Femoral Vein Research Articles

Analysis of Tomographic Images of a Catastrophic Gas Embolism during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure. Air embolism in a patient undergoing ERCP is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 2-3% of procedures performed, and a catastrophic air embolism is even rarer. Symptoms of air embolism can come from the cardiopulmonary and nervous system. It is important to remember this in the differential diagnosis of complications of ERCP, as early detection is crucial. In the case presented here, the diagnostic CT scan performed immediately after the incident brings awareness of how massive an air embolism can be. The CT results showed gas bubbles entering both the superior and inferior vena cava. The presence of air has been captured in the bile ducts, duodenum wall, heart, femoral veins and intracranially. Risk factors for this complication include previous biliary surgeries, the presence of prostheses and stents, cholangitis, liver tumors and anatomical anomalies such as hepatobiliary fistulas, as well as intrahepatic and extrahepatic anatomical leaks. As gas embolism is associated with serious health consequences, knowledge of the problem and adequate preparation may reduce the occurrence of the problem. Attention should be paid to basic and easily obtainable precautions when performing the procedure, such as the patient's hemodynamic status, adequate hydration and positioning during the procedure.

Study of variations in the anatomy of the deep femoral vein using indirect CT phlebography

Study of variations in the anatomy of the deep femoral vein using indirect CT phlebography

A comparative analysis of deep learning and hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithms with contrast-enhancement-boost post-processing on the image quality of indirect computed tomography venography of the lower extremities

PurposeTo examine whether there is a significant difference in image quality between the deep learning reconstruction (DLR [AiCE, Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine]) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR [AIDR 3D, adaptive iterative dose reduction three dimensional]) algorithms on the conventional enhanced and CE-boost (contrast-enhancement-boost) images of indirect computed tomography venography (CTV) of lower extremities.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, seventy patients who underwent CTV from June 2021 to October 2022 to assess deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins were included. Unenhanced and enhanced images were reconstructed for AIDR 3D and AiCE, AIDR 3D-boost and AiCE-boost images were obtained using subtraction software. Objective and subjective image qualities were assessed, and radiation doses were recorded.ResultsThe CT values of the inferior vena cava (IVC), femoral vein ( FV), and popliteal vein (PV) in the CE-boost images were approximately 1.3 (1.31–1.36) times higher than in those of the enhanced images. There were no significant differences in mean CT values of IVC, FV, and PV between AIDR 3D and AiCE, AIDR 3D-boost and AiCE-boost images. Noise in AiCE, AiCE-boost images was significantly lower than in AIDR 3D and AIDR 3D-boost images ( P < 0.05). The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), CNR (contrast-to-noise ratio), and subjective scores of AiCE-boost images were the highest among 4 groups, surpassing AiCE, AIDR 3D, and AIDR 3D-boost images (all P < 0.05).ConclusionIn indirect CTV of the lower extremities images, DLR with the CE-boost technique could decrease the image noise and improve the CT values, SNR, CNR, and subjective image scores. AiCE-boost images received the highest subjective image quality score and were more readily accepted by radiologists.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension as a Predictor of Severity of Chronic Kidney Disease and Correlation with Its Various Stages

Abstract Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pulmonary hypertension (PH) presents a complex pathobiology. Individuals with end-stage kidney disease, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis (HD), face an elevated risk of PH development. Early identification of PH severity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) can facilitate timely interventions to mitigate cardiovascular mortality. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of PAH in CKD patients and explored its association with different CKD stages. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 60 CKD patients was conducted. Pulmonary arterial pressures were assessed using Doppler echocardiography, and patients were stratified into groups based on PH severity. Results: In our study, 86.7% of CKD patients had PAH, and their mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) was 50.83 ± 9.779 mmHg. There was a significant increase in PH prevalence with advancing CKD stages (P &lt; 0.001). Patients undergoing HD exhibited a substantial PH prevalence (63.5%) (P &lt; 0.001) as compared to those receiving conservative treatment. Furthermore, pulmonary arterial pressures were greater in HD patients with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (44.2%) (P &lt; 0.001) than in individuals with a femoral or jugular vein HD catheter. Conclusion: Nearly four-fifth of CKD patients had PAH. In addition, individuals undergoing dialysis with an AVF demonstrated significantly elevated pulmonary arterial pressures compared to those using a femoral or jugular vein HD catheter.

