Catheter Research Articles

Abstract 4136346: A Comparative Analysis of Esophageal Cooling for Preventing Esophageal Injury Post Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Thermal injury following atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is a rare but fatal complication. We aim to assess the safety profile of different forms of esophageal cooling methods versus standards of care. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing esophageal cooling to Luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring regarding esophageal thermal lesions (ETL) post atrial fibrillation ablation. Case reports, case series, reviews, conference abstracts and animal studies were excluded. Review manager software (version 5.4) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: We included 10 studies with 25662 patients in total: 14515 patients in the esophageal cooling group and 11147 patients in the LET group. Overall esophageal lesion analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the esophageal cooling group and LET (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.35 to 1.49, p-value = 0.38). Subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference for mild/moderate lesions (RR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.80 to 2.90, p-value = 0.20). However, the subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant association between esophageal cooling and decreased severity of esophageal lesions compared with LET (RR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.71, p-value = 0.007). Regarding AF recurrence, the pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference between esophageal cooling group and LET (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.95 to 1.61, p-value = 0.11). Conclusion: In patients undergoing AF catheter ablation, the implementation of esophageal cooling showed statistical significance in decreasing the severity of esophageal lesions compared to the LET group. Also, esophageal cooling demonstrated non-inferiority in AF recurrence compared to LET. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term effects of esophageal cooling during AF catheter ablation.

Abstract 4129839: Successful Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) with WATCHMAN FLX via Transhepatic Approach

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the WATCHMAN FLX (Boston Scientific) has been proven to reduce stroke risk in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Certain circumstances may preclude LAAO1. In this case, transhepatic vein access was used to successfully deploy a WATCHMAN FLX in a 72 year old male with PAF not on anticoagulation due to recent subdural hemorrhage and recurrent bilateral lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) post IVC filter placement. Recent attempt at LAAO was unsuccessful due to total occlusion of bilateral femoral veins (Figure 1 A-B) and inability to cross the IVC. Access to the inferior branch of the right hepatic vein was achieved by micropuncture technique at the right mid-axillary line at the level of the 12th rib, which was confirmed by venogram (Figure 2A). The 4F microsheath was upsized to 16F. Intraoperative TEE was used for device sizing and delivery (Figure 3A). The transseptal sheath and dilator were positioned in the right atrium at the level of the fossa ovalis (Figure 3B) before successfully crossing into the left atrium (Figure 2B). After confirming placement (Figure 3C), a pigtail catheter was positioned within the LAA (Figure 3D) and an angiogram was performed (Figure 2C). A 24 mm WATCHMAN FLX was partially unsheathed and positioned (Figure 3E). Repeat LAA angiogram was performed through the WATCHMAN delivery sheath (Figure 2D). A Tug test was performed. The device was released (Figure 3F). Repeat venogram was performed to confirm location (Figure 2E) of the access site, and coil embolization closure of the venotomy access site was performed (Figure 2F). The patient was discharged the following day on dual antiplatelet (aspirin, clopidogrel) without complication. Venous access via right hepatic vein is a viable option for LAAO using the WATCHMAN FLX device.

Pigtail catheter alternative option for malignant pleural effusion other than pleurodesis: a case series

Pigtail catheter alternative option for malignant pleural effusion other than pleurodesis: a case series

Pigtail Catheter Compared to Formal Intercostal Catheter for the Management of Isolated Traumatic Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: The optimal management approach for adults with traumatic pneumothorax without haemothorax remains an area of debate. Specifically, there is lack of consensus as to whether insertion of a pigtail catheter is superior to a formal intercostal catheter in improving complication rates. (2) Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating pigtail catheters compared to formal intercostal catheters for the management of traumatic pneumothorax. Investigative outcomes of interest included pain, duration management, failure, need for formal thoracoscopic surgery, need for supplemental oxygen, length of stay, infection and overall total complications. (3) Results: Three studies evaluating 280 patients were included in this analysis. There was no significant difference in total complications, rates of failure, length of stay or duration of management between pigtail catheters and formal intercostal catheters. This evidence was based on studies of low to moderate risk of bias with poor control for confounding factors. (4) Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates lack of evidence to suggest pigtail catheters are superior to formal intercostal catheter for traumatic pneumothorax. These findings may reflect a true absence of effect between either approach for this patient cohort or non-committal findings in light of limitations of the underlying evidence. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes and control for confounders are required to validate the outcomes between these two modalities of treatment.

