systems and surgeon familiarity provide an acceptable likelihood of rapid access and device deployment.

Neonatal skin assessments and injuries: Nomenclature, workplace culture and clinical opinions—Method triangulation a qualitative study

To explore and establish the language, clinical opinions and workplace culture around neonatal skin injury nomenclature. Specifically, what nomenclature is used to describe, define, identity and communicate neonatal skin injuries including (a) terms, (b) locations, (c) associated risks and (d) mechanical forces. Skin injuries are affirmed or denied based on visual assessment with findings reported by language rather than measurements. However, if language or nomenclature is ambiguous, assessments could be misinterpreted effecting healthcare delivery. Qualitative enquiry including applied discourse analysis and between-method triangulation, within a larger exploratory mixed-methods study. Data were collected over two years from four sources: literature, documents, interviews/focus groups and free text injury assessments. Data analysis included content analysis, selective coding and thematic analysis. The collective data were further explored using discourse analysis and triangulation to achieve collective conclusions about opinions, emotions, feelings, perceptions and workplace cultures. The COREQ checklist provided structure for the reporting of study methods, analysis and findings. A total of 427 data points were collected from literature, documentation and two clinical data sources. Data convergence revealed that neonatal skin injuries are described by numerous terms with preferences for "injury," "trauma" or "redness." Injuries occur in over 20 anatomical locations and risks for injuries included hospitalisation, specific treatments and prematurity. Essential medical devices, clinical condition, lack of clinician experience and overactive neonates were uniquely associated risks. There was incongruency between sources. The literature and documents empathise pressure as the primary force related to skin injury, while varied forces were identified within interviews, focus groups and free text injury assessments. The variety of unique terms, locations and risks for injury indicate the need for updated neonatal skin injury frameworks. If frameworks and policies continue to be created without the empirical knowledge of neonatal clinicians, misrepresentation of neonatal skin injury locations and risk will continue to dominate the literature. The recognition and management of neonatal skin injuries are related to language used to describe assessments in the absence of diagnostic confirmation, which has implications for both the neonate and the healthcare team.

Up-to-date intraoperative computer assisted solutions for liver surgery.

Computer assisted surgical planning allowed for a better selection of patients, evaluation of operative strategy, appropriate volumetric measurements, identification of anatomical risks, definition of tumour resection margins and choice of surgical approach in liver oncologic resections and living donor liver transplantations. Although preoperative computer surgical analysis has been widely used in daily clinical practice, intraoperative computer assisted solutions for risk analysis and navigation in liver surgery are not widely available or still under clinical evaluation. Computer science technology can efficiently assist modern surgeons during complex liver operations, mainly by providing image guidance with individualized 2D images and 3D models of the various anatomical and pathological structures of interest. Intraoperative computer assisted liver surgery is particularly useful in complex parenchyma-sparing hepatectomies, for intraoperative risk analysis and for the effective treatment of colorectal metastases after neoadjuvant therapy or when they are multiple. In laparoscopic liver surgery, intraoperative computer aid is definitively more important as, apart from a restricted field of view, there is also loss of the fine haptic feedback. Intraoperative computer assisted developments face challenges that prevent their application in daily clinical practice. There is a vast variety of studies regarding intraoperative computer assisted liver surgery but there are no clear objective measurements in order to compare them and select the most effective solutions. An overview of up-to-date intraoperative computer assisted solutions for liver surgery will be discussed.

Morphological Determinants of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Obtained Using Echocardiography.

The morphological determinants of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are not completely understood. We aimed to identify the anatomical risks of the obstruction using echocardiography.Fifty patients with untreated HCM were classified into two groups: those with LVOT pressure gradient (LVOTPG) ≥ 30 mmHg (obstructive HCM [HOCM] group) and those with LVOTPG < 30 mmHg (HNCM group). The echocardiographic morphological variables were analyzed to determine whether they were predictive of LVOT obstruction. Systolic anterior motions of the mitral valve were observed in 100% of patients in the HOCM group but only in 58% in the HNCM group. There were no significant differences in wall thickness, end-systolic LV dimension (LVDs), or LVOT diameter between the two groups. However, HOCM subjects had a shorter distance from papillary muscles to the inter-ventricular septum (5.97 ± 2.3 versus 9.20 ± 1.9 mm, respectively, P < 0.0001) and a longer anterior mitral leaflet (AML) length (24.7 ± 5.8 versus 20.1 ± 5.4 mm, respectively, P < 0.01) compared to the HNCM group. The AML length/LVDs ratio was significantly higher in the HOCM group compared to the HNCM group (1.02 ± 0.34 versus 0.78 ± 0.26, P < 0.01), and an LVOT obstruction was predicted with an area under the curve of 0.71 (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed that only the AML length/LVDs ratio was independently associated with LVOTPG (P < 0.01).The AML length/LVDs ratio has a significant predictive value for LVOT obstruction and a strong relationship with LVOTPGs. The AML length/LVDs ratio determines the anatomical risk of LVOT obstruction in HCM.