A novel rat lung transplantation model using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

ObjectivesExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important life support technique during lung transplantation. We aimed to develop a rat model for lung transplantation using venoarterial (VA) ECMO support. MethodsAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 400 to 450 g were used in this study. ECMO circuits were created by obtaining venous access from the femoral vein with subsequent extracorporeal oxygen exchange, which was then returned to the circulatory system through the left carotid artery (ie, VA-ECMO). Simultaneously, the donor lungs were retrieved and immersed in cold, low-potassium dextran lung preservation solution. Orthotopic left lung transplantation supported by VA-ECMO was performed. Thereafter, a respiratory failure rat model was constructed using ventilation with a hypoxic and hypercapnic gas mixture, consisting of 6% oxygen, 8% carbon dioxide, and 86% nitrogen, before lung transplantation. Similarly, left lung transplantation supported by VA-ECMO was performed in rats with respiratory failure. Arterial blood gas levels were measured at designated time points throughout the experiment. ResultsWe found that VA-ECMO provided sufficient oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal to allow for smooth left lung transplantation in healthy rats and those with respiratory failure. ConclusionsWe established a rat model for lung transplantation using VA-ECMO. Left lung transplantation using VA-ECMO support is also feasible and safe in rat models of respiratory failure. These models provide efficient and economical models for translational medicine for lung transplantation using ECMO. Moreover, it will be invaluable to evaluate the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ECMO during lung transplantation.

Internal jugular vein‐femoral vein diversion during anterior mediastinal mass resection and superior vena cava replacement

SummarySurgery which involves anterior mediastinal mass resection with artificial replacement of the superior vena cava results in significant disruption to the circulatory system. In this case, a pathway was established to divert blood from the internal jugular to the femoral vein after clamping of the superior vena cava. Blood which would ordinarily return to the right atrium via the superior vena cava was now being returned via the inferior vena cava. The mean arterial pressure was maintained at least 50 mmHg higher than the central venous pressure during clamping of the superior vena cava to avoid cerebral hypoperfusion. The combined use of the above strategies aimed to provide satisfactory surgical conditions and cerebral protection.

Contemporary Experience of the Neo-Aortoiliac System (NAIS) Procedure: A Case Series with Review of the Literature

Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a life-threatening complication that can result in death, amputation, sepsis, aorto-enteric fistula, and pseudoaneurysm formation. After explantation of the infected graft, options for reconstruction include extra-anatomic bypass or in-line reconstruction using antibiotic-coated prosthetic graft, cryopreserved allograft, or a neo-aortoiliac system (NAIS) using autogenous femoral veins. While the NAIS procedure has shown promising results, there is relatively limited clinical experience due the magnitude and morbidity of the surgery. In this study, we reviewed our single-center experience using the NAIS procedure and performed a systematic review of the contemporary literature more than the past decade. A retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing NAIS reconstruction with autogenous femoral vein conduits at a single institution from 2010 to 2022. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried for studies published from 2012 to 2022 to identify those reporting on outcomes of patients undergoing the NAIS procedure. Outcome variables included early and late mortality, major complications including amputation, graft or conduit related complications, re-infection, and re-intervention. Additional variables collected include patient demographics, operative technique, and follow up. There were 14 patients included in our case series with 30-day mortality of 21%. At a mean follow up of 22months, complication rate was 64.3%, re-intervention rate was 14.3%, re-infection rate was 7.1%, and amputation rate was 7.1%. On review of the literature, 12 studies ultimately met criteria to be included in analysis with a combined total of 368 patients. Pooled averages included 30-day mortality of 9.0%, re-intervention rate of 20.5%, re-infection rate of 5.6%, and amputation rate of 6.5%. The NAIS procedure for management of AGI is a formidable procedure with significant early mortality and morbidity. This treatment should be considered in the context of other revascularization options for management of an AGI.