A comprehensive evaluation system for ultrasound-guided infusion of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs in liver cirrhosis patients

Abstract Background Infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via portal vein is one of the main ways for MSCs transplantation to treat liver cirrhosis (LC). As the tissue of LC showed diffuse fibrosis and thickened Glission sheath, the soft pig-tail catheter, or central venous catheter can not successfully insert the portal vein. Thus, our study used an improved method and performed a relatively comprehensive system to evaluate the effect for human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) transplantation. Method Fifteen patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis were enrolled in the study, and we performed hUC-MSCs transplantation via portal vein by using an 16-G needle and 0.035-inch guide wire combined with 7FR “retentional metal stiffner trocar” of pig-tail catheter under the guidance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Serum liver function, fibrotic indicators, tissue stiffness, coagulation function, and hemodynamics were measured at weeks 4, 12, and 24 after MSCs transplantation. Liver biopsy was performed before and 24 weeks after hUC-MSCs transplantation. Result After hUC-MSCs transplantation, the prothrombin time was lower than before. The levels of hyaluronic acid and IV-C(Type IV collagen) in fibrotic indicators were significantly reduced, and the Young’s modulus was also decreased. Moreover, liver biopsy showed that the lytic necrosis of hepatocyte was decreased. In liver hemodynamics, the portal vein diameter was decreased after hUC-MSCs transplantation. Conclusion hUC-MSCs transplantation can alleviate liver damage caused by LC. The improved “retentional metal stiffner trocar” of pig-tail catheter was safe and effective in the infusion of hUC-MSCs transplantation, which is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Bacteriuria and antibiotic use during the third wave of COVID-19 intensive care in Sweden

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among patients carrying indwelling catheters in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study investigates antibiotic use and bacterial colonisation among ICU patients during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, building on our prior discovery of increased Enterococcus colonisation associated with increased cephalosporin use in early COVID-19. Methods Longitudinal urine samples from COVID-19 patients (n = 109) with transurethral catheterisation were analysed for bacterial prevalence, further identified via MALDI-TOF. Microbiological results were combined with clinical data obtained daily, assessed and compared with COVID-19 waves 1 and 2. Results Patients in wave 3 exhibited improved outcomes compared to those in waves 1 and 2, alongside a decrease in antibiotic use. Staphylococcus emerged as the primary bacterium and early colonizer of the urinary tract, potentially due to the absence of antibiotic treatment. Our results imply that length of stay (LOS) correlates solely with enteric pathogens and that antibiotic treatment correlates with colonisation by certain uropathogens, whereas the absence of antimicrobial therapy is associated with rapid colonisation of skin flora. Polymicrobial colonisation was common, predominantly involving Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion Our findings underscore the complexity of bacteriuria in ICU patients, advocating for targeted surveillance and tailored antibiotic approaches to mitigate UTI risk. Insights into antibiotic use and bacterial colonisation are vital for optimising stewardship practices, combating antimicrobial resistance, and enhancing ICU patient outcomes.