Anatomical risk models for paravalvular leak and landing zone complications for balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Though several anatomical characteristics have been reported separately as risk factors for paravalvular leak (PVL) and landing zone (LZ) complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), multivariate risk models are needed. Patients that underwent balloon-expandable TAVR with multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT) sizing were studied. MDCT images were analyzed and the association between anatomical factors and ≥mild PVL, ≥moderate PVL, and LZ complications (annular rupture, requirement of new permanent pacemaker, and coronary obstruction) was determined, and subsequently competing predictive models were developed and validated. A total of 316 consecutive TAVR patients were included. Median age was 82.0 years (74.0-87.0) and STS score was 8.3% (5.4-10.9). Factors associated with ≥mild PVL included TAVR with Sapien/Sapien XT vs. Sapien 3 (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.24-5.07), LVOT nontubularity (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04), LZ calcification (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01), and low cover index (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.96). Factors associated with LZ complications included LZ calcification (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01), leaflet asymmetry (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02), and cover index (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.14). Predictive models for ≥mild PVL (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.66-0.77), ≥moderate PVL (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65-0.84), and LZ complications (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.67-0.87) were created using procedural details and anatomical data from the MDCT. Clinical variables were not included as they were poorly correlated with the occurrence of PVL and LZ complications. For each outcome, the area under the curve (AUC) of the multivariate model was superior to the model consisting only of individual factors. A model using procedural/anatomical characteristics derived from MDCT predicts ≥mild PVL, ≥moderate PVL, and LZ complications post-TAVR. Incorporation of anatomical risks into clinical practice may help stratify patients before TAVR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Developmental effects of antiepileptic drugs and the need for improved regulations.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are among the most common teratogenic drugs prescribed to women of childbearing age. AEDs can induce both anatomical (malformations) and behavioral (cognitive/behavioral deficits) teratogenicity. Only in the last decade have we begun to truly discriminate differential AED developmental effects. Fetal valproate exposure carries a special risk for both anatomical and behavioral teratogenic abnormalities, but the mechanisms and reasons for individual variability are unknown. Intermediate anatomical risks exist for phenobarbital and topiramate. Several AEDs (e.g., lamotrigine and levetiracetam) appear to possess low risks for both anatomical and behavioral teratogenesis. Despite advances in the past decade, our knowledge of the teratogenic risks for most AEDs and the underlying mechanisms remain inadequate. Further, the long-term effects of AEDs in neonates and older children remain uncertain. The pace of progress is slow given the lifelong consequences of diminished developmental outcomes, exposing children unnecessarily to potential adverse effects. It is imperative that new approaches be employed to determine risks more expediently. Our recommendations include a national reporting system for congenital malformations, federal funding of the North American AED Pregnancy Registry, routine meta-analyses of cohort studies to detect teratogenic signals, monitoring of AED prescription practices for women, routine preclinical testing of all new AEDs for neurodevelopmental effects, more specific Food and Drug Administration requirements to establish differential AED cognitive effects in children, and improved funding of basic and clinical research to fully delineate risks and underlying mechanisms for AED-induced anatomical and behavioral teratogenesis.

Single center experience of fluoroless AVNRT ablation guided by electroanatomic reconstruction in children and adolescents

Purpose: Anatomical considerations and risks related to x-ray exposure make atrio-ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation in pediatric patients a concerning procedure. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of performing fluoroless slow pathway cryoablation guided by the electroanatomic (EA) mapping in children and adolescents. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients (mean age 13.8±2.5 years) symptomatic for AVNRT were prospectively enrolled to right atrium EA mapping and electrophysiological study prior to cryoablation. Cryoablation was guided by slow pathway potential and performed using a 4-mm tip catheter. Results: Sustained slow-fast AVNRT was inducible in all the patients with a dual AV nodal physiology in 96%. Acute success was achieved in 100% of the patients with a median of 2 cryo-applications. Fluoroless ablation was feasible in 23 patients, while in 2 subjects 50 and 45 seconds of x-ray were needed due to difficult vascular accesses. After a mean follow-up of 27.5 months AVNRT recurred in 6 patients. All the recurrences were successfully treated with a second procedure. In 4 patients a fluoroless cryoablation with a 6-mm tip catheter was successfully performed, while in the remaining 2 patients a single pulse of 60 s of radiofrequency energy was applied under fluoroscopic monitoring. No complications occurred. Conclusions: Combination of EA mapping systems and cryoablation may allow to perform fluoroless slow pathway ablation for AVNRT in children and adolescents in the majority of patients. Fluoroless slow pathway cryoablation showed a high efficacy and safety comparable to conventional fluoroscopy guided procedures.

Single Center Experience of Fluoroless AVNRT Ablation Guided by Electroanatomic Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents

Anatomical considerations and risks related to x-ray exposure make atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation in pediatric patients a concerning procedure. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing fluoroless slow-pathway cryoablation guided by the electroanatomic (EA) mapping in children and adolescents. Twenty-one consecutive patients (mean age 13.5 ± 2.4 years) symptomatic for AVNRT were prospectively enrolled to right atrium EA mapping and electrophysiological study prior to cryoablation. Cryoablation was guided by slow-pathway potential and performed using a 4-mm-tip catheter. Sustained slow-fast AVNRT was inducible in all the patients with a dual AV nodal physiology in 95%. Acute success was achieved in 100% of the patients with a median of two cryo-applications. Fluoroless ablation was feasible in 19 patients, while in two subjects 50 seconds and 45 seconds of x-ray were needed due to difficult progression of the catheters along the venous system. After a mean follow-up of 25 months, AVNRT recurred in five patients. All the recurrences were successfully treated with a second procedure. In three patients, a fluoroless cryoablation with a 6-mm-tip catheter was successfully performed, while in the remaining two patients, a single pulse of 60 seconds of radiofrequency energy was applied under fluoroscopic monitoring. No complications occurred. Combination of EA mapping systems and cryoablation may allow to perform fluoroless slow-pathway ablation for AVNRT in children and adolescents in the majority of patients. Fluoroless slow-pathway cryoablation showed a high efficacy and safety comparable to conventional fluoroscopy guided procedures.

Paper 52: Anatomical Risks of Shoulder Arthroscopy Portals: Anatomic Cadaveric Study Relating to Twelve Portals of Current Use

Paper 52: Anatomical Risks of Shoulder Arthroscopy Portals: Anatomic Cadaveric Study Relating to Twelve Portals of Current Use