The Cardiac Pulsed Wave Doppler Pattern of the Common Femoral Vein in Diagnosing the Likelihood of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension: Results from a Prospective Multicentric Study.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a clinical condition with high mortality rates, particularly in patients over 65. Current guidelines recommend assessing the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension (LPH) using advanced echocardiography before proceeding to right heart catheterization. This study proposed using the common femoral vein (CFV), an accessible vein that reflects right atrial pressure, as an alternative method to assess the high likelihood of pulmonary hypertension (H-LPH). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 175 emergency patients from three hospitals. Ultrasound assessed the pulsed wave Doppler (PW-Doppler) morphology of the CFV. This diagnostic yield for H-LPH was evaluated alongside traditional ultrasound parameters (right-to-left ventricular basal diameter ratio greater than 1 (RV > LV), septal flattening, right ventricular outflow acceleration time (RVOT) of less than 105 ms and/or mesosystolic notching, pulmonary artery diameter greater than the aortic root (AR) diameter or over 25 mm, early pulmonary regurgitation maximum velocity > 2.2 m/s; TAPSE/PASP less than 0.55, inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter over 21 mm with decreased inspiratory collapse, and right atrial (RA) area over 18 cm2). Results: The CFV's PW-Doppler cardiac pattern correlated strongly with H-LPH, showing a sensitivity (Sn) of 72% and a specificity (Sp) of 96%. RA dilation and TAPSE/PASP < 0.55 also played significant diagnostic roles. Conclusions: The CFV's PW-Doppler cardiac pattern is an effective indicator of H-LPH, allowing reliable exclusion of this condition when absent. This approach could simplify initial LPH evaluation in emergency settings or where echocardiographic resources are limited.

Advancements in Understanding and Managing Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Contemporary Perspective

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of blood clots within the deep veins, typically affecting those in the pelvis or lower extremities, including the calf, femoral, and popliteal veins. DVT poses a significant global healthcare challenge due to its potential to cause life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism. Recent years have seen substantial progress in comprehending the pathophysiology of DVT and in enhancing strategies for its prevention and management. This review article presents a contemporary viewpoint on the progress made in understanding and addressing DVT, focusing on advancements in epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

Comparing The Ratio Of Femoral Vein Diameter To Femoral Artery Diameter With Pulse Pressure Variation As A Diagnostic Tool For Fluid Responsiveness In Mechanically Ventilated Patient: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: There is a correlation between CVP and the femoral vein diameter. Therefore, we assessed the accuracy of the measurement using pulse pressure variation in patients on mechanical ventilation by measuring the ratio of femoral vein diameter to femoral artery diameter. Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with circulatory failure who were on mechanical ventilation (MV) in our clinical research. Two groups of patients were randomly assigned: Group (P): Thirty patients were placed on fully regulated mechanical ventilation, momentarily drugged, and paralyzed. At baseline, PPV is computed directly on Nihon Kohden monitors. Group (F): (n = 30), FVD/FAD ratio guided; The FVD/FAD ratio in our target group (F) was evaluated at baseline, The main outcome was the variation in MAP (mm Hg) following a three-hour infusion of liquids. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) between before and after the patients received their fluids. MAP was 57.13 ± 2.46 before receiving the fluids, but it increased by an average of 20.60, p-value&lt;0.001. Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in the FVD/FAD ratio before and after the patients received their fluids. The mean FVD/FAD ratio was 0.91 ± 0.13 before receiving the fluids, but after the patients received their fluids, the mean FVD/FAD ratio was 1.27 ± 0.16 after receiving the fluids. Conclusion: The FVA/FAD ratio is a good indicator to assess the volume status of the patient who received fluids for resuscitation but should be confirmed by other parameters in hypovolemic-pre-resuscitated patients. Highlights • Assessement the accuracy of the measurement using pulse pressure variation in patients on mechanical ventilation • The state of blood volume can be determined using both invasive and non-invasive techniques. The FVA/FAD ratio is a good indicator to assess the volume status of the patient who received fluids for resuscitation.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Therapeutic and Prophylactic Anticoagulation in COVID-19 Patients With Venous Catheter and Its Correlation With Clinical Outcomes