A Revolutionary Device for Endovascular Aortic Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Pilot Study

Background Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has been the gold standard since it was established in 1991. Various graft configurations have been developed to overcome the limitations of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), including contralateral gate cannulation (CGC). We propose a new device and technique intended to simplify endovascular AAA repair, along with reports of its application in six patients. Intervention The Taofan and Kang (T&K) bidirectional endovascular aortic repair (B-EVAR (B-EVAR) device uses a main-body stent graft, two-limb extensions, and bare metal stent. The procedure involved accessing the right and left femoral arteries, followed by standard aortography evaluation using a pigtail catheter through the contralateral femoral access. The main body stent graft is deployed through ipsilateral femoral access using a balloon catheter, while the contralateral gate is cannulated with a hydrophilic coated wire. Both balloons were inflated simultaneously to ensure that the wires were in different lumens. Contralateral and ipsilateral extensions were deployed using a limb extension stent graft. Standard aortography evaluation was repeated. Result T&K B-EVAR pilot procedures proved successful in various cases, from simple to complex anatomy, and even with varied graft stent deployment strategies. None of the patients had complications or prolonged length of stay (LOS). Follow-up CT did not reveal any high-pressure endoleaks. Conclusion T&K B-EVAR has been proven to simplify endovascular AAA repair in six patients with excellent results. It is also reproducible, potentially universally applicable, and can offer operators ease of use, faster procedure times, reduced fluoroscopy times, and reduced contrast usage.

Combined left atrial appendage occlusion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation versus isolated left atrial appendage occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Combined left atrial appendage occlusion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation versus isolated left atrial appendage occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ascaris in infected pancreatic pancreatic necrosum: a case report of an intraoperative surprise

Introduction and importance: Ascariasis lumbricoides is a common gastrointestinal tract helminthic disease in developing countries and is also a cause of hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease in endemic areas of the world. Involvement of the pancreatic duct by worms and associated pancreatitis is less common than the hepatic and biliary involvement. Case presentation: A 38-year-old patient was admitted with a diagnosis of alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis and managed conservatively. However, the patient’s condition worsened after 2 weeks, and a CT scan revealed an acute necrotic collection with gas foci. After failed percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage, laparotomy was performed, revealing a necrotic collection in the right paracolic gutter, with the entire area frozen and a worm observed in the necrosum. The colon and small bowel were intact without perforation. The suspicion arose that the worm might have either migrated from a duodenal perforation, which had possibly sealed after the acute phase, or migrated from the major pancreatic duct. Debridement of easily accessible necrotic tissues was performed, and the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Unfortunately, the patient tested positive for COVID-19, and a few days later, blood was observed in the drain. Re-exploration revealed diffuse blood oozing, and the abdomen was closed with packing. Conclusion: The route of ascaris migration to necrosum or its association with severe acute pancreatitis needs to be ensured in endemic areas. Cautious use of antihelminthic therapy in endemic areas could prevent fatal pancreatobiliary complications and its associated mortality.

Strategy optimization for the combined procedure of left atrial appendage occlusion plus catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (COMBINATION): a multi-center, randomized study

Abstract Background The long-term efficacy and safety of combining left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) plus catheter ablation (CA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in a single procedure have been established. However, the optimal combining strategy has not been well elucidated. Objective To determine the impact of different combining strategies on long-term clinical outcomes. Methods In this prospective multicenter study, patients with non-valvular AF referred for the combining procedure were randomly assigned to the ablation-first or occlusion-first groups at a 1:1 ratio. We evaluated the outcomes of LAAC with a Watchman device and CA using a contact-force sensing catheter during long-term follow-up. Results Of the 202 randomized patients, 194(96.0%) completed the trial with 97 patients in each group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. All procedures were accomplished with acute successful LAAC and restoration of sinus rhythm. Incidences of periprocedural complications were similar. Higher chronic peri-device leak (PDL, 15.5% vs 5.2%, P=0.031) and device-related thrombus (DRT, 8.2% vs 1.0%, P=0.035) rates were observed in the ablation-first group. The event-free survival rate of the primary endpoint (composite of stroke/transient ischemic attack, thromboembolism, clinically-relevant bleeding, cardiovascular rehospitalization/death) was significantly higher in the occlusion-first group (83.5% vs 71.1%, log-rank P=0.036, HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.29-0.95) during a median 2.5-year follow-up. Patients with male gender and higher CHA2DS2-VASc score were at lower risk in the subgroup analysis. Long-term freedoms from AF (77.3% vs 63.5%, log-rank P=0.039) and atrial tachyarrhythmias (70.1% vs 55.7%, log-rank P=0.044) were higher in the occlusion-first group, respectively. Conclusions The occlusion-first approach is recommended for combined procedures where a plug-like device is implanted due to its superior long-term clinical benefits.Flowchart of the COMBINATION trialIncidences of primary endpoint

