Experienced Centers Research Articles

Enhancing safety: Multi-institutional FMEA and FTA on -based radio-pharmaceutical therapy.

This study investigates potential failure modes and conducts failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) on the administration of DOTATATE (LUTATHERA) and PSMA-617 (PLUVICTO). The quality management (QM) process in radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs) requires collaboration between nuclear medicine (NM) and radiation oncology (RO) departments. As part of a multi-institutional study, we surveyed various departments to identify and analyze failure modes, leading to a proposed comprehensive QM program. RPT teams in RO or NM clinics can benefit from this study by continually improving theirpractice. We reviewed the literature to investigate the administration of Pluvicto and Lutathera, focusing on prospective procedural failures and potential failure modes (PFMs) and their outcomes. We distributed an FMEA survey to multiple experienced centers in -based RPTs and calculated risk priority number (RPN) for various PFM. We conducted an FTA using this information to pinpoint the root causes of potentialfailures. The findings from the literature review and survey responses on the prospective study have identified several critical areas at risk of failure. These areas include non-optimized treatment delivery, inadequate patient monitoring, and lack of safety training, leading to radiation contamination from the dose excreted by the patients after treatment administration. A segmented FTA was created based on the FMEA results, focusing on radiation contamination with a high RPN value. By identifying the root causes of failures and proposing targeted improvements to the existing QM measures, this analysis enhances safety in treatment delivery of -based RPTs. Given the limited number of prospective risk analysis studies in RPTs, our research addresses the necessity for more such studies and recommends methods to apply this study to otherRPTs.

Abstract 4138640: Learning Curve for Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Lead Implantation

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has shown promising outcomes at experienced centers, but less is known about the learning curve with new adoption of LBBAP. We conducted a retrospective analysis (2020-2023) of the learning curve for LBBAP at our center. Methods: Procedural success and complications in adult patients undergoing LBBAP by operators with >5-years’ experience in device implantation were compared between operators’ experience ≤10th (LBBAP inexp ) vs. >10th (LBBAP exp ) LBBAP implant. Successful LBBAP was defined as left ventricular activation time (LVAT) ≤80 ms. Results: Seven operators implanted LBBAP in 288 patients (age 73±11 years, 38% women): 68 (24%) in LBBAP inexp vs. 220 (76%) patients in LBBAP exp groups with similar baseline characteristics (all p >0.05). The median number of implants per operator was 22 (range 8-83). Table 1 shows the procedural characteristics and ECG results. Post-implant LVAT ≤80 ms was less frequent in LBBAP inexp compared to LBBAP exp (56.9% vs 72.4%, p=0.04, Figure 1 ). There were no differences in paced QRS duration ≤130 ms (75.9% vs. 76.1 %, p=1.0) or operator self-identified success (85% vs. 91%, p=0.2). With new single-/dual-chamber device implants, there was no difference in implant duration (103.4±31.8 vs. 101.6±38.5 minutes, p=0.3) but there was longer fluoroscopy in LBBAP inexp (12.6±10.1 vs. 8.2±8.0 minutes, p<0.0001, Figure 1 ). The average number of attempts at LBBAP was lower in LBBAP inexp vs. LBBAP exp (2.0 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 2.9, p=0.03). There was no difference in complications between the 2 groups ( Table 2 ). Conclusion: Operators use less fluoroscopy, make more attempts at LBBAP and more frequently achieve LVAT ≤80 ms after their first 10 implants.

Endo-Aortic Clamp for Minimally Invasive Redo Mitral Valve Surgery: Early Outcome