Introduction The COVID-19 disease was first detected in December 2019, and since then, various treatments have been used to manage it. One such treatment method is therapeutic plasma exchange. This method involves implanting a venous catheter, which increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Other risk factors for VTE include infections like COVID-19, inflammation, or malignancy. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, patients with acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19 who were hospitalized and had venous catheters inserted for therapeutic plasma exchange were enrolled. The prophylactic anticoagulant dose was started for all patients, and after the diagnosis of VTE, it was changed to the therapeutic dose. Patients' information, including demographic data, clinical information, and laboratory findings, was extracted from patients' records and recorded in a checklist designed for each patient. Results From a total of 168 patients, 26 were diagnosed with VTE (pulmonary embolism in 5 patients and deep vein thrombosis in 21 patients). The prevalence of VTE in COVID-19 patients with the venous catheter was 15.4%. The right femoral vein was the most used route for catheterization and had the highest occurrence of venous thromboses. The patients diagnosed with thrombosis showed a lower mortality rate, higher D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels, and lower platelet counts. Conclusions This study showed a higher risk of VTE and subclinical thrombosis in COVID-19 patients with venous catheters. Continuous screening, higher doses of anticoagulants, and early removal of venous catheters are critical in preventing VTE and mortality.

Antegrade embolization of varicocele with cyanoacrylate glue: a case report

BackgroundVaricocele embolization is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option, with a symptom improvement rate of around 90%. However, anatomical variations and post-embolization recurrences pose challenges to its efficacy. This article discusses the antegrade embolization technique as a viable alternative for cases in which retrograde embolization fails, offering a broader spectrum of treatment options for varicocele.Case presentationThis case report details the treatment of a 27-year-old male with a left varicocele, diagnosed during infertility assessment, using an alternative embolization technique. Despite initial failed attempts at retrograde catheterization via the femoral vein, a direct inguinal puncture of the left testicular vein was successfully performed under ultrasound guidance. A mixture of Glubran® and Lipiodol® was used for embolization, achieving varicocele embolization without complications. The patient was discharged 2 hours post-procedure, with follow-up confirming the procedure’s effectiveness and safety.ConclusionThis article introduces a less invasive, ultrasound-guided technique for varicocele embolization, presenting a viable alternative to surgery when conventional retrograde methods fail.Graphical

Same-day discharge after percutaneous closure of persistent foramen ovale using intracardiac echocardiography and the Gore Septal Occluder.

Periprocedural and postinterventional care of patients undergoing closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) varies significantly across care providers. Same-day discharge (SDD) after transcatheter interventions is an evolving concept. This study aimed to assess the same-day discharge rate and incidence of complications in patients undergoing PFO closure with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) using the Gore®Cardioform Septal Occluder (GSO) device. The secondary aim was to analyse the efficacy of femoral vein closure with Perclose ProGlide. Patients who underwent PFO closure with the GSO device at a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, were retrospectively included between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, all with cryptogenic stroke as the indication for the procedure. All patients underwent PFO closure with conscious sedation and local anaesthesia. The indication for all patients was a cryptogenic stroke. Periprocedural imaging was performed using ICE and fluoroscopy in all patients. Patient characteristics and periprocedural data were collected from patient charts. Patients were kept on bed rest for 4-6 h post-intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography and clinical examination, including groin status, were performed before discharge. No clinical routine follow-up was performed the day following the intervention. Clinical follow-up was done by phone call two weeks after the procedure, and echocardiographic follow-up was done after 12 months. Data were analysed using linear and logistic regression models. In total, 262 patients were included, of which 246 (94%) had SDD. 166 patients (63%) received the ProGlide™ system for femoral vein access closure. Post-procedural arrhythmias occurred in 17 (6%) patients, and vascular complications in 9 patients (3%). The overall closure rate at follow-up was 98.5%. 25 out of 264 patients (9.5%) had to be readmitted within the first eight weeks after PFO closure, 16 due to atrial fibrillation warranting electric cardioversion, one due to an arteriovenous fistula that was operated, four due to chest pain/pain at the access site, and four patients developed fever. There was no difference in SDD among patients who received ProGlide™ vs. patients who did not receive ProGlide™. SDD appears safe after transcatheter PFO closure with the GSO device with high procedural success rates. Low rates of complications and readmissions make the intervention suitable for this patient-friendly and cost-effective concept.