Posterior wall isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The ability of catheter ablation (CA) to prevent arrhythmic recurrences in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) remains suboptimal. In this context, the results of studies conducted with both thermal and non-thermal technologies, that evaluated the effect of adding electrical isolation of the posterior wall of the left atrium (PWI) to isolation of the pulmonary veins alone (PVI) have provided conflicting data. Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of an ablative strategy with the addition of PWI to PVI versus PVI alone in patients with PeAF undergoing a first ablation procedure. Methods We searched electronic databases for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PVI+PWI versus PVI alone as first CA procedure for PeAF, regardless of the technologies used. The efficacy outcomes were recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmias lasting more than 30 seconds, recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia (AFlu/AT). The safety outcome was relevant procedural complications defined as a composite of vascular complications, pericardial effusion or tamponade, phrenic nerve palsy, stroke, atrio-esophageal fistula, and death. The procedural time was compared between the ablation strategies studied. The software RevMan 5.4 was used to estimate the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with the relative confidence intervals (CI), using a random-effect model. Results Thirteen studies (8 RCTs and 5 observational studies) counting a total of 2994 PeAF patients (1304 treated with PVI+PWI and 1690 with PVI alone; 1847 RF, 600 cryo and 547 PFA) were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65.2±4.1 years, and 26% were female. Mean follow-up period was 14.5±4.8 years. There were no significant differences in the risk of recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmias (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.68-1.14) between the ablation strategies studied. Patients treated with PWI+PVI experienced a reduced risk of recurrence of AF (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.48-0.94; p = 0.02) balanced by a trend towards increased risk of AFlu/AT (RR 1.74; 95% CI 0.99-3.06; p = 0.06) as compared with PVI alone strategy. No statistically significant differences in the risk of relevant procedural complication were identified between the studied groups (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.50-1.78 – Fig. 2A). Procedural time was longer in the PWI+PVI group as compared with PVI alone (MD 30.63 min; 95% CI 8.60-52.65 min; p=0.006 – Fig. 2B). Conclusions Our metanalysis shows that, in patients with PeAF treated for the first time with CA, PWI+PVI versus PVI alone was not associated with a reduction of atrial tachyarrhythmias recurrence and required longer procedural times. Nonetheless, a reduction in the risk of AF recurrence and a trend towards an increased risk of AFlu/AT were identified. No differences in the risk of relevant procedural complications were found between the ablation strategies studied.Figure 2

Validation of diagnostic wearable ECG data from high-risk patients and integration into the atrial fibrillation catheter ablation pathway

Abstract Background Wearables like the Apple Watch (AW) offer non-invasive, long-term monitoring and patient-led, single-lead ECG recordings. Although validated for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection in the general population, the accuracy and clinical utility of the single-lead ECG recording feature for the diagnosis of AF has not been evaluated in patients at high risk of atrial arrhythmias.(1) An evaluation of the accuracy of the Wearable-derived labels is important to determine the feasibility of integrating AW-based remote monitoring into clinical pathways. Objective To evaluate the accuracy and data burden from AW-based, patient-led ECG monitoring in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation. Methods Patients referred for first-time AF catheter ablation to the Study Institution between January 2022 and March 2023 were invited to enrol in the AF Follow-up with Apple Watch (AFFU-AW) Trial. Patients randomised to the active arm of the study received 12 months of post-ablation follow-up using a loaned Apple Watch. Participants underwent an education session and were asked to perform daily ECGs; sending through any labelled as AF, inconclusive, or in the context of symptoms. The accuracy of the automated ECG labelling was determined against blinded, independent labelling by two experienced Electrophysiologists. Results 1093 remote transmissions were emailed in for evaluation from 52 patients to the Study team. This was a median of 6 [2, 17] per patient and a receiver burden of 2 [1, 4] ECGs per day. 475 were categorised by the AW as AF with a sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.96 compared to expert labelling. 342 (31%) were not categorised by the wearable, with an ‘inconclusive’ interpretation (161 [47%]) or ‘high heart rate’ (108 [32%]) as the most cited reasons. 178 (55%) of the uncategorised ECGs were subsequently overread as AF. Accompanying symptoms were reported with 324 (30%) ECGs, most commonly palpitations. Conclusion This is the first reported evaluation of the AF diagnostic feature based on AW ECG recordings as part of a remote patient rhythm surveillance pathway after catheter ablation. The high positive predictive value of ‘Sinus Rhythm’ and ‘AF’ labels and the high specificity of the ‘AF’ label are comparable to diagnostic algorithms in implantable loop recorders.(2) The source code to automate data curation and structured databasing of wearable ECGs has been made available for care providers to integrate the service into device monitoring workflows.(3)

