Echocardiographic Guidance Research Articles

Favorable mid-term performance of fully biodegradable implantable device for ventricular septal defect closure.

To assess the mid-term safety and efficacy of transthoracic perimembranous ventricular septal defect (Pm-VSD) closure using a new biodegradable device. Implantation entailed right subaxillary minithoracotomy under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Between October 2019 and January 2020, 13 patients (males, 5; mean age, 3.6±2.5years) with Pm-VSDs underwent transthoracic device closures at Zhengzhou University Central China Fuwai Hospital as described previously. Delivery pathways were established by manipulating a hollow probe from right atrium through tricuspid valve to right ventricle and then through VSDs to left ventricle, whereupon installation took place. All occluder implantations were successfully executed. Mean defect size was 4.1±1.0mm, and mean device waist size was 5.2±1.1mm. One patient (7.7%) with 1.5-mm residual shunt showed complete closure at discharge. There was 1 instance of postoperative incomplete right bundle branch block, which converted to complete right bundle branch block at month 1. During patient follow-up (mean, 24.6±0.8months), no device dislocations, new residual shunts, new valvular regurgitation, or detectable atrioventricular block ensued. Closure of Pm-VSDs using a novel, fully biodegradable occluder in the manner described has proven safe and effective at mid-term follow-up. Long-term safety and efficacy of this device must be further corroborated in a large patient cohort going forward.

Pregnancy in patients with complete atrioventricular block: management and perinatal outcomes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although bradyarrhythmias may occur in pregnant patients, there are few data on their management, pregnancy course and perinatal outcomes. Purpose To evaluate the effects of bradyarrhythmias on the course and outcomes of pregnancy. Methods This single-center, prospective study included 8 cases of complete atrioventricular block in pregnant patients (Mean age of pregnant was 25.4±3.6 years, mean gestation age 17.6 ±2.4 weeks). All patients were without structural heart disease. Pregnancy course, clinical outcomes and bradyarrhythmias management were evaluated. Results Complete atrioventricular block was registered in three women prior to pregnancy (37.5%). In 5 cases (62.5%) atrioventricular block diagnosed for the first time during this gestation. All included patients had symptoms of dizziness and syncope during pregnancy. Due to hemodynamic instability pacemakers were implanted in all cases of complete atrioventricular block. Procedure-related complications were not documented. Implantation was performed with the help of echocardiographic guidance and electroanatomical mapping (Ensite Precision system) with minimal fluoroscopy. Pregnancy course in patients with bradyarrhythmias characterized by increased incidence of uterine contractile activity (n=3, 37.5%), uterine blood flow violation was in one case (12.5%). Perinatal outcomes: spontaneous vaginal delivery was in the majority of cases (n=7; 87.5%). One pregnant (12.5%) was delivered by cesarean section. One women had placental abruption and preeclampsia (12.5%). Maternal adverse cardiac events and adverse fetal outcomes were none declared. There were 8 live births (in all cases, 100%). Fetal birth weight was 3158.07±458.2 grams, 5 minute Apgar was 8.87±0.6. There were no maternal and fetal mortality. Conclusions Complete atrioventricular block, observed in patients, did not require termination of gestation. Implantation of pacemaker in cases of complete atrioventricular block can be safety performed in pregnancy and associated with benign pregnancy course and outcomes in the majority of cases.

Electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias from the right bundle branch of the moderator band

There are little data on ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the right bundle branch (RBB) of the moderator band (MB) (MB-RBB VAs) in a cohort of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics of MB-RBB VAs. Sixteen patients with MB-RBB VAs and 5 patients with right ventricular (RV) anterior papillary muscle (APM) VAs (RV-APM VAs) were studied under the guidance of intracardiac echocardiography. The MB-RBB VAs group demonstrated a typical left bundle branch block pattern with left superior axis deviation and a narrower QRS complex during VAs (P < .001) as compared with the RV-APM VAs group. Furthermore, the MB-RBB VAs group had a shorter rS interval, a sharper slope of the S wave downstroke without notching in leads V1 and V2, and a shorter r wave duration in lead V2. A leading RBB potential at the target during VAs was observed for all patients in the MB-RBB VAs group, which was also present during sinus rhythm for all patients, except for 2 with RBB block at baseline. Ablation of the leading RBB potential effectively eliminated the arrhythmia. In the RV-APM VAs group, no Purkinje potential at the target was identified in any patient during VAs. QRS morphology of MB-RBB VAs is characterized by a typical left bundle branch block pattern with a relatively narrow QRS complex, short r wave and rS durations, and a sharp S wave downstroke without notching in leads V1 and V2. Mapping and ablation of the leading RBB potential are effective in eliminating VAs.

The Role of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Atrial Thrombus - Case Report.

Renal cell carcinoma is a common disease, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common histological type. Renal cell carcinoma has a tendency to infiltrate the venous system including the inferior vena cava and the right atrium of the heart. We present the cases of two patients with renal cell carcinoma with stage IV tumor thrombus according to the Mayo classification, who underwent surgery under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Apart from standard imaging methods used in renal cancer with tumor thrombus reaching the right atrium of the heart, we consider transesophageal echocardiography to be a very useful tool in the diagnostic work-up, patient monitoring, and selection of appropriate surgical technique.

Feasibility and safety of a three-dimensional anatomic map-guided transseptal puncture for left-sided catheter ablation procedures.

Transseptal puncture (TP) for left-sided catheter ablation procedures is routinely performed under fluoroscopic or echocardiographic guidance [transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)], although three-dimensional (3D) mapping systems are readily available in most electrophysiology laboratories. Here, we sought to assess the feasibility and safety of a right atrial (RA) 3D map-guided TP. In 104 patients, 3D RA mapping was performed to identify the fossa ovalis (FO) using the protrusion technique. The radiofrequency transseptal needle was visualized and navigated to the desired potential FO-TP site. Thereafter, the interventionalist was unblinded to TEE and the potential FO-TP site was reassessed regarding its convenience and safety. After TP, the exact TP site was documented using a 17-segment-FO model. Reliable identification of the FO was feasible in 102 patients (98%). In these, 114 3D map-guided TP attempts were performed, of which 96 (84%) patients demonstrated a good position and 18 (16%) an adequate position after TEE unblinding. An out-of-FO or dangerous position did not occur. A successful 3D map-guided TP was performed in 110 attempts (97%). Four attempts (3%) with adequate positions were aborted in order to seek a more convenient TP site. The median time from RA mapping until the end of the TP process was 13 (12-17) min. No TP-related complications occurred. Ninety-eight TP sites (85.1%) were in the central portion or in the inner loop of the FO. A 3D map-guided TP is feasible and safe. It may assist to decrease radiation exposure and the need for TEE/ICE during left-sided catheter ablation procedures.

S-20-2: IS HYPERTENSION A CAUSE OF ATRIAL CARDIOMYOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION? -EVIDENCE FROM ATRIAL BIOPSY-