Feasibility study on atrial fibrillation ablation with pulsed field ablation and concomitant occlusion of the left atrial appendage.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are increasingly performed as individual procedures. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has significantly reduced procedure duration and may be advantageous for the combined approach. We have launched a programme for simultaneous AF ablation using PFA and LAAO for patients qualifying for both treatments and excluding those with a complex anatomy. We compare procedure duration and fluoroscopy time against individual procedures (either AF ablation or LAAO alone), all performed by the same operators and using consistent technologies. We performed the combined procedure in 10 patients (50% males; median age 70 years) and excluded 2 patients (17%) because of a complex left atrial appendage anatomy. No death, stroke, or major bleeding events, including pericardial effusion, occurred. For single-procedure comparison, 207 AF ablation procedures and 61 LAAO procedures were available. The total median procedure duration was 79 min (range 60-125) for the combined procedure, 71 min (25-241) for individual AF ablation (51 min without and 78 min with 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping), and 47 min (15-162) for individual LAAO. The respective fluoroscopy times were 21 (15-26), 15 (5-44), and 10 (3-50) min. For the combined procedure, femoral vein access to last PFA application lasted 49 min (34-93) and LAAO added 20 min (15-37). Simultaneous PFA-based AF ablation and LAAO in carefully selected patients is feasible and safe and can be executed within a short overall procedure duration.

To evaluate the complication and patency rate of superficial femoral vein transposition in tertiary care center.

When all access options in the upper extremity have been exhausted, an autologous access can be created in lower extremity. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with superficial femoral vein transposition (SFVT) results in terms of postoperative complication and patency rate. In the time period from January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2021, thirty-five cases of SFVT performed at our large tertiary care center Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). All patients had exhausted upper arm veins or had central vein obstructions. Medical records of all patients were traced, patients were interviewed using a standard proforma and evaluated the current AVF function in the OPD clinic or by telephone calls. Data including demographics and postoperative complications were collected. Thirty-nine cases of SFVT performed at our institute. Three were immediately lost to follow up so they were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 30 ± 13.4 years. Most of our patients were females (57%) and 15 males (43%) with an average age of 29.05 years. The most common underlying renal diseasewas unknown in 16 (45%).Thirty-five patients included in the analysis; out of which primary failure observed in 4 patients, three patients were expired before fistula maturation and 3 were expired before 6 months. The remaining 25 fistulas patency rates were estimated. No any patient died due to fistulas related complication; patients died due to their primary disease. Our study shows that with appropriate patient selection, SFVT have low infection rates and patency that is comparable with other access types.

Bilateral transposition of the femoral vein and artery: a rare challenge in central venous catheterization.

Bilateral transposition of the femoral vein and artery: a rare challenge in central venous catheterization.

Aortic Arch Bare Metal Stenting in a 10-Years-Old Boy with DiGeorge Syndrome Using Overdrive External Pacing

Introduction: In the last decade, percutaneous stent placement has become the standard for treating CoA after childhood. However, stent placement as a treatment for aortic arch hypoplasia has only been described in small series and case reports. Case Report: A nine-year-old boy with DiGeorge syndrome (BW 50 kg, BL 140 cm, BSA 1.4 m2) was admitted to our hospital due to planned heart catheterisation with aortic arch stenting. In the neonatal period, he underwent complete surgical correction of the IAA type B with perimembranous VSD. During the follow-up period, the progressive narrowing of the aortic arch was observed with gradually increasing systolic pressure gradient (PG) on the echocardiography examination (PG 55 mmHg). The cardiac catheterization was performed under general anaesthesia. The peak-to-peak gradient was estimated at 32 mmHg (AoAsc 128/78 mmHg; AoDsc 96/68 mmHg). Aortography pointed out tubular hypoplasia of the aortic arch between branches (17 mm in length) with localized narrowing right behind the first aortic branch, 6 mm in diameter, and post-stenotic dilatation. The stenosis was resolved using a 22mm long uncovered Cheatham Platinum (CP) stent crimped on a 12 mm Balloon-in-Balloon (BiB) catheter with additional flaring of the distal stent part (Figure 1B and C). During the stent implantation, an overdrive external pacemaker (wire was placed into the right ventricle anterograde across the right femoral vein) was used. Control angiography relieved satisfying anterograde flow across the aorta and aortic branches. The peak-to-peak gradient after stenting was 10 mmHg. Conclusion: Although technically challenging, carefully analyzing the arch and vessel morphology allows the dilation of the transverse aortic arch hypoplasia and stenosis using a bare metal stent with good angiographic and hemodynamic results and without complications.