Prognostic value of left atrial strain for outcome of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and moderately enlarged left atrium

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) is an effective rhythm control method for patients with AF, but AF recurrence is higher in patients with a large left atrium (LA). We explored whether pre-procedural LA strain has incremental prognostic value for the long-term rhythm outcomes of AFCA in patients with AF and moderately enlarged LA size (45≤LA diameter<50mm). Methods We included 2,269 patients who underwent de novo AF catheter ablation (men 72.2%, 59.1[±10.7] years, paroxysmal AF 64.0%). We divided grouped into 5 mm increments and determined the appropriate cut-off of LA diameter (45mm) predicting the difference in long-term rhythm outcome by the log-likelihood values of multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Patients with moderately enlarged LA size (45≤LA diameter<50mm, n=413) with borderline rhythm outcomes were used for analysis. Results In the cohort of 413 patients who underwent AFCA with moderately enlarged LA size, AF was recurred in 208 patients (43.7%) after AFCA. We determined the appropriate cut-off of LA strain (12.5) predicting the difference in long-term rhythm outcome by the log-likelihood values of multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. During 24 months [10-50] follow-up, patients with low LA strain (<12.5) were showed worsen rhythm outcome than high LA strain (Log-rank p<0.001). Patients with AF recurrence after AFCA were independently associated with low LA strain (HR 1.539 [1.130-2.094], p=0.006), and paroxysmal AF (OR 0.651 [0.469-0.905], p=0.011). Furthermore, the likelihood ratio test demonstrated a significant influence of adding LA strain by TTE (χ2 = 13.90 [P < 0.001]). Conclusions LA strain using baseline echocardiography has a predictive power for AF recurrence after AFCA in patients with moderately enlarged LA size (45≤LA diameter<50mm).

A 12-Year Review of Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis—Are They the Same as Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Background: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is uncommon but not insignificant. The current literature is limited, and the management is largely extrapolated from the treatment of lower extremity DVTs (LEDVT). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with UEDVT at Northern Health, Victoria, Australia, between December 2010 and December 2022. Medical records were reviewed to assess baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes. The results were compared to our previously collected data for LEDVTs. Results: 137 patients with UEDVT were identified (52.6% females; median age 62 years, IQR 46–74 years). A total of 105 patients (76.6%) had at least one provoking factor at the time of diagnosis, most commonly malignancy (45.7%) and/or indwelling venous devices (58.1%). Fourteen patients (10.1%) were subsequently diagnosed with Paget–Schroetter syndrome, with nine receiving endovascular or surgical intervention. A total of 109 patients (79.6%) received limited therapeutic anticoagulation (median 3 months, IQR 1.5–6.0 months) with enoxaparin, the most common anticoagulant used. Six patients had major bleeding (5.2/100-patient-years), and seven developed clot progression while on anticoagulation (6.0/100-patient-years). Ten patients had recurrent VTE following anticoagulation cessation (4.6/100-patient-years). There were no significant differences seen in the complication rate between catheter-related UEDVT and other UEDVTs. Compared to LEDVT, UEDVT was more likely provoked with comparable complication rates. Conclusions: UEDVTs were commonly associated with a provoking factor, with indwelling catheters and/or malignancies being the most common. Interestingly, catheter-related UEDVT had comparable clot progression/recurrence and major bleeding compared to other UEDVTs and LEDVTs, which may be confounded by relatively high rates of malignancy.

