Groin Hematoma Research Articles

Outcomes of management of acute coronary syndrome in patients with congenital bleeding disorders: A single center experience and review of the literature

IntroductionEvidence-based guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with congenital bleeding disorders are lacking and largely confined to case reports. MethodsOutcomes of acute and long-term management of ACS in patients with mild hemophilia and von Willebrand disease managed at our institution from 2000-2011 were reviewed. ResultsBetween 2000-2011, 8 patients (median age 74years) experienced 10 ACS events. In the emergency room, 3 of 4 patients received aspirin 325mg and intravenous unfractionated heparin therapy, with no acute bleeding complications. The 8 patients underwent 10 coronary angiography procedures. Prophylactic factor concentrates were not administered for 6/10 (60%) of the procedures; bleeding complications (groin hematoma) occurred in 1/6 (17%). Two patients receiving bare metal stents and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion with factor concentrates experienced no acute hemorrhagic complications. On discharge, aspirin was initiated/continued in 6/10 events; the 2 patients receiving dual anti-platelet therapy for 1month did not receive factor concentrates and experienced no bleeding complications. During a median follow-up of 8.5years (1 – 11.5years), 2 of 5 patients developed minor bleeding complications while on aspirin. ConclusionOur data demonstrate that in patients with mild congenital bleeding disorders, despite not receiving factor concentrates prior to coronary angiography, the acute management of ACS did not result in severe hemorrhagic complications. Short-term dual anti-platelet therapy seemed to be well tolerated. In patients receiving long-term aspirin for secondary prevention for ACS, bleeding complications were mild, however such patients warrant close follow-up.

Safety and Efficacy of StarClose SE Vascular Closure System in High-Risk Liver Interventional Oncology Patients

To assess the safety and efficacy of the StarClose SE Vascular Closure System (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park IL, USA) in high-risk thrombocytopenic and coagulopathic interventional oncology (IO) patients. In this single institution retrospective study, 63 high-risk thrombocytopenic or coagulopathic IO patients (M:F=51:12, mean age 58 years, range 31-88 years) who underwent 83 common femoral arteriotomy closures using the StarClose device were identified among all IO patients (n=131) undergoing StarClose closure (n=177) between 2008-2011. High-risk thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy were defined as platelet count ≤100 10(3)/mL and international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5. Procedures included chemoembolization (n=67), radioembolization (n=8), and hepatic arterial mapping with technetium-99m macroaggrated albumin administration (n=8) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (n=79) or liver metastases (n=4). Measured outcomes included technical success of arterial closure and closure-related adverse events, graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. In all cases, 5 French common femoral arterial access was used. Platelet count was ≤100 10(3)/mL in 80/83 (96.4%) cases and INR was ≥1.5 in 35/83 (42.2%) cases. Mean pre-procedure platelet count was 71 (range 26-347) 10(3)/mL and mean INR was 1.4 (range 1.0-2.1). The StarClose device effectively sealed the arteriotomy in 83/83 (100%) cases, 60/83 (72.3%) cases were first-time closures, and 20/83 (24.1%) cases were repeat closures. Small groin hematomas, graded as class A minor complications, developed in 3/83 (3.6%) cases. No other complications were encountered. The StarClose SE Vascular Closure System confers high technical success and safety in common femoral arteriotomy closure in high-risk IO patients.

A novel, minimally invasive access technique versus standard 18‐gauge needle set for femoral access

To compare access site complications with the Micropuncture 21 gauge (G) needle set to the standard 18G needle in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the femoral approach. Vascular access site complications are the most common problems after PCI. The Micropuncture 21G needle set was recently introduced to minimize such complications. A cohort of 3,243 consecutive patients was studied. Patients receiving thrombolytics, IIb/IIIa antagonist, coumadin, or intra-aortic balloon pump were excluded. Micropuncture access was used in 544 patients and standard 18G needle in 2,699. All access sites were managed with a vascular closure device. Primary endpoints included vascular perforation or limb ischemia requiring repair, retroperitoneal bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and groin hematoma (>4 cm). Patients undergoing PCI with Micropuncture were at higher risk: they were older (65.9 ± 9 vs. 64.7 ± 11.8, P = 0.03); had lower body surface area (1.9 ± 0.2 vs. 2.0 ± 0.3, P = 0.02); more prevalent peripheral vascular disease [119 (21.9%) vs. 380 (14.1%), P < 0.001] and renal failure [106 (19.6%) vs. 318 (11.8%), P < 0.001]. Overall, there was no significant difference in the access site complications rate using Micropuncture vs. standard needle, 7 (1.3%) vs. 27 (1.0%), respectively, P = 0.54. The Micropuncture group had significantly higher retroperitoneal bleeding, 0.7% vs. 0.18%, P = 0.04. After multivariable adjustment, only age remained significantly associated with vascular complications (OR 1.03, P = 0.04). Femoral access using the Micropuncture technique did not reduce the incidence of vascular complications and the marginally higher than expected retroperitoneal bleeding is based on very small numbers. The routine use of the Micropuncture set and its technique should be revisited.

Einsatz eines perkutanen Nahtverschlusssystems nach 6 - 8F transfemoralen Zugängen: Ergebnisse von 2200 Patienten

The safety and effectiveness of a percutaneous suture-mediated closure system for achieving hemostasis using a transarterial femoral approach were investigated. A percutaneous suture closure system (Perclose/Proglide, Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, California) was used in 2200 patients (average age 67.5 ± 12.5 years) who had undergone an angiographic intervention. Vascular access sites (1331 retrograde, 869 antegrade) with a sheath size of between 6F and 8F were closed. Platelet aggregation was inhibited with 100 mg/d ASA and all patients additionally received 5000 IU heparin peri-interventionally. After application of the suture-mediated closure system and achievement of sufficient hemostasis, a light compression bandage was applied in all patients and 6 hours of bed rest were recommended. The puncture site of all patients was checked using color-coded duplex sonography post-interventionally (following day and after 6 weeks). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 2103/2200 patients (95.6 %). In the remaining 97/2200 cases, correct development of the suture was not possible, because of calcifications. In such cases, hemostasis was achieved by manual compression. Major complications (0.4 %) involved 3 infections that required vascular surgical debridement with the use of an interposition graft. In addition, there were 5 cases of secondary bleeding requiring transfusion. Minor complications (15.6 %) involved 3 (0.14 %) pseudoaneurysms, 256 (11.6 %) groin hematomas (up to max. 3 cm) and 85 (3.9 %) palpable suture granulomas. At a puncture size of 6 - 8F, safe and effective hemostasis is possible with the percutaneous suture-mediated closure system.

Tratamiento inicial del síndrome de vena cava superior de causa neoplásica mediante endoprótesis

Background and objectiveSuperior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is caused by venous return obstruction often originated by an invading mediastinal tumour. Our objective was to evaluate the usefulness of stents as initial treatment for SVCS of malignant origin. Patients and methodsFrom December 1996 to August 2010, 120 patients with SVCS were referred for percutaneous treatment. Seventy-six were under oncological follow-up cases and in 44 cases the tumour was unknown. A non-concurrent prospective study was made of 113 patients without prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy, who opted for endovascular treatment as first option. ResultsOne hundred and two men and 11 women were treated, mean age 61.18 years old (range 45-85). SVCS causes included lung cancer (100), lung metastases (6), compression by enlarged lymph nodes (6), and an embryonic tumour. One hundred and fifty-five prostheses were implanted. One stent was enough in 75 patients, 2 stents in 34, and 3 in 4. Technical success rate was 98.2%. Symptoms disappeared completely in 97 patients and partially in 13. Complications were stent migration (5), epistaxis (1), and post-procedure groin hematoma (1). Seventy-three asymptomatic patients had a mean survival of 210 days (75% primary permeability and 52.9% secondary permeability). ConclusionsThe use of stents in malignant SVCS is a safe and effective procedure for venous obstruction, leading to the immediate disappearance of symptoms, allowing the underlying tumour staging, facilitating the establishment of the best treatment and improving life quality.

Treatment of Infected Pseudoaneurysm of Femoral Artery after Vascular Closure Device Deployment: A Practical Solution

Like other invasive procedures, percutaneous coronary interventions are associated with complications. Most common access site for these procedures is common femoral artery. Complications such as groin and retroperitoneal hematoma can be encountered as well as pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, acute arterial occlusion, and infection. When infected pseudoaneurysm occurs, surgical treatment can be extremely difficult. We present a case of the patient in whom infected pseudoaneurysm of common femoral artery developed after percutaneous coronary intervention and was successfully treated by surgical excision and autoarterial graft insertion.

Efficacy of endoluminal interventional therapy in diabetic peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a retrospective trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of interventional therapy for peripheral arterial occlusive disease and the difference between diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients.Methods139 consecutive patients between September 2006 and September 2010 who underwent percutaneous lower extremity revascularization for arterial lesions were divided into diabetes group (n = 62) and non-diabetes group (n = 77). Before intervention, rest ankle brachial indexes and three dimensional computed tomography angiography from abdominal aorta to tiptoe were performed. The interventional treatments included angioplasty with or without stenting. The clinical outcomes included rest ankle-brachial indexes, primary patency rates, secondary patency rates and limb-salvage rates for 6-month, 12-month, 24-month and 36-month after treatment. The primary and secondary patency rates of all interventions and the limb-salvage rates of the patients are illustrated by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank analysis.ResultsThe interventional operation success rates were 98.4% (61/62) in diabetes group and 100% (77/77) in non-diabetes group. The re-interventional operation success rates were 85.7% (18/21) in diabetes group and 76.9% (20/26) in non-diabetes group. The mean value of ankle brachial indexes was significantly increased after intervention (0.397 ± 0.125 versus 0.779 ± 0.137, t = -25.780, P < 0.001) in diabetes group and (0.406 ± 0.101 versus 0.786 ± 0.121, t = -37.221, P < 0.001) in non-diabetes group. Perioperative 30-day mortality was 0%. Major complications included groin hematoma in 7.2%, and pseudoaneurysm formation 2.2%. In diabetes group, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month primary patency rates were 88.7% ± 4.0%, 62.3% ± 6.6%, 55.3% ± 7.0%, and 46.5% ± 7.5%; secondary patency rates were 93.5% ± 3.1%, 82.3% ± 5.1%, 70.8% ± 6.5%, and 65.7% ± 7%; limb-salvage rates were 95.2% ± 2.7%, 87.7% ± 4.4%, 85.5% ± 4.8%, and 81.9% ± 5.8%. In non-diabetes group, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month primary patency rates were 90.9% ± 3.3%, 71.8% ± 5.4%, 71.8% ± 5.4%, and 60.9% ± 6.2%; secondary patency rates were 96.1% ± 2.2%, 91.6% ± 3.3%, 82.7% ± 4.8%, and 71.8% ± 6.2%; limb-salvage rates were 97.4% ± 1.8%, 94.4% ± 2.7%, 90.6% ± 3.7%, and 83.1% ± 5.4%. The differences between two groups were not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionWith a low risk of morbidity and mortality, the percutaneous revascularization accepted by patients does not affect ultimate necessary surgical revascularization and consequently should be considered as the preferred therapy for chronic lower extremity ischemia. The efficacy and prognosis of interventional therapy in diabetic patients is similar that in non-diabetic patients.

Removing the Need for Crossmatched Blood in Elective EVAR

ObjectivesThe unit cost for crossmatching blood is £137.22 (€158.94). A maximum surgical blood order schedule for elective EVAR does not exist. We studied the crossmatch to transfusion ratio in our series to establish this recommendation. Materials and methodsA single centre retrospective study of consecutive EVAR cases between October 2001 and December 2010. Blood loss, units transfused and indication for transfusion per case were analysed. Results203 elective EVAR cases were studied. Median blood loss was 200 ml with a mean of 288 ml (range 50–8400 ml). A total of twelve patients (6%) required blood transfusion. Six cases (3%) for postoperative Hb <8 g/dL and three patients (1.5%) for medical complications. Three patients required a massive transfusion; two had peri-procedural haemorrhage and one patient developed a large groin haematoma. The crossmatch to transfusion ratio was 11.1. ConclusionsThe maximum surgical blood order for elective EVAR should be a group and save (type and screen) sample because of the high crossmatch to transfusion ratio. Intraoperative transfusion is rarely required (<1%) but often necessitates large transfusion quantities. In this circumstance each hospital is required to have an emergency protocol to manage massive blood loss. Applying these principles across all surgical specialities may lead to significant financial savings, improve efficiency and reduce wastage.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Safety of spinal angiography

Spinal digital subtraction angiography (SpDSA) continues to be the imaging gold standard for the evaluation of spinal cord vascular disorders. The safety of this procedure has a poor historical reputation and there are few current reports on complication rates. We hypothesized that modern SpDSA can be performed with an acceptably low risk of iatrogenic complications. In this retrospective series, we reviewed 302 consecutive spinal angiograms performed during a 10-year period at our institution for the frequency of intraprocedural and postprocedural neurologic, non-neurologic, and local complications. Indications for SpDSA, prior noninvasive imaging findings, and angiographic diagnoses for each case were assessed to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of the procedure. There were no intraprocedural or postprocedural neurologic complications in the studied cohort. Systemic complications occurred in 2 cases (0.7%), in the form of back spasms in one patient and pulmonary edema in the other. Both recovered promptly and were discharged at baseline status. Access-site complications included 3 groin hematomas (1.0%), all managed conservatively. MRI findings showed 51% sensitivity and 83% specificity for spinal vascular malformations. A total of 31% of patients with the preangiographic diagnosis of transverse myelitis were found to have a vascular malformation. SpDSA carries very low risks of neurologic and systemic complications, while offering a gold-standard level of diagnostic confidence for the evaluation of the normal and pathologic vasculature of the spinal cord.

Robotic catheter ablation of left ventricular tachycardia: initial experience

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be technically challenging due to difficulty with catheter positioning in the left ventricle (LV) and achieving stable contact. The Hansen Sensei Robotic system (HRS) has been used in atrial fibrillation but its utility in VT is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the technical feasibility of robotic catheter ablation of LV ventricular tachycardia (VT) using the HRS. Twenty-three patients underwent LV VT mapping and ablation with the HRS via a transseptal, transmitral valve approach. Nineteen patients underwent substrate mapping and ablation (18 had ischemic cardiomyopathy, 1 had an apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Four patients had focal VT requiring LV VT mapping and ablation. Procedural endpoints included substrate modification by endocardial scar border ablation and elimination of late potentials, or elimination of inducible focal VT. Mapping and ablation were entirely robotic without requiring manual catheter manipulation in all patients and reaching all LV regions with stable contact. Fluoroscopy time of the LV procedure was 22.2 ± 11.2 minutes. Radiofrequency time was 33 ± 21 minutes. Total procedural times were 231 ± 76 minutes. Complications included a left groin hematoma (opposite to the HRS sheath), 1 pericardial effusion without tamponade that was drained successfully, and transient right ventricular failure in a patient with previous left ventricular assist device. At 13.4 ± 6.7 months of follow-up (range 1-19 months), recurrence of VT occurred in 3 of 23 patients. Our initial experience suggests that the HRS allows successful mapping and ablation of LV VT.

Safety Profile of Endovascular Treatment for Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

To evaluate the safety of endovascular treatment of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In a 1-year period, 461 MS patients (261 women; mean age 45.4 years, range 21-79) with CCSVI underwent endovascular treatment of 1012 venous lesions during 495 procedures [34 (6.9%) reinterventions]. While balloon angioplasty was preferred, 98 stents were implanted in 76 patients for lesion recoil, restenosis, or suboptimal dilation. The procedures were analyzed for incidences of major adverse events (death, major bleeding, or clinical deterioration of MS), access site complications, procedure-related complications, and procedural safety-related variables (fluoroscopy and contrast times). The complication rates were compared to published data for similar endovascular methods. There were no deaths, major bleeding events, or clinical deterioration of MS. Access site complications included limited groin hematoma (5, 1.0%); there were no arteriovenous fistulas or puncture site infections. Systemic complications included only rare cardiac arrhythmias (6, 1.2%). Procedure-related complications included vein rupture (2, 0.4%), vein dissection (15, 3.0%), acute in-stent/in-segment thrombosis (8, 1.6%), and acute recoil (1, 0.2%); there was no stent migration or fracture or distal embolization. Mean fluoroscopy time was 22.7 minutes, and mean contrast volume was 136.3 mL. Endovascular therapy appears to be a safe and reliable method for treating CCSVI. Innovations such as purpose-specific materials and devices are needed, as are case-controlled and randomized data to establish efficacy in ameliorating MS symptoms.

Low‐Dose Protamine to Facilitate Earlier Sheath Removal from the Femoral Artery After Peripheral Endovascular Intervention

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of low-dose protamine administration to facilitate earlier vascular sheath removal. Vascular access complications are the most common cause of postprocedural morbidity in patients undergoing peripheral endovascular intervention (PEI). Prolonged manual compression and closure devices do not eliminate these complications. A consecutive series of 166 patients who underwent PEI were retrospectively compared to an all-comers control group of 136 patients who did not receive protamine. The study population received an intravenous dose of protamine based upon the dose of heparin received and the length of the procedure. The arterial sheath was removed when activated clotting time was less than 220 seconds. Primary end-points included bleeding complications, comprised of groin hematomas and retroperitoneal bleeding, and vascular complications, comprised of pseudoaneurysms, access vessel thrombosis, and arteriovenous fistula formation. The study population on average was older than the control group (71 vs. 67 years) and had a higher incidence of hypercholesterolemia (89.8% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.002). The average dose of protamine was 1.9 ± 0.83 mg, with a total dose of heparin of 5371 ± 1327 units. The time until sheath removal was 8.9 ± 8.6 minutes in the protamine group versus 188 ± 118 minutes in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no episodes of protamine anaphylaxis or adverse reactions. The access site complication rate between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant. This strategy offers an inexpensive, safe, and reliable method to achieve hemostasis and facilitate earlier sheath removal in patients undergoing PEI.

Prevention of Intraprocedural Puncture Site Bleeding during Arterial Port Implantation by Use of a Suture-mediated Arterial Closure System: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Purpose To investigate a modified technique for arterial port placement that uses a suture-mediated closure system with the aim to reduce delays caused by intraprocedural oozing around the catheter. Materials and Methods Forty consecutive patients (age, 63.9 y ± 11.8) stratified for regional arterial infusion chemotherapy were prospectively randomized to undergo conventional or modified port implantation. Time for device placement, total procedure time, number of catheters, size of largest and final catheters placed, duration of bleeding from puncture site, procedural delays, and time until hemostasis was achieved were recorded. Results Time for device placement was 3.7 minutes ± 1.1, with no complications encountered. Total procedure times were 133.0 minutes ± 62.8 for conventional port implantation and 100.0 minutes ± 49.5 for modified implantation ( P = .13). No differences were found in the number of catheters or size of largest or final catheter used. Duration of groin bleeding necessitating manual compression was 21.8 minutes ± 24.4 for conventional port implantation, resulting in a mean procedural delay of 6.2 minutes ± 7.0. Hemostasis was achieved after a mean of 17.1 minutes ± 20.9. Groin hematoma was observed in three patients. In contrast, with the modified technique, mean duration of oozing and intraprocedural delays were only 0.2 minutes ± 0.6 and 0.1 minutes ± 0.5, respectively (both P < .0001 vs conventional technique). Hemostasis was achieved within 3.2 minutes ± 4.1 ( P < .0001), with no cases of hematoma found. Conclusions Use of a suture-mediated closure system facilitated arterial port implantation by effective prevention of groin bleeding while allowing the use of a sheath.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with therapeutic oral anticoagulation treatment

Current guidelines recommend discontinuation of oral anticoagulation treatment (OAT) and switch to heparin 2-5 days before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, increasing evidence leans against the 'bridge therapy' and support continuation of OAT during the procedure. We evaluated the safety of AF ablation among patients with therapeutic OAT. The study population comprised 193 consecutive patients who underwent 228 AF ablation procedures guided by electroanatomical mapping. Periprocedural international normalized ratio was <2 (1.6 ± 0.3) in 103 cases (Group 1) and ≥2 (2.4 ± 0.4) in 125 cases (Group 2). Heparin (5000 IU bolus followed by continuous infusion through an open-irrigated ablation catheter) was used in both groups. No intracardiac echocardiographic guidance was used and activated clotting time (ACT) was not monitored. The incidence of major (intracranial bleeding, tamponade, bleeding that required surgical intervention, or blood transfusion) and minor bleeding complications and all thrombo-embolic events were registered during the 3-month follow-up. There was no statistical difference in major (P = 1.0) and minor complications (P = 0.74) between the groups. The bleeding complications included one surgically corrected groin haematoma in both groups (0.9%), 25 small haematomas at the puncture site (11 in Group 1 (10.7%) and 14 in Group 2 (11.2%), P = 0.90), and two minor pericardial effusions in Group 1. In Group 2, one patient had ischaemic stroke 16 days after the procedure. Transseptal puncture and AF ablation can be performed safely in patients with ongoing OAT without intracardiac echocardiographic guidance and ACT monitoring.

Balloon-Assisted Rapid Intermittent Sequential Coiling (BRISC) Technique for the Treatment of Complex Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms

We describe our experience with balloon-assisted rapid intermittent sequential coiling (BRISC) of complex wide-necked aneurysms as an alternative to stent-assisted coiling. We use this technique in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms, where antithrombotic treatment prior to stent deployment may not be advisable, and where the vascular anatomy is unfavorable for stenting. This is a retrospective analysis of 11 wide-necked aneurysms treated with this technique from June 2008 to January 2010. Results were analyzed in terms of aneurysm occlusion, procedural complications like thromboembolism, dissection/vasospasm, groin hematoma and any recurrence on follow-up. Coiling was successfully attempted in all cases (100%). Immediate angiographic results showed complete occlusion (class 1) in 8/11, residual neck (class II) in 3/11 and no residual aneurysm (class III). Procedural complications were local thrombus formation in 3/11 procedures but no symptomatic thromboembolism, dissection in 1/11 and groin hematoma in 1/11. There was no morbidity or mortality. On follow-up study, there was one recurrence, which was subsequently coiled. In our opinion, this technique may provide an alternative to stent-assisted coiling in patients with ruptured aneurysm where antithrombotic treatment prior to stent deployment may not be advisable and in the presence of vascular anatomy unsuitable for stenting.

Acute results of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty

We aimed to analyze acute clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic results and long-term event-free survival of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) in the treatment of hemodynamically significant mitral stenosis (MS). We retrospectively reviewed 577 patients (454 females, 123 males; mean age 38±11 years) who underwent PMBV for moderate or severe MS. Acute procedural success was defined as the achievement of mitral valve area (MVA) >1.5 cm2 and absence of grade 3-4 mitral regurgitation. In addition, 489 patients were interrogated by phone calls for event-free survival (death, redo PMBV, mitral valve replacement) after at least one year (mean 54 months) of the procedure. The procedure was successful in 547 patients (94.8%) and unsuccessful in 30 patients (5.2%). Among baseline echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, MVA was significantly lower (p=0.0001) and moderate/severe tricuspid regurgitation was significantly more common (p=0.031) in patients with failure. The mean Wilkins scores were similar in the two groups (p>0.05). Failure was related to suboptimal valve opening (MVA <1.5 cm2) in 20 patients (66.7%), and grade 3-4 mitral regurgitation in 10 patients (33.3%). There were no in-hospital death, cardiac tamponade, or cerebrovascular accident. Acute complications included iatrogenic atrial septal defect (n=51, 8.8%) and groin hematoma (n=4, 0.7%). Inquiry for long-term outcomes showed that four patients had died, while 21 patients and six patients had undergone mitral valve replacement and redo PMBV, respectively. Our data suggest that PMBV is a safe and effective treatment option in MS and preprocedural MVA and tricuspid regurgitation are associated with acute failure of the procedure.

Does ultrasound-guided lidocaine injection improve local anaesthesia before femoral artery catheterization?

To present the results of a prospective, randomized, single-centre study investigating local anaesthesia before percutaneous common femoral artery (CFA) puncture and catheterization with the use of ultrasound-guided injection of lidocaine versus standard infiltration by manual palpation. Patients scheduled to undergo diagnostic or therapeutic transfemoral catheter-based procedures gave informed consent and were randomized in two groups. In the first arm local anaesthesia with lidocaine hydrochloride 1% was performed under ultrasound guidance (group U/S), while in the second arm the standard method of manual artery palpation was applied (group M). In both groups, subsequent CFA catheterization was achieved under ultrasound guidance. The primary study endpoint was peri-procedural pain level evaluated with a visual-analogue scale (VAS score 0-10). Between January 2009 and 2010, 200 patients (161 men, mean age 63±12 years) were equally assigned to each group without any significant differences in baseline demographics. Patients in group U/S experienced significantly less pain during CFA catheterization in comparison with group M with a difference of three points in mean VAS score reported (1.6±1.6 versus 4.6±1.9, p<0.0001). In addition, significantly less volume of lidocaine was used in group U/S compared to group M (16±2.7 versus 19±0.8ml, p<0.001).Total vascular access time was similar in both groups (4.4±1.3 versus 4.5±1.3min). Overall complications included two small groin haematomas in each group. Ultrasound-guided local anaesthesia of the CFA prior to percutaneous transcatheter procedures is safe and achieves superior levels of analgesia with minimal patient pain and discomfort compared to the standard method of manual palpation.

Recanalization and reuse of early occluded radial artery within 6 days after previous transradial diagnostic procedure

Late radial artery (RA) thrombosis occurs in 3-9% after transradial interventions. RA occlusion has made this approach unsuitable for repeat interventions and obviated the need for alternative vascular access for catheterization, e.g., left RA (with certain risk of bilateral RA occlusion) or femoral artery with its shortcomings and, sometimes, life-threatening complications requiring surgical treatment (large groin hematoma, arterio-venous fistula or false aneurysm, retroperitoneal hemorrhage). We demonstrate the possibility of retrograde RA recanalization, dilatation, and restoration of the RA patency within 6 days after first transradial coronary diagnostic catheterization complicated with acute RA occlusion. Thus we were able to recanalize previously occluded RA and reuse it for repeat transradial coronary interventions.

Rapid hemostasis at the femoral venous access site using a novel hemostatic pad containing kaolin after atrial fibrillation ablation

Hemostasis at the femoral venous access site after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often prolonged because of aggressive anticoagulation and the use of several large-sized sheaths. A newly developed hemostatic pad containing a natural mineral called kaolin causes blood to clot quickly. We evaluated the efficacy of this pad for hemostasis at the venous access site after AF ablation. Patients who were scheduled to undergo AF ablation were randomized to be treated with manual compression with (n = 59) or without kaolin-impregnated pads (n = 59) as hemostatic approaches at the femoral venous access site following sheath removal. Hemostasis time, rebleeding frequency, massive hematoma, device-related complications, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were compared between the two groups. Hemostasis time in the patients treated with kaolin-impregnated pads was significantly shorter than in those treated without (6.1 ± 2.3 vs. 14.5 ± 4.0 min; p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the use of kaolin-impregnated pads was the only independent variable reducing hemostasis time (β = -0.78; p < 0.0001). However, rebleeding rates of the two groups were similar (37% with vs. 46% without kaolin-impregnated pads; p = 0.35). Only one patient had a massive groin hematoma, and no patient had device-related complications or DVT. Kaolin-impregnated hemostatic pads safely and effectively decreased hemostasis time for the femoral venous access site in patients undergoing AF ablation. However, whether its use allows earlier postprocedural ambulation is difficult to predict.