Five-year survival analysis and predictors of mortality of adult hemodialysis patients in Indonesia: a nationwide database analysis.

Hemodialysis (HD) is the modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) with the highest mortality rate. The identification of prognostic factors will help achieve better outcomes among HD patients. In this study, we sought to conduct a survival analysis and determine the predictors of mortality among adult Indonesian HD patients using data obtained from Indonesian Renal Registry (IRR). This is a retrospective cohort study which reviewed all adult hemodialysis patients in Indonesia based on the records of IRR during 2007-2022. Variables analyzed in this study include age, sex, etiology of CKD, cause of death, HD frequency, and initial vascular access. A 5-year follow-up was performed until the outcome of death or drop out was found. Among 99,552 eligible patients, the mean survival length was 1536.21 ± 2.50days. The 5-year survival rate was 77%. Cox proportional hazard regression model revealed demographic and clinical characteristics that are significantly associated with mortality: male sex (HR: 1.038, 95% CI 1.002-1.075), age of 60years or older (HR: 1.329, 95% CI 1.281-1.379), diabetic nephropathy (HR: 1.347, 95% CI 1.249-1.452), twice-weekly hemodialysis frequency (HR: 1.080, 95% CI 1.011-1.155), initial vascular accesses with femoral vein puncture (HR: 2.710, 95% CI 2.568-2.860), and CVC (HR: 2.992, 95% CI 2.848-3.144). The 5-year survival rate of Indonesian HD patients is 77. Male sex, age of HD onset at 60years or older, diabetic nephropathy, twice-weekly HD frequency, and the initial vascular accesses with femoral vein puncture and CVC are associated with increased risk of mortality.

Feasibility of standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths for high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Objective Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory and respiratory support allowing hemodynamic stabilization during high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the optimal timing of VA-ECMO use in high-risk TAVR remains controversial. We aimed to report our experience using a novel standby ECMO strategy during high-risk TAVR. Methods We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who received high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO between March 1,2023 and March 1,2024 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Small, 5F or 6F sheaths were placed in ipsilateral femoral vein and artery before TAVR procedures. The primary outcome of this study was survival to hospital discharge with good neurological recovery defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) 1-2. Results A total of 24 patients undergoing high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO were included. Six (25.0%) of the 24 patients with standby ECMO suffered from cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest and required emergency VA-ECMO institution. The median (IQR) cannulation time was 8 (6–11) minutes, and the median (IQR) ECMO duration was 35 (24–48) hours. All of the 24 patients underwent successful TAVR procedures and survival to hospital discharge with CPC1-2. Conclusions Standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths was feasible and effective for refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest during high-risk TAVR.

Emergency medicine residents’ learning curve in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis with 3-point venous point-of-care ultrasound

BackgroundMany cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are diagnosed in the emergency department, and abbreviated lower extremity venous point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has already shown an accuracy comparable to that of specialists. This study aimed to identify the learning curve necessary for emergency medicine (EM) residents to achieve expertise-level accuracy in diagnosing DVT through a 3-point lower extremity venous POCUS.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at an emergency department between May 2021 and October 2022. Four EM residents underwent a one-hour POCUS training session and performed DVT assessments in participants with DVT symptoms or confirmed pulmonary embolism. POCUS was performed at three proximal lower extremity sites to evaluate the thrombi presence and vein compressibility, with results validated by specialized radiology ultrasound. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and the Bush and Mosteller models were used to analyze the learning curve, while generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors affecting diagnostic accuracy.Results91 POCUS scans were conducted in 49 patients, resulting in 22% DVT confirmed by specialized venous ultrasound. In the CUSUM analysis, all four EM residents attained a 90% success rate at the common femoral vein, whereas only half achieved this rate when all three sites were considered. According to Bush and Mosteller models, 13–18 cases are required to attain 90–95% diagnostic accuracy. After 10–16 cases, the examination time for each resident decreased, and a 20% increase in examiner confidence was linked to a 2.506-fold increase in the DVT diagnosis accuracy.ConclusionEM residents generally required 13–18 cases for 90–95% DVT diagnostic accuracy, but proficiency varied among individuals, particularly requiring more cases for regions outside the common femoral vein.