Feasibility and safety of flexible ureteroscopy with intelligent control of renal pelvis pressure without urinary catheter: a retrospective study

BackgroundTo explore the feasibility and safety of aflexible ureteroscopy with intelligent control of renal pelvic pressure(FUS-ICP) without a post-operative indwelling urinary catheter .MethodsIn this retrospective study, we assessed patients with upper urinary tract stones who were treated with FUS-ICP at the Ganzhou People’s Hospital from February 2022 to December 2023. Patients were divided into the non-urinary catheter (non-UC) and urinary catheter (UC) groups according to whether an indwelling catheter was used after surgery.ResultsIn total, 142 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the two groups. Patients in the non-UC group performed better than those in the UC group in terms of catheter-related bladder irritation (P = 0.001), the Sedation-Agitation Scale score (P = 0.012), and the numerical rating scale (P = 0.003). The incidences of urinary retention (P = 0.620), urinary tract infection (P = 0.529), and replacement of urethral catheter s (P = 0.438) in the UC group were inferior to those in the non-UC group, but there was no statistical significance.ConclusionsIt is feasible and safe to perform FUS-ICP without a post-procedure indwelling urinary catheter.

Meta-analysis of the comparison of laparoscopic pectopexy and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

The effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic pectopexy (LP) in the treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) have recently gained significant interest. This study aimed to compare the outcomes and effectiveness of LP and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, and CNKI. No language restrictions were applied in the search. The search encompassed the entire period from the inception of the respective databases to April 2023. All randomized controlled trials and comparative studies were included. A cumulative analysis was conducted on 10 studies, accounting for 15% of the overall research pool. The sample sizes of these studies were 760. Two researchers independently evaluated the eligibility of the studies, collected the relevant data, and evaluated their potential bias. Compared with LSC, the average operation time for LP in the simple surgery group was shorter (standardized mean difference [SMD] -2.14, 95% CI -2.68 to -1.60, P < 0.001). The average bleeding volume was lower (SMD -3.17, 95% CI -5.22 to -1.12, P = 0.002), the postoperative indwelling catheterization time was shorter (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.02, P = 0.040), and there were fewer total postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.94, P = 0.030). In terms of effectiveness, the LP group had fewer postoperative prolapse recurrences than the LSC group (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.77, P = 0.010). LP demonstrates a comparable surgical efficacy to LSC. However, the surgical safety of LP is significantly improved. These findings should be validated by including additional randomized controlled trials.

Surveillance of esophageal injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Atrial-esophageal fistula following ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a major concern. There is no standardized approach to minimize the risk and morbidity of this serious complication. The objective of this study was to present the 7-year experience of systematic endoscopic surveillance of esophageal injury after AF catheter ablation. This was a retrospective single-center registry of systematic endoscopic evaluations after consecutive AF ablation procedures performed from 2016 to 2022. A total of 677 AF ablation procedures with controlled esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were analyzed during that period. Most patients were male (71%) with paroxysmal AF (71%). Radiofrequency with electroanatomical mapping was the main ablation approach for 633 patients (93.5%). Esophageal temperature monitoring was performed using a single sensor in 220 patients (34.3%) and a multisensor probe in 296 patients (46%). Most of the patients presented no esophageal lesions (75,7%). Severe lesions (Kansas-city-classification KCC 2B) were found in 46 (6.8%) of them, requiring a new EGD in 7days. KCC2B lesions were persistent in 3 patients, 2 of whom had ulcers during healing and 1 patient with a deep ulcer of 10mm who was admitted to the hospital and underwent fasting and parenteral nutrition. The ulcer healed in the second week after the procedure. Both esophageal temperature monitoring strategies were equivalent at preventing thermal lesions. Additionally, a greater left atrium (LA) was associated with a lower incidence of esophageal ulcer (P = 0.028). Most of the lesions spontaneously healed. The incidence of esophageal injury after ablation was 24.3%. Most (72%) were mild lesions that required no therapeutic intervention. A larger left atrium (LA) was correlated with a lower incidence of thermal lesions. Early endoscopy can help diagnose severe esophageal lesions and may provide additional information for the surveillance of esophageal injury after AF ablation.