Objective: Hypertension is considered to be associated with the development of ventricular cardiomyopathy, however, little is known about its impact on atrial cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between hypertension and atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Design and method: We examined 234 patients (67 ± 12 years old, 72 female genders, 145 non-paroxysmal AF type) who underwent right atrial septum biopsy from the limbus of fossa ovalis under the guidance of intracardiac echocardiography during catheter ablation for AF. High-density bipolar voltage mapping was also performed using a grid mapping catheter during high right atrial pacing. Atrial cardiomyopathy was evaluated based on quantitative histological analyses including the extent of fibrosis (%Fibrosis), extent of intercellular space (%Intercellular-space), severity of myofibrillar loss (%Myofibrillar-loss), extent of adipocyte (%Adipocyte), myocyte size, and nuclear density were quantified using a digital image platform based on the Masson Trichrome and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (Figure A). Mean voltage at the biopsy site and the whole left atrium (LA) was evaluated (Figure B). Univariate analyses were performed on these histological factors between patients with hypertension and those without. Covariate correction for age and gender was also performed. Results: A total of 132 patients had hypertension. Univariate analysis showed no significant difference in %Fibrosis, %Intercellular-space, %Myofibrillar-loss, %Adipocyte, Myocyte size, mean voltage at the biopsy site and of the whole LA, LA volume/body surface area, and LA diameter between patients with and without hypertension. Nuclear density was significantly lower in patients with hypertension than those without hypertension (368 ± 128 vs. 409 ± 151/mm2, p = 0.006) (Figure C). After adjusting for age and gender, there was no significant difference in the nuclear density (p = 0.129). Conclusions: Arterial hypertension is not associated with the severity of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with AF.

PS-C02-5: HYPERTENSION IS NOT A PREDICTOR OF ATRIAL FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - EVIDENCE FROM ATRIAL BIOPSY

Objective: Hypertension is considered to promote atrial fibrosis and contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of arterial hypertension on atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Design and method: We examined 234 patients (67 ± 12 years old, 72 female genders, 145 non-paroxysmal AF type) who underwent right atrial septum biopsy under the guidance of intracardiac echocardiography and fluoroscopy (Figure A) during catheter ablation for AF. The extent of histological fibrosis (%Fibrosis) was quantified using digital imaging platform based on the Masson trichrome staining (Figure B). Clinical factors possibly associated with %Fibrosis were evaluated using simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 132 patients had hypertension. The mean %fibrosis was 7 ± 4% (range 1–20%). There was no significant difference of %Fibrosis in patients with and without hypertension (Figure C). Univariate analyses identified age, female gender, smaller body surface area (BSA), decreased eGFR, non-paroxysmal AF type, larger left atrial volume/BSA, and higher E/e were associated with increase in %Fibrosis. Multivariate analysis showed that only non-paroxysmal AF type and left atrial volume/BSA were identified as significant clinical factors associated with %Fibrosis (Figure D). Conclusions: Our data suggest that hypertension is not an independent predictor of atrial histological fibrosis in patients with AF. The mechanism of atrial fibrosis would not be directly related to arterial hypertension contrary to previous hypotheses.

A Case Report of Acute Cardiac Tamponade Creation in a Macaque: Echo-Guided Catheter Manipulation to Perforate Coronary Artery.

Although acute cardiac tamponade is one of the major problems in clinical practice, a suitable animal model is still lacking. We tried to create acute cardiac tamponade in macaques by echo-guided catheter manipulation. A 13-year-old male macaque was anesthetized, and a long sheath was inserted into the left ventricle via the left carotid artery under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography. The sheath was then inserted into the orifice of the left coronary artery to perforate the proximal site of the left anterior descending branch. A cardiac tamponade was successfully created. Injection of diluted contrast agent into the pericardial space via a catheter made it possible to clearly distinguish between the hemopericardium and the surrounding tissues on postmortem computed tomography. This procedure did not need an X-ray imaging system during catheterization. Our present model would help us examine the intrathoracic organs in the presence of acute cardiac tamponade.

Multimodality Echocardiographic Imaging for a Novel Transcatheter Native Mitral Valve Replacement Procedure

