Index Hospitalization Mortality Research Articles

Safety of Early Discharge After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Nationwide Readmissions Analysis

BackgroundWe determined the safety of early discharge after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with uncomplicated postoperative courses and compared outcomes with routine discharge in a national cohort. We identified preoperative factors associated with readmission after early discharge after CABG. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients undergoing CABG from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients were stratified based on length of stay (LOS) as early (≤4 days) vs routine (5-10 days) discharge. Patients were excluded with hospital courses indicative of complicated stays (emergent procedures, LOS >10 days, discharge to extended care facility or with home health, index hospitalization mortality). Propensity score matching was performed to compare outcomes between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with readmission after early discharge. ResultsDuring the study period, 91,861 patients underwent CABG with an uncomplicated postoperative course (∼20% of CABG population). Of these, 31% (28,790 of 91,861) were discharged early, and 69% (63,071 of 91,861) were routinely discharged. After propensity score matching, patients discharged early had lower readmission rates at 30 days, 90 days, and up to 1 year (P < .001 for all). The index hospitalization cost was lower with early discharge ($26,676 vs $32,859; P < .001). Early discharge was associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial infection at the index hospitalization (0.17% vs 0.81%, P < .001) and readmission from infection (14.5% vs 18%, P = .016). ConclusionsEarly discharge after uncomplicated CABG can be considered in a highly selective patient population. Early-discharge patients are readmitted less frequently than matched routine-discharge patients, with a lower incidence of readmission from infection. Appropriate postdischarge processes to facilitate early discharge after CABG should be further pursued.

Abstract TP19: Predictors of Outcome in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Pediatric Population

Background: Studies describing outcomes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in children are sparse. This study aims to describe outcomes and determinants of outcomes in pediatric patients with SAH. Methods: We reviewed all pediatric admissions with the primary diagnosis of SAH from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Disease Codes. Baseline characteristics of patients (age, gender, and associated comorbidities) were computed using descriptive statistics. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression determined predictors of in-hospital mortality for children with SAH. Results: 1,310 weighted hospitalizations for SAH were identified during the 5-year study period. The median age was 11.8 years (95% CI, 11.0-12.5), 54.6% were male. Seizures (34.6%), intraparenchymal hematoma (21.7%), acute ischemic stroke (6.4%), brain tumors (0.7%), and arteriovenous (AV) malformations (6.1%) were identified as the most common associated neurologic disorders during index hospitalization. 320 patients (24.4%) were treated endovascularly and 480 (36.6%) were treated via open surgical approach to treat vascular pathologies (AV malformations, dural AV fistulas, and aneurysms). Median length of hospitalization was 9.7 days (95% CI, 8.2-11.2. A total of 61.8% were discharged home, 29.3% were discharged to a rehabilitation facility, and in-hospital mortality was 8.8%. Patient-level variables associated with higher odds of mortality were age (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.01, [95% CI 1.01-1.02], p&lt;0.001), higher NIS-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Severity Score (NIS-SSS) (12.64 [4.21-37.95], p&lt;0.001), coagulopathy (5.72, [1.40-23.29], p=0.01), and liver dysfunction (69.02 [2.65 - &gt;999], p=0.01). Conclusion: Six of ten pediatric patients with SAH are discharged with excellent outcome with a 10% index hospitalization mortality. Underlying coagulopathy and liver dysfunction are the strongest risk factors for mortality