Objective: Redo mitral valve surgery still represents a challenging and high-risk procedure in cardiac surgery. The incidence of cardiac structural injuries during re-sternotomy remains consistent and is reported to be an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery with retrograde femoral arterial perfusion and endo-aortic clamping avoids re-entry injuries and reduces the requirement for dissection of adhesions and the risk of damage to cardiac structures. The aim of this study is to analyze redo patients undergoing mitral valve surgery with retrograde arterial perfusion and endo-aortic clamping setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing surgery from 2006 to 2022. Exclusion criteria were more than mild aortic regurgitation, moderate-to-severe peripheral vascular disease, dilated ascending aorta, and a lack of preoperative vascular screening. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality. Results: Two hundred eighty-five patients were analyzed. Mean age was 63.8 ± 13.3 years, mean EuroSCORE was 16.5 ± 14.5%, and one quarter of the patients had undergone two or more previous procedures via sternotomy. Perioperative mortality was 3.9% (11/285). Stroke was reported in six (2.1%) patients. Median intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were 1 and 8 days, respectively. Conclusions: Endo-aortic clamping setting in redo MV surgery avoids re-entry injuries and allows the surgeon to clamp the aorta and deliver the cardioplegia with minimal dissection of adhesions. In high-volume and experienced centers, this approach can be applied safely and effectively and may in the near future become the standard of care for redo mitral valve surgery.

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is safe for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated by chemoradiotherapy compared with open pancreatoduodenectomy: A matched case-control study

BackgroundFew studies compared laparoscopic and open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. MethodsRetrospective cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open pancreatoduodenectomy for resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after chemoradiotherapy between 2012 and 2023 was analyzed. Open pancreatoduodenectomy patients could theoretically benefit from the laparoscopic approach. We used a 1:2 (laparoscopic-to-open pancreatoduodenectomy) propensity score matching analysis stratified on age, gender, and body mass index. ResultsWe included 128 patients (33 laparoscopic and 95 open pancreatoduodenectomy), and after propensity score matching, 33 laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy and 66 open pancreatoduodenectomy were compared. There was no difference in demographic data except for lower tobacco use in laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy group (9% vs 30%, P = .023) with similar clinical presentation. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy showed a longer median operative duration (380 vs 255 minutes, P < .001), shorter median length of resected vein (15 vs 23 mm, P = .01), longer median venous clamping time (29 vs 15 minutes, P = .005), similar median blood loss (300 vs 300 mL, P = .223), similar rate of hard pancreas (97% vs 85%, P = .094), and a larger median size of Wirsung duct (5 vs 4 mm, P = .02). Postoperative outcomes showed similar 90-day mortality rates (3% vs 3%, P > .99), Clavien-Dindo III-IV complications (6% vs 14%, P = .158), median lengths of hospital stay (12 vs 13 days, P = .409), and readmission rates (9% vs 18%, P = .366). Pathologic data showed similar R0 resection rates (88% vs 82%, P = .568). With a similar rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (P = .324) and shorter median follow-up with laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (18 vs 34 months, P = .004), 3-year overall (P = .768) and disease-free (P = .839) survival rates were similar. ConclusionIn selected patients, laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy appears to be safe and feasible when performed in experienced centers.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Pulsed Field Ablation Systems for Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from Real-World Clinical Implementation and Short-Term Outcomes

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe and effective technology for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Multiple PFA-platforms for AF-ablation have been developed. However, evidence comparing the real-word implementation and performance of different PFA-systems is still limited. This study compares procedural and acute outcome parameters during implementation of the PFA-system employing a pentaspline PFA-catheter (FARAPULSE, Boston Scientific) and a platform using a circular PFA-catheter (PulseSelect, Medtronic). The first consecutive 40 patients treated with each PFA-system were included. Baseline characteristics, procedural parameters and short-term outcome regarding peri-procedural safety and efficacy were evaluated. The majority of patients showed paroxysmal AF, nearly a third of patients in both groups suffered from persistent AF. Overall procedural complication rates were not different between subgroups (circular catheter: 12.5%; pentaspline catheter 7.5%, P=.71), mainly minor (circular catheter: 10.0%; pentaspline catheter: 7.5%, P=1.00). There was no significant difference in median procedure duration (circular catheter: 42.0min; pentaspline catheter: 43.0min, P=.292), LA-dwell-time (circular catheter. 29.0min; pentaspline catheter: 31.0 min, P=.623) and fluoroscopy duration (circular catheter: 13.2 min; pentaspline catheter: 11.9 min, P=.132). With the pentaspline PFA-catheter no learning curve was observed regarding procedural parameters over the course of 40 procedures. With the circular PFA-catheter, there was a statistically significant decrease in LA-dwell-time and fluoroscopy duration comparing the first and last ten procedures. Both PFA-systems could be safely and rapidly implemented into clinical practice of an experienced center. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to compare long-term outcome between different PFA-systems currently introduced into clinical practice.