ABSTRACT Transcatheter native mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a novel procedure that has the potential to overcome some of the current limitations associated with the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) repair technique. The aim of this study was to describe the key steps in periprocedural echocardiographic guidance of TMVR with the Tendyne system, emphasizing potential caveats and areas of difficulty. The imaging pathway can be schematized in four fundamental steps: baseline evaluation of mitral regurgitation (MR), preprocedural screening and planning, intraprocedural guidance, and follow-up. Baseline evaluation of MR in TMVR includes the guidelines-recommended imaging pathway of MR assessment. A dedicated preprocedure cardiac multimodality imaging screening and planning for TMVR is able to determine patient eligibility according to the anatomic characteristics and measurements, provide information for appropriate valve sizing, and detect features that can predispose to potential hazard or complications. Cardiac computed tomography and two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are the main actors in this phase. The road map for intraprocedural TMVR guidance includes the following: (1) apical access assessment: 2D TEE assessment of the site for optimal left ventricular apical access as planned by the preprocedural computed tomography; (2) support for catheter and sheath localization, trajectory, and positioning; and (3) valve positioning and radial orientation. Thereafter, the prosthesis is withdrawn toward the left ventricle and deployed intra-annularly. Post-deployment includes assessment for correct clocking and hemodynamics, perivalvular leakage, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Two-dimensional and 3D TEE and fluoroscopy provide intraprocedural guidance. The follow-up of the Tendyne device includes the guidelines-recommended imaging pathway of bioprosthesis. Knowledge of multimodality imaging use is key for the interventional imagers and crucial in the success of the procedure.

Analysis and comparison of failure causes of minimally invasive surgical closure of ventricular septal defects in children

ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to explore the causes of minimally invasive surgical ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure failure under transesophageal echocardiography guidance and thus to improve the...

Real-Time Echocardiography Guidance for Optimized Apical Standard Views.

Measurements of cardiac function such as left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial strain are typically based on 2-D ultrasound imaging. The reliability of these measurements depends on the correct pose of the transducer such that the 2-D imaging plane properly aligns with the heart for standard measurement views and is thus dependent on the operator's skills. We propose a deep learning tool that suggests transducer movements to help users navigate toward the required standard views while scanning. The tool can simplify echocardiography for less experienced users and improve image standardization for more experienced users. Training data were generated by slicing 3-D ultrasound volumes, which permits simulation of the movements of a 2-D transducer. Neural networks were further trained to calculate the transducer position in a regression fashion. The method was validated and tested on 2-D images from several data sets representative of a prospective clinical setting. The method proposed the adequate transducer movement 75% of the time when averaging over all degrees of freedom and 95% of the time when considering transducer rotation solely. Real-time application examples illustrate the direct relation between the transducer movements, the ultrasound image and the provided feedback.

378 VERY-LATE THROMBUS-RELATED STROKE AFTER PERCUTANEOUS PFO CLOSURE: MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF A RARE COMPLICATION

Abstract In May 2020, a 45-years-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department due to transient ischemic attack. The thrombophilia screening showed hemizygous prothrombin gene mutation (Factor II) and homozygous MTHFR mutation. The transthoracic echocardiography was normal, with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 60% and no morphological or functional valve disease. The 24-h Holter ECG and the past medical history did not show any specific cause of the neurologic manifestations. In the absence of a specific and plausible cause of the transient ischemic attack, a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke was made. The patient then underwent transcranial Doppler, which showed a high-grade shunt (curtain effect), and transesophageal echocardiography with bubble test, which showed the presence of a massive right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) during the Valsalva maneuver. A therapy with warfarin (achieving a target INR between 2 and 3) was therefore started, and the indication for a percutaneous PFO closure was given. In January 2021 the patient underwent successful percutaneous PFO closure with the Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder 25/25 mm (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc.) through intracardiac echocardiographic guidance with no complication and without any residual shunt. The patient was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin 100 mg daily plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily for six months, and pantoprazole 20 mg daily, followed by aspirin 100 mg daily chronically. After 6 months the patient underwent transcranial Doppler, which was negative for shunt. 12 months after the implantation the patient stopped aspirin by her own initiative. In August 2022, due to the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, the gynecologist prescribed estro-progestogen pill: in that occasion, the patient did not mention her thrombophilia. After 10 days, sudden onset of weakness of the right upper limb and aphasia. The patient was then admitted to the Emergency Department, were the computer tomography showed two acute lesions on the left cerebral hemisphere. Therefore, the patient underwent intravenous thrombolysis, with complete regression of the neurological symptoms: a diagnosis of stroke was then formulated. To understand the origin of such stroke, the neurologist gave indication to cardiological evaluation. The patient did not have any palpitation in the previous months and the electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm. However, the transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation showed a dubious image of a mass attached to the interatrial septum, for which the patient underwent transesophageal echocardiography, which showed a 10×9 mm fluctuating thrombus attached to the left side of the previously implanted PFO closure device. Therefore, an oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin plus a subcutaneous therapy with enoxaparin 6000 UI twice daily (as bridge to obtain the desired INR between 2 and 3) was started. After ten days, the patient underwent a new transesophageal echocardiography, which showed a substantial reduction in the dimensions of the thrombus (4×3 mm). The patient was then discharged in warfarin therapy with no residual neurological symptoms.