Abdominal Lymphatic Malformations: A Novel Approach in Management

Aim of the studyAbdominal lymphatic malformations (LM) are a challenging clinical entity. Complete excision can be impossible due to the infiltrative nature of some lesions and high rate of complications. Sclerotherapy may require multiple episodes of general anaesthesia and an inability to be definitive in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Subsequently we have adopted a newer algorithm of treatment involving a joint procedure with interventional radiology to enable an intra-operative treatment plan based on the findings. We present our early results. MethodA retrospective observational study in a single tertiary paediatric centre from January 2019 to December 2023. The details of each patient were recorded along with their treatment pathway and outcome. Results12 children underwent treatment for abdominal LM. Under GA and laparoscopic vision, pigtail catheters were inserted into the lesion to effect maximal drainage and assessment of surgical anatomy. If resection was feasible this was undertaken through a laparotomy and if not, the drains were retained and sclerotherapy was started.Three underwent drainage with sclerotherapy without resection and 9 underwent drainage with resection. Of the 3 who underwent sclerotherapy 2 have had further treatment and remain under review at a mean follow up of 7.6 months. Of the other 9 there were no signs of recurrence of the LM at a mean follow up of 29 (range 6–56) months. ConclusionWe have found a combined procedure involving IR-guided drainage under laparoscopic vision enabling curative surgical resection to be undertaken, where feasible, with currently no significant morbidity. For those in whom this is not possible then direct intralesional sclerotherapy is the next most useful treatment modality for longer term control of symptoms. Level of evidenceII.

Effectiveness of Nurse-Driven Protocols in Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common health care-associated infections linked to indwelling urinary catheters. Nurse-driven protocols (NDPs) empower nurses to direct care without physician orders, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing infection rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of NDPs for preventing CAUTIs and reducing catheter utilization rates. Databases searched included Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and others. Ten studies involving 27, 965 NDP-treated patients and 30, 230 controls were reviewed, examining catheter utilization rates and CAUTI incidence. Use of NDPs significantly lowered catheter utilization rates (34.84% vs 49.40%) and CAUTI incidence (2.867% vs 6.503%). Risk ratio analysis revealed a 29.48% decrease in catheter utilization and a 55.91% reduced CAUTI risk with NDP implementation. Using NDPs demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing catheter use and CAUTI occurrence compared to traditional methods. Further research is warranted to solidify evidence-based nursing practices in this area.

Impact of urinary catheters including reusable catheters on quality of life and work productivity in persons with spinal cord lesion

While preventing renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection are of paramount importance to persons with a spinal cord lesion (SCL), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are receiving much more attention than ever before. We performed a cross-sectional internet survey of 282 adult members of SCL patient advocacy groups and investigated, for the first time, the impact of different types of urinary catheter, including a Japanese reusable silicone catheter and a reusable intermittent balloon catheter, on PROs of persons with SCL. Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) did not surpass continuous indwelling catheterization in terms of a disease-specific urinary quality of life. Urinary incontinence, regular ISC, and performing ISC away from home confronted these individuals. Work productivity and regular activities correlated fairly well with the disease-specific urinary quality of life. Bowel management problems affected all PROs evaluated. The absence of differences in PROs among the types of catheter used for ISC implies that Japanese reusable catheters have the potential to benefit selected persons with SCL. Further research is warranted to develop measures for maximizing work productivity by overcoming urinary as well as bowel problems.