Early and Midterm Outcomes of Chimney Endovascular Aortic Repair for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

To compare the outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using a chimney technique (ch-EVAR) with those of the standard EVAR (st-EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA). We implemented ch-EVAR for juxtarenal RAAA based on obvious anatomical indications after converting the strategy for RAAA from open repair to EVAR. A retrospective, cohort-based study was conducted on patients with RAAA who were treated using EVAR in our hospital between July 2011 and March 2022. EVAR cases were extracted, and outcomes were compared between ch-EVAR and st-EVAR. Patient clinical status, anatomical variables, treatment, and follow-up data were evaluated. A total of 56 (82%) and 12 (18%) patients were treated by st-EVAR and ch-EVAR, respectively. Thirty-day mortality rates were comparable between the 2 groups [8.9% in st-EVAR vs 8.3% in ch-EVAR (p= 0.95)]. Short-term outcomes showed that no type Ia endoleak occurred in either group. Midterm outcomes, including sac enlargement [7.5% in st-EVAR vs 0% in ch-EVAR (p= 0.37)], shrinkage [77.5% in st-EVAR vs 80.0% in ch-EVAR (p= 0.86)], and overall survival and freedom from aneurysm-related reintervention at 3 years [64.7% and 96.4% in the EVAR group vs 91.7% and 100% in the ch-EVAR group, respectively (p= 0.30 and 0.52)], were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Ch-EVAR for RAAA showed remarkably excellent outcomes, comparable to those of st-EVAR. Ch-EVAR is considered technically feasible in experienced centers. The indications for EVAR for RAAA may be further expanded using the chimney technique, resulting in overall improved outcomes for RAAA. This is a retrospective, single-center analysis of 68 patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) treated by endovascular repair (EVAR) to investigate the efficacy of the chimney technique for juxtarenal RAAA. Thirty-day mortality rate was 8.3% for the chimney EVAR group, which was equivalent to that in the standard EVAR group. Mid-term outcomes including sac enlargement/shrinkage, overall survival, and freedom from aneurysm-related reintervention were comparable between the two groups. This report suggests the possibility of broadening the selection criteria of the current endovascular strategy using the chimney technique.

Impact of Perioperative Pulmonary Artery Catheter Use on Clinical Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BackgroundEvidence on the effectiveness of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) in cardiac surgery is scarce. Research QuestionDoes perioperative PAC use decrease on 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery? Study Design and MethodsThis nationwide, population-based cohort study included all adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Korea between January 2011 and December 2020 using a Korean health insurance claim database. We compared the primary outcome, the risk of 1-year all-cause mortality, between patients with and without perioperative use of PACs (PAC and no-PAC groups, respectively) using logistic regression analysis after stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting. A subgroup analysis was performed to determine whether the association varied according to the type of cardiac surgery and institutional case volume. ResultsA total of 61,405 patients were analyzed. The PAC group had a significantly lower risk of 1-year all-cause mortality than that in the no-PAC group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.86). In the subgroup analysis, both the type of cardiac surgery and institutional case volume were identified as significant modifiers (all P for interaction<0.001). Specifically, the PAC group had a significantly lower risk of 1-year all-cause mortality following isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (adjusted OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48–0.61) compared to the no-PAC group. PAC use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of 1-year all-cause mortality in the lowest-case volume centers (<100 cases/year; OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65–0.76). InterpretationPerioperative use of PACs was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of postoperative 1-year all-cause mortality. This association was predominantly driven by patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and those who underwent cardiac surgery in less experienced centers.

A comparative analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic total pancreatectomy: insights from the National Cancer Database.

Total pancreatectomy is a complex procedure used in the management of pancreatic cancer. While minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly adopted, limited data exist comparing robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP) and laparoscopic total pancreatectomy (LTP). This study evaluates the utilization, short- and long-term outcomes of RTP and LTP using the National Cancer Database. Patients with stages I-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent RTP or LTP between 2010 and 2019 were identified. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, pathologic outcomes, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival were compared. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the association of surgical approach with outcomes. Of the 995 patients included, 188 (19%) underwent RTP and 807 (81%) underwent LTP. The utilization of minimally invasive techniques increased over time, with RTP accounting for 24% of cases in 2019. RTP had lower conversion rates than LTP (16% vs. 24%, p = 0.031), but this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders. Postoperative outcomes, including length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality, were similar between RTP and LTP. The median overall survival was 22.3months for RTP and 23.6months for LTP (p = 0.647). RTP and LTP demonstrate comparable perioperative, pathological, and oncological outcomes for the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite the increasing adoption of minimally invasive total pancreatectomy, it remains a rare operation and should be performed in experienced centers to optimize outcomes.

A Retrospective Analysis of Late Open Conversions Following Failed Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

The incidence of late open surgical conversions (OSCs) has recently increased. Vascular surgeons face additional technical challenges in late conversion surgery of failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) due to the presence of a previously deployed endograft. Based on our institutional experience, this study aimed to delineate methods to improve late open conversion outcomes, proposing solutions for technical challenges. All preoperative OSC data on failed EVARs operated in our Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic between January 2017 and January 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Study endpoints included early (30-day or in-hospital) and late follow-up outcomes. Early outcomes included perioperative mortality and morbidities, intensive care unit (ICU) period, and length of hospital stay (LOS). The main outcome of interest during follow-up was overall survival. Sixteen patients in our hospital, comprising eight elective and eight emergency procedures, underwent OSCs following EVAR. The difference between the 30-day mortality rates for the elective and urgent late conversions was significant (p < 0.001). Of these patients, 15 were male, with a mean age of 70.8 years (range: 62-80). Preoperative cardiac shock status and low hematocrit level (<20%) were independent mortality factors (p < 0.001). The ICU period was 8.7 ± 5.3 days (2-20 days) on average, and LOS was 17.3 ± 8.4 (6-29 days) days on average. The mean time to open surgical conversion in this cohort was 44.4 ± 16.8 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 43.75%. The incidence of open surgical conversion is notably growing. Emergent open surgical conversions exhibit poorer mortality outcomes compared to elective procedures. Further data are essential to evaluate the ramifications of expanding the use of EVAR beyond the instructions for use (IFU) guidelines. The procedures involving patients who challenge the IFU criteria should be conducted at experienced centers and require close monitoring. Open surgical repair (OSR) as the initial treatment opportunity could be an alternative strategy for improving outcomes in this patient cohort.

Structured learning and mentoring: shortening the learning curve in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Technological advances have made the laparoscopy procedure popular for simultaneous cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration. We aimed to assess the implementation of a structured mentorship program for training in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). We explored the effectiveness thereof in facilitating the learning of LCBDE as a single-stage treatment of common bile duct stones (CBD) with gallbladder in situ. The surgical databases of a mentor (experienced in LCBDE) and a mentee (new to LCBDE) were analyzed. The analysis retrospectively compared the mentor's first 100 cases (MF) with the mentee's first 100 (MEF) cases, and the mentor's last 100 cases (ML) with the mentee's initial cases. Data included demographics, technical details, and postoperative outcomes. A total of 300 patients underwent LCBDE. For MF vs. MEF (both n = 100), MF had a lower transcystic approach rate (5% vs. 70%; p < 0.001) than MEF. Postoperative median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MEF group compared to the MF group (2 vs 5, p < 0.001). No mortality or significant complications were observed in either group. For ML (n = 100) vs. MEF, the ML group had a higher transcystic rate (87% vs. 70%; p = 0.005). No differences in mortality or conversion were observed between the groups. Bile leak was lower in the ML (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.498) group than the MEF group. Postoperative median hospital stay did not significantly differ between the ML and MEF group (1 vs 2days, p = 0.952). Structured mentorship significantly influenced the successful adoption of LCBDE by the mentee, shortening the learning curve to provide outcomes in the first 100 cases, comparable to highly experienced centers. These results support the implementation of structured training and continuous mentoring to facilitate the learning curve of laparoscopic bile duct exploration.

Initial cannulation strategy impacts perioperative outcomes of acute type A dissection in high-volume centers

ObjectiveWe performed an intention-to-treat analysis of initial cannulation strategy to assess the impact on perioperative outcomes in acute type A dissection using multicenter data. MethodsAll patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A dissection from a multicenter national registry of 9 high-volume aortic centers were analyzed. Cannulation strategies included in the analysis were axillary, femoral, direct aortic, and innominate. Among 950 patients, we excluded those with chronic syndromes, type B dissections, and unknown initial cannulation strategy. Patients with multiple cannulation strategies were included if the sequence in which strategies were initiated was known. The final cohort consisted of 936 patients. Primary outcomes were stroke and death. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for baseline differences. P values represent Tukey's post hoc comparisons. ResultsAmong 936 patients, cannulation strategies in descending order included axillary (n = 502, 53%), femoral (n = 268, 29%), aortic (n = 104, 11%), and innominate (n = 59, 6%). Of these patients, 46 (5%) had a change in the initial cannulation strategy before initiating circulatory arrest, mainly for poor axillary flow or initial femoral cannulation for hemodynamic instability followed by axillary. Patients in the femoral group were younger (61.3 ± 13.8 years) than patients in the aortic group (66.4 ± 12.52 years, P = .01) and more likely to present with malperfusion (n = 123, 45.9%) compared with patients in the aortic, axillary, and innominate groups (P < .01). Patients in the femoral group also had the longest duration of cerebral ischemia (femoral: 16.9 ± 16 minutes, aortic: 11.5 ± 11.8 minutes; axillary: 4.41 ± 10.3 minutes; innominate: 2.53 ± 6 minutes, P < .01 for all vs femoral). Unadjusted risk of death, stroke, and prolonged ventilation was lowest in the axillary and innominate groups. Length of stay was also reduced in the innominate group. Multivariable regression demonstrated axillary (odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 0.36-0.75; P = .004) and innominate (OR, 0.19; 0.07-0.54; P = .009) cannulation to be associated with a significantly reduced risk of stroke. A nonsignificant indication of reduced death in patients receiving axillary cannulation remained (OR, 0.66; 0.45-0.96; P = .07). ConclusionsIn high-volume aortic centers, an initial cannulation strategy using axillary access is associated with reduced risk of stroke compared with femoral access. Axillary cannulation should be the preferred strategy in experienced centers if anatomy and stability allow.

Factors Associated with Permanent Pacemaker Placement After Tricuspid Valve Operations

Conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation are common after tricuspid valve operations, though incidence is variable. This study aims to investigate contemporary rates of and risk factors for PPM after tricuspid operations. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was used to identify patients with tricuspid repair or replacement from 2011 to 2020. Factors independently associated with risk of postoperative PPM during index hospital admission were examined using multivariable logistic regression with a complete case approach. Annualized hospital and surgeon volumes were calculated. We identified 71,937 patients undergoing tricuspid operations. Median patient age was 66 (53-74) years, 56% were female (n=40,590), and median ejection fraction was 56% (48%-60%). Tricuspid operations were concomitant in 87% (n=62,457), elective in 62% (n=44,393), and included repair in 86% (n=61,720). Overall postoperative incidence of PPM was 15% (n=10,857); 13% (n=8,304) after repair and 25% (n=2,553) after replacement; 4% (n=174) for isolated tricuspid repair and 24% (n=1,248) for isolated tricuspid replacement. Multivariable analysis showed baseline characteristics, endocarditis, concomitant operations, longer CPB time, tricuspid replacement, and lower hospital and surgeon tricuspid operative volumes were independently associated with greater risk for PPM. After adjustment, tricuspid replacement had 3.2 times greater PPM risk compared to tricuspid repair. Nationally, 15% of patients undergoing tricuspid operations required postoperative PPM implantation. PPM risk was increased with concomitant valve operations, tricuspid replacement, longer CPB time, and operations performed by less experienced surgeons and centers. Innovation is needed to decrease this significant morbidity.

Concordance Between the Expert Reading of Biparametric-MRI and the Nonexpert Multiparametric-MRI for the Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: Clinical Implications

PurposeProstate-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation is challenging, with expertise playing a crucial role. Biparametric MRI (bpMRI) is gaining popularity in experienced centers due to its time and cost advantages over multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). We aim to analyze concordance between nonexpert radiologist PI-RADS from mpMRI and expert radiologist PI-RADS from bpMRI, and its clinical implications. Material and Methods222 men suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) and mpMRI reported by nonexpert radiologists were referred to a reference center for transperineal MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy where an expert radiologist reported bpMRI PI-RADS 2.1 and segmentation, blinded to external mpMRI. Mapping targeted suspected lesions and 12-core systematic biopsies were performed. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was diagnosed when ISUP-grade group was ≥2. ResultsConcordance between both PI-RADS existed in 49.1% of cases (Kappa index 0.288). In 102 cases (45.9%), expert reclassification to lower PI-RADS existed, while an increase existed in 11 cases (5.0%), P < .001. Agreement existed in 30.8% of nonexpert PI-RADS 3, 43.6% of PI-RADS 4, and 83.7% of PI-RADS 5, P < .001. Potential clinical implications included 27% reduction in prostate biopsies when using expert bpMRI readings compared to nonexpert mpMRI readings (P < 0.001), while undetected csPCa were 4.2% and 3.4%, respectively, P = .669. Over-detection reduction of insignificant PCa was 29.4% and 0%, respectively, P = .034. ConclusionsConcordance between nonexpert PI-RADS mpMRI and expert PI-RADS bpMRI was low, increasing with nonexpert PI-RADS. Expert reclassification would reduce prostate biopsies by more than one quarter and over-detection of iPCa, while csPCa detection remained similar.

Management of Compound Depressed Fractures over Venous Sinuses

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to report our experience in the surgical treatment of compound depressed fractures over the venous sinuses with special highlights on the prediction and dealing with intraoperative sinus injury. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery for compound depressed fractures overlying the dural venous sinuses in our hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Results A total of 34 patients were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 19.85 years, most of our patients were males 27 (79.4%), and isolated head trauma was the most common mode of trauma (76.5%). The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) was distinguished as the most commonly involved venous sinus below the fractures in 28 patients (82.4%). An intraoperative tear in the sinus was found in 17 patients (50%), which was easily controlled with different methods. In two patients who had a severe head injury with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤8 associated with a fissure fracture crossing the sinus, there was a complete tear of the sinus followed by massive bleeding, which required sinus ligation. We lost both of them in following days. Conclusion In experienced tertiary neurotrauma centers, compound depressed fractures over the venous sinuses should be surgically elevated in most cases, taking into consideration that bleeding from the sinus can be controlled in most cases, and complete tear of the sinus with massive bleeding is the least scenario faced in reality and is usually associated with a severe head injury. If expert opinion favors the conservative approach, then close follow-up for months is recommended due to the high possibility of sinus thrombosis and intracranial hypertension, especially in children.

Clinical Outcomes in Relation to Total Hospital Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Volumes.

There is a paucity of data regarding the relationship between overall hospital volumes for total aortic valve replacement (AVR; transcatheter AVR [TAVR] or surgical AVR [SAVR]) and patient outcomes. We queried the 2019 Nationwide Readmission Database for patients undergoing AVR. Based on procedural volumes of TAVR or SAVR, we classified hospitals as high (≥50th percentile) or low (<50th percentile) volume centers and categorized hospitals as high TAVR/high SAVR, high TAVR/low SAVR, high SAVR/low TAVR, and low TAVR/low SAVR. Multivariable regression models were employed. The main study outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission after total AVR. Our final analysis included 72 123 patients undergoing AVR at 400 hospitals across the United States. The median (interquartile range) hospital procedural volumes for total AVR, TAVR, and SAVR were 137 (86-210), 82 (50-127), and 56 (31-87) procedures, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between hospital procedural volumes of AVR, TAVR, or SAVR and in-hospital mortality after total AVR but not with 30-day readmission. Using high TAVR/high SAVR hospitals as reference, there was higher in-hospital mortality after total AVR among low TAVR/low SAVR hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.29 [95% CI, 1.07-1.56]) but similar in-hospital mortality among high TAVR/low SAVR hospitals and low TAVR/high SAVR volumes. There was no difference in 30-day readmission rates after total AVR among the 4 hospital categories. Nationwide data revealed that in-hospital mortality after total AVR (SAVR or TAVR) is inversely related to hospital total volumes of AVR. Patients with aortic stenosis have better outcomes if they are managed among experienced centers with high case volumes of both TAVR and SAVR.

The changing treatment paradigm in prolactinoma - a prospective series of 100 consecutive neurosurgical cases.

To evaluate patients with prolactinoma treated surgically in a time when elective prolactinoma surgery became routine in our center, using a comprehensive outcome set, focusing on preoperative assessments, surgical outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Cohort of consecutive patients with prolactinoma undergoing surgery between January 2021 and August 2023. Clinical data were collected during multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings/from medical records at distinct timepoints: (1) pre-surgery, (2) two weeks post-surgery, (3) six months post-surgery, and (4) follow-up (median 15.0 (10.0-24.8 months). HR-QoL was measured using the Leiden Bothers and Needs Pituitary (LBNQ-P) questionnaire. Data were described for all patients, and patients undergoing elective total resection, with additional subgroups of (a) patients undergoing a high-probability-first-total-resection, and (b) reoperations aiming for total resection. One hundred surgically treated patients with prolactinoma were included (72 female). Dopamine agonist intolerance was the most frequent indication (n=68). The surgical goal (debulking/total resection) was achieved in 90% of patients. Long-term complications occurred in 4% of patients. Seventy-eight patients underwent an elective total resection, achieving remission in 91%. The subsets of preoperatively estimated high-probability-first-total-resections (n=52), and reoperations (n=9), achieved remission in 92% and 89%, respectively. LBNQ-P Total Bothers and Total Needs scores improved significantly after surgery (p<0.001, Δ-3.4 (IQR -14.4- -0.9) and p=0.006, Δ-1.8 (IQR -11.9-1.3), respectively. High remission rates were achieved, improving HR-QoL, evidencing (repeat) prolactinoma surgery is effective in an experienced pituitary center, as highlighted in the most recent guideline (2023).

Comparison of clinical, hormonal, pathological and treatment outcomes of ectopic Cushing's syndrome by sex: results of a multicenter study.

To compare clinical and hormonal data, neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) localization, treatment, and survival outcomes in ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) by sex. Eleven experienced centers from our country participated in this retrospective study. The clinical and hormonal features, tumor imaging, pathological results, treatment modalities, and disease courses of the patients were evaluated. 28 female and 26 male patients with ECS were compared. The mean age at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and hormonal evaluation results were similar. However, insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus (p = 0.04) and osteoporosis with fractures were more common in males (p = 0.03). While more patients with increased DHEA-S levels than the upper limit of normal were found to be higher in females, central hypothyroidism were higher in males (p = 0.02). At the diagnosis, 36 NENs (68% of females and 69% of males) were localized. Small cell lung carcinoma was higher in males (p = 0.02), and the frequency of other NENs was not different. Curative surgery was performed on 61% of females and 46% of males. Tumor size, Ki-67 labeling index, positive ACTH immunostaining, local lymph node and distant metastasis rates were similar in both sexes. In the follow-up, the tumor became visible in 7 of 10 females and 4 of 8 males after medical treatment and/or bilateral adrenalectomy. The remission rates (65% of females, 62% of males) and NEN-related death rates (14% of females, 30% of males) were similar. While ECS has a similar disease course in many aspects in males and females, hyperglycemia and osteoporosis are more severe in males.

What Important Information Does Transesophageal Echocardiography Provide When Performed before Transvenous Lead Extraction?

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is mandatory before transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but its usefulness remains underestimated. This study aims to describe the broad range of TEE findings in TLE candidates, as well as their influence on procedure complexity, major complications (MCs) and long-term survival. Methods: Preoperative TEE was performed in 1191 patients undergoing TLE. Results: Lead thickening (OR = 1.536; p = 0.007), lead adhesion to heart structures (OR = 2.531; p < 0.001) and abnormally long lead loops (OR = 1.632; p = 0.006) increased the complexity of TLE. Vegetation-like masses on the lead (OR = 4.080; p = 0.44), lead thickening (OR = 2.389; p = 0.049) and lead adhesion to heart structures (OR = 6.341; p < 0.001) increased the rate of MCs. The presence of vegetations (HR = 7.254; p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of death during a 1-year follow-up period. Conclusions: TEE before TLE provides a lot of important information for the operator. Apart from the visualization of possible vegetations, it can also detect various forms of lead-related scar tissue. Build-up of scar tissue and the presence of long lead loops are associated with increased complexity of the procedure and risk of MCs. Preoperative TEE performed outside the operating room may have an impact on the clinical decision-making process, such as transferring potentially more difficult patients to a more experienced center or having the procedure performed by the most experienced operator. Moreover, the presence of masses or vegetations on the leads significantly increases 1-year and all-cause mortality.

Conversion Rates, Causes, and Preoperative Associated Factors in 3,411 Laparoscopic Appendectomies: Insights after Nearly Three Decades of Laparoscopy and an Analysis of the Learning Curve

Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the current gold standard in treating acute appendicitis. Despite the low frequency of conversion to open surgery, it remains necessary in certain cases. Our primary outcome was to identify the conversion rate of laparoscopic appendectomy to open surgery and how this rate has changed over the learning curve. Second, we aim to determine the causes of conversion, their changes in frequency over time and to identify preoperative factors associated with conversion. Methods: A retrospective comparative study with prospective case registry was conducted. All patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from January 2000 to December 2023 at a high-volume center were analyzed. The series was divided into six periods, each spanning 4 years. All patients who underwent totally laparoscopic appendectomy and those requiring conversion to open appendectomy were included. Results: A total of 3,411 appendectomies were performed during the study period, with an overall conversion rate of 0.96% (33/3,411). Our analysis showed that after the first three periods (12 years), the conversion rate decreased and reached a plateau of approximately 0.4%. The most common causes of conversion were perforation of the appendix base (9/33), abdominal cavity adhesions (8/33), and pneumoperitoneum intolerance (3/33). Age over 65, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score III/IV and symptom duration exceeding 24 h were preoperative factors significantly associated with conversion at univariate analysis. However, only age (p 0.0001) and symptoms exceeding 24 h (p 0.01) remained independently associated with conversion after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In experienced centers, conversion from laparoscopic appendectomy to open appendectomy is uncommon, but remains necessary in certain cases. Despite identifying a population with higher association with conversion which should be advised preoperatively, due to the low incidence of conversions once the learning curve is overcome, an initial laparoscopic approach is the preferred choice.

Electrophysiological Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (EP-CMR)-Guided Interventional Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging excels in providing detailed three-dimensional anatomical information together with excellent soft tissue contrast and has already become a valuable tool for diagnostic evaluation, electrophysiological procedure (EP) planning, and therapeutical stratification of atrial or ventricular rhythm disorders. CMR-based identification of ablation targets may significantly impact existing concepts of interventional electrophysiology. In order to exploit the inherent advantages of CMR imaging to the fullest, CMR-guided ablation procedures (EP-CMR) are justly considered the ultimate goal. Electrophysiological cardiovascular magnetic resonance (EP-CMR) interventional procedures have more recently been introduced to the CMR armamentarium: in a single-center series of 30 patients, an EP-CMR guided ablation success of 93% has been reported, which is comparable to conventional ablation outcomes for typical atrial flutter and procedure and ablation time were also reported to be comparable. However, moving on from already established workflows for the ablation of typical atrial flutter in the interventional CMR environment to treatment of more complex ventricular arrhythmias calls for technical advances regarding development of catheters, sheaths and CMR-compatible defibrillator equipment. CMR imaging has already become an important diagnostic tool in the standard clinical assessment of cardiac arrhythmias. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of performing electrophysiological interventional procedures within the CMR environment and fully CMR-guided ablation of typical atrial flutter can be implemented as a routine procedure in experienced centers. Building upon established workflows, the market release of new, CMR-compatible interventional devices may finally enable targeting ventricular arrhythmias.