372 PLATYPNEA-ORTHODEOXIA SYNDROME CAUSING POSITIONAL DYSPNEA AND ARTERIAL DESATURATION IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN: A CASE REPORT

Abstract A 72-years-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department due to acute stroke in April 2022. Some days later the patient developed acute respiratory failure with oxygen arterial desaturation (SpO2 &amp;lt;80%). Interestingly, she experienced deep hypoxia when she was in the orthostatic position, with partial resolution in the supine position, thus necessitating continuous oxygen therapy. Her pertinent medical history included hypertension for which she was taking valsartan 80 mg daily and bisoprolol 2.5 mg daily, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome under treatment with nocturne continuous positive airway pressure, thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter in replacement therapy with levothyroxine 100 mcg daily, and anxious-depressive syndrome for which she was taking trazodone 75 mg daily and escitalopram 10 mg daily. Given her presentation, our top differential diagnosis included acute pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, Sars-CoV-2 infection, and platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. The patient was then admitted to the Pneumology Department, where she underwent computed tomography angiography, which was negative for acute pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, and two SARS-CoV-2 nasal swabs, which were both negative. The transcranial Doppler showed a high-grade shunt (curtain effect). The transesophageal echocardiography with bubble test showed a lipomatous and aneurismatic interatrial septum with a massive right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) during the Valsalva maneuver. In the absence of other obvious cause of the positional desaturation and hypoxia, a diagnosis of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome was made. Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare clinical condition difficult to diagnose. However, it represents a potentially reversible cause of positional dyspnea and arterial desaturation. The patient then underwent percutaneous PFO closure with the Gore Septal Occluder 30/30 mm (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc.) through intracardiac echocardiography guidance without any residual shunt. Although unfavorable anatomical features were present (atrial septal aneurism and lipomatous septum), the procedure was straightforward and without complication. The oxygen saturation on pulse oximeter, which was 91% in supine position with oxygen therapy with FiO2 60% during the procedure, rapidly became 97% soon after the placement of the prosthesis. The patient then experienced relief of the dyspnea and the oxygen therapy was stopped. The clinical follow-up performed three weeks later showed an asymptomatic patient with no limitation of daily physical activity.

Outcome of emergency transvenous cardiac pacing placement by echocardiography guidance in non-cardiac centre

Temporary transvenous cardiac pacing (TTVCP) is crucial and lifesaving procedure for hemodynamically unstable bradyarrhythmia. TTVCP placement under fluoroscopy guidance is considered the “gold-standard”. However, its use is limited by equipment availability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to operation-theatre with fluoroscopy service is severely restricted due to delay in confirming patient COVID-19 status (COVID19 PCR 6 h, GeneXpert 2 h). With this limitation, physicians rely on echocardiography guided placement of TTVCP for unstable emergent cases.

Impact of Left Ventricular Papillary Muscle Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation on Mitral Valve Function.