Delayed first medical contact to reperfusion time increases mortality in rural emergency medical services patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines recommend an emergency medical services (EMS) first medical contact (FMC) to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) time of ≤90 min. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between FMC to PCI time and mortality in rural STEMI patients. We conducted a cohort study of patients ≥18 years old with STEMI activations from January 2016 to March 2020. Data were obtained from a rural North Carolina Regional STEMI Data Registry, which included eight rural EMS agencies and three PCI centers, the National Cardiovascular Data Registry, and the EMS electronic health record. Prehospital and in-hospital time intervals were digitally abstracted. The outcome of index hospitalization mortality was compared between patients who did and did not meet FMC to PCI time goal using Fisher's exact tests. Negative predictive value (NPV) for index hospitalization death was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed and an optimal FMC to PCI time goal was identified by maximizing NPV to prevent index hospitalization death. Among 365 rural EMS STEMI patients, 30.1% (110/365) were female with a mean ± SD age of 62.5 ± 12.7 years. PCI was performed within the 90-min time goal in 60.5% (221/365) of patients. Among these patients, 3% (11/365) died during initial STEMI hospitalization, with 1.4% (3/221) mortality in the group that met the 90-minute time goal compared to 5.6% (8/144) in patients exceeding the time goal (p = 0.03). Meeting the 90-min time goal yielded a 98.6% (95% CI 96.1%-99.7%) NPV for index death. A 78-min FMC to PCI time was the optimal cut point, yielding a NPV for index mortality of 99.3% (95% CI 96.1%-100%). Death among rural patients with STEMI was four times more likely when they did not receive PCI within 90 min.

Left atrial appendage exclusion with less invasive left ventricular assist device implantation.

The objective of this single-center, pilot, prospective, and historical control study is to evaluate safety and feasibility outcomes associated with left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE) concomitant with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via less invasive surgery (LIS) as a stroke prevention strategy. A predefined number of 30 eligible subjects scheduled for LIS LVAD with LAAE were enrolled in the prospective arm between January 2020 and February 2021. Eligible retrospective LIS LVAD patients without LAAE were propensity-matched in a 1:1 ratio with the prospective arm subjects. The primary study objectives were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the LAAE concomitant with LIS LVAD. Preoperative characteristics of patients in the Non-LAAE and LAAE groups were similar. LAAE was successfully excluded in all prospective patients (100%). Primary safety endpoints of chest tube output within the first 24 postoperative hours, Reoperation for bleeding within 48 h, and index hospitalization mortality demonstrated comparable safety of LAAE versus Non-LAAE with LIS LVAD. Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that LAAE with LIS LVAD was associated with 37% and 49% reduction in the risk of stroke and disabling stroke, respectively (p > .05). Results from our pilot study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of LAAE concomitant with LIS LVAD as a stroke prevention strategy. This is the first prospective study describing LAAE performed concomitantly to less invasive LVAD implantation. The efficacy of LAAE in long-term stroke prevention needs to be confirmed in future prospective randomized clinical trials.

Abstract 15828: Baseline Hs-ctnt Concentrations Within the Sex-Specific Reference Range and Index Mortality in Emergency Department Patients

Background: High-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin (cTn) assays quantifies cTn in most healthy men and women. Whether quantifiable cTn concentrations below the 99 th percentile upper-reference limit have short term prognostic implications in emergency department (ED) patients remains uncertain. Methods: Multicenter (n=22) United States (US) cohort of ED patients undergoing at least one hs-cTnT measurement (CV Data Mart Biomarker cohort). For this assay, the lowest reportable concentration is &lt;6 ng/L. Sex-specific 99 th percentiles of 10 ng/L for women and 15 ng/L for men were used. The primary outcome was index hospitalization mortality. Results: A total of 85610 patients were examined, including 43043 women and 42567 men. A total of 775 index hospitalization deaths (0.91%) occurred, including 361 (0.84%) in women and 414 (0.97%) in men. Among women, baseline hs-cTnT concentrations were non-quantifiable (&lt;LoQ) in 37.5%, quantifiable (LoQ-99 th ) in 21.6%, and increased &gt;99 th percentile in 40.9%. Among men, baseline hs-cTnT concentrations were non-quantifiable (&lt;LoQ) in 20.0%, quantifiable (LoQ-99 th ) in 37.4%, and increased &gt;99 th percentile in 42.6%. Patients with higher concentrations were more likely to be older and had more comorbidities. Continuous baseline hs-cTnT (log) were associated with a higher odds of index hospitalization mortality (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.24-1.28). Following multivariable analyses, quantifiable hs-cTnT (LoQ-99 th ) also were associated with index hospitalization mortality in all patients (OR 2.07, 95% 1.22-3.53), and in both women (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.51-6.50) and men (OR 2.17, 95% 1.28-3.69) (Figure). Conclusions: Hs-cTnT concentrations within the reference range are more common in men than in women. Quantifiable hs-cTnT concentrations within the sex-specific reference range are associated with a higher risk of index hospitalization mortality, with a larger prognostic effect in women than in men.

Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not widely used in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease and has not yet been studied in randomized clinical trials. We characterized the rate of use and outcomes of TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with BAV. MethodsAdults with BAV stenosis receiving SAVR or TAVR procedures were abstracted from the 2012 to 2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Risk-adjusted analyses were performed with NRD-provided weights and inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to examine the association of treatment strategy on inpatient mortality, complications, and hospitalization resource utilization. Nonelective readmissions within 90 days of discharge and reintervention at the first readmission were also examined. ResultsOf an estimated 56 331 patients with BAV requiring aortic valve replacement, 6.8% underwent TAVR. Unadjusted analysis demonstrated higher index hospitalization mortality for TAVR compared with SAVR. Upon risk adjustment using NRD-provided weights, the odds of pacemaker implantation remained significantly higher for TAVR patients compared with SAVR, with no significant difference in mortality. When NRD-provided survey weights were applied, TAVR had higher rates of 90-day readmission. Adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weights resolved these differences between the 2 groups. Regardless of the risk-adjustment method, the odds of reintervention were consistently higher among BAV TAVR patients compared with SAVR. ConclusionsThe present analysis demonstrates comparable in-hospital mortality and morbidity for TAVR and SAVR patients in the moderate-risk era. With increasing TAVR use in BAV, surgeons must further refine selection criteria with consideration of concomitant aortopathy and implications of reintervention.

Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes for Femoral Neck Fractures in Transplant Patients.

The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term complications between transplant and nontransplant patients who undergo hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Additionally, we sought to further compare the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA) within the transplant group. This was a retrospective review utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Transplant patients were identified and stratified based on transplant type: kidney, liver, or other (heart, lung, bone marrow, and pancreas). Outcomes of interest included index hospitalization mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay, costs, hospital readmission, and surgical complications within 90 days of discharge. From 2010 to 2018, a total of 881,061 patients underwent THA or HA for FNFs, of which 2163 (0.2%) were transplant patients. When compared with nontransplant patients, all transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR]= 1.51, P= .001), acute kidney injury (OR= 2.02, P < .001), and discharge to facility (OR= 1.67, P= .001) while having increased index hospitalization length of stay and costs. Liver and other transplant patients had an increased risk of readmission within 90 days (OR= 1.82, P < .001 and OR= 1.60, P= .014 respectively). Subgroup analysis for transplant patients comparing HA with THA demonstrated no differences in perioperative complication rates and decreased hospitalization length of stay and cost associated with THA. In this retrospective cohort study, transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusions and acute kidney injury after hip arthroplasty for FNFs. There were no differences in short-term complications between transplant patients treated with HA versus THA. 3 (Retrospective cohort study).

S1106 Demographic and Digestive Laboratory Characteristics Predict Mortality Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Introduction: Digestive laboratory abnormalities related to COVID-19 have been previously described, but most reports came from single centers and findings have been conflicting. We conducted a multi-center study using data from three large urban VA centers (New York Harbor VA, New Orleans VA and Detroit VA) to examine the association between demographics and digestive laboratory values with mortality on index hospitalization among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: We manually extracted data on individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 between December 2019 and June 2020 at the three facilities. For this analysis, data on demographics and seven digestive laboratory values (highest AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and INR during admission, as well as lowest