Although efficacious, catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from left ventricular (LV) papillary muscles (PAPs) has the potential to affect mitral valve (MV) function. The aim of this study was to determine whether lesions delivered during CA of VAs from LV PAPs affected MV function. Consecutive patients undergoing CA of LV PAP VAs from January 2015 to December 2020 in whom both preprocedural and postprocedural transthoracic echocardiography was performed were included. Radiofrequency ablation was performed with an irrigated-tip catheter with or without contact force sensing and intracardiac echocardiographic guidance. The PAPs were delineated into segments: tip, body, and base. Pre- and post-CA transthoracic echocardiograms were reviewed to assess MV regurgitation, which was graded 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). A change of≥2 grades from baseline was considered significant. A total of 103 patients (mean age 63 ± 15 years, 78% men) were included. VAs were ablated from the anterolateral PAP in 35% (n=36), posteromedial PAP in 55% (n=57), and both PAPs in 10% (n=10). Lesion distribution was as follows: PAP tip in 52 (50%), PAP base in 34 (33%), PAP body in 13 (13%), and entire PAP in 4 (4%). The mean number of lesions delivered was 16 ± 13 (median 14). Of 103 patients, 102 (99%) showed no change in MV function. Using intracardiac echocardiographic guidance, lesions can be safely delivered on various aspects of this structure without adverse impact on MV function.

Peratrial device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects via a small right subaxillary incision: Midterm results in patients

BackgroundBoth percutaneous and perventricular device closures of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (Pm-VSDs) are alternatives to surgical procedures，but they all present certain drawbacks. ObjectiveTo report our clinical experiences and midterm follow-up results of minimally invasive peratrial device closure of Pm-VSDs under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in patients <12 months of age. MethodsBetween January 2015 and December 2020，268 patients <12 months of age with Pm-VSDs underwent peratrial device closure in our institute. The procedure was performed under TEE guidance via a small right subaxillary incision. The delivery pathways is established by manipulating the hollow probe, and then the device is installed. ResultsA total of 263 cases (98.1%) underwent successful closure, whereas five cases failed and were converted to cardiopulmonary bypass operation via the original incision during the procedure. The mean age was 9.5 ± 2.0 months and the mean body weight was 8.8 ± 1.4 kg. The mean diameter of the VSD was 4.4 ± 0.5 mm. One patient (0.4%) underwent a second thoracotomy for postoperative intercostal hemorrhage on the second day after surgery. The mean diameter of the occluder size was 5.5 ± 0.6 mm. During the follow-up (4.3 ± 1.4 y), there was no mortality, no new aortic valve regurgitation and atrioventricular block. ConclusionPeratrial device closure of Pm-VSDs via the right subaxillary route under TEE guidance is safe and effective at midterm follow-up, confirming this is an valuable alternative method for patients <12 months of age.

Abstract 9835: Multi-Modality Imaging Assessment of Microbubbles and Cerebral Emboli in Left Ventricular Pulsed Field Ablation

Introduction: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) may have a superior safety profile compared to other ablation technologies, but the high-voltage electrical fields have the potential to cause gaseous microbubbles (MB), which may be associated with cerebral emboli. In this study, we evaluate the MB burden of a monopolar, biphasic PFA system (CENTAURI, Galaxy Medical), that delivers a waveform designed to limit MB generation. Methods: After anticoagulation with heparin, healthy and chronic MI swine (30 day survival after 90 minute coronary balloon occlusion) underwent PFA in the LV using an open-irrigated focal catheter under intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance and monitoring of MBs. Two additional healthy control swine received 0.5 and 1 ml of air MBs through the lumen of the ablation catheter. Swine underwent brain MRI before and after PFA (or control air MB injection) with T1, T2, FLAIR, ADC and susceptibility- and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) interpreted by a neuroradiologist blinded to treatment group. Gross pathology and histology of brains with any MRI findings was performed by a neuropathologist. Results: Four healthy swine underwent 50 PFA applications and 5 chronic MI swine underwent 74 applications. No PFA-related MB formation was noted on ICE. Both control swine developed multiple acute emboli in the left thalamus and caudate on DWI, ADC and FLAIR brain MRI sequences in response to air MB injection (Figure). Of the 9 PFA swine, there were no ADC nor FLAIR sequence abnormalities. There was one instance of a hyperintense focus in the left putamen on the DWI trace image, but absence of ADC or FLAIR affirmation suggested it was artifact. Gross pathology and histopathology of this region did not detect any abnormalities (Figure). Conclusion: Catheter air MB injection caused MR-detectable cerebral emboli in swine. Focal monopolar biphasic PFA with CENTAURI does not generate MBs observable on ICE, and did not cause cerebral emboli in healthy or post-infarct LVs.

Abstract 13296: The Internal Jugular Vein for Leadless Pacemaker Implantation in Patients Under 30 Kg

Pacemaker placement in pediatrics involves consideration for potential complications with leads, pocket erosion and infection. Pacemaker generators also carry their own complications such as hematoma formation and additional infection. This is why a reliable leadless pacemaker implantation technique is desired. In this dual center, single operator, retrospective study we demonstrate the feasibility of leadless pacemaker implantation via internal jugular vein in patients under 30 kg. This technique does not require surgical cut-down and preserves the patency of the involved vessels. Procedures were conducted by an electrophysiologist at the University of Minnesota and UC Davis Medical Center and University of Minnesota Medical Center from 2018-2021 with the Micra (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Vascular access in the largest diameter internal jugular vein was obtained in the right or left internal jugular veins via the Seldinger technique with serial dilation from 5 or 8 French size to 27 French. Results showed that in eight patients under 30kg, leadless pacemaker can implanted via the internal jugular vein with no need for surgical cut down due to having good short-term and mid-term vein patency. Seven out of eight patients were discharged the next day after the procedure. No venous complications related to access were noted. All patients met an indication for pacemaker implantation with ventricular-only pacing needed or had prophylactic leadless pacemaker placed or was the patient and cardiology team preference after multi-disciplinary discussion. We recommend echocardiographic guidance to minimize perforation risk.

Rates of Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Complications During Structural Heart Disease Procedures Under Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance

Rates of Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Complications During Structural Heart Disease Procedures Under Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance

Feasibility and Safety of Intracardiac Echocardiography Use in Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure Procedures.

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is usually performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Data on the safety of intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE)-guided LAAC from a real-world population in the United States remain limited. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the trends and outcomes of ICE-guided LAAC procedures using the US National Inpatient Sample. This study used the National Inpatient Sample database from quarter 4 of 2015 to 2019. We used a propensity-matched analysis and adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital outcomes/complications. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. We identified 61,995 weighted LAAC cases. Of these, 1410 patients had ICE-guided LAAC with a lower median age than the patients who had TEE-guided LAAC (75 vs 77 years; P ≤ .01). The use of ICE-guided LAAC increased from 1.7% in 2015 to 2.2% in 2019 (P trend = .75). Major, cardiovascular, neurologic, and pulmonary complications were similar for ICE-guided and TEE-guided LAAC on adjusted analysis. On propensity-matched analysis, the overall vascular complication rates were similar. However, retroperitoneal bleeding remained significantly higher (0.7% vs 0%) with ICE. Gastrointestinal bleeding complications were more frequent in TEE-guided LAAC (3.5% vs 2.1%). The length of stay was similar for both groups (median = 1 day; P = .23); however, ICE was associated with $1769 excess cost of hospitalization ($25,112 vs $23,343; P = .04). ICE-guided LAAC is safer than TEE-guided LAAC, with similar rates of major complications. However, ICE use was associated with lower rates of gastrointestinal bleeding and higher rates of retroperitoneal bleeding. In addition, ICE-guided LAAC is associated with a similar length of stay but higher costs of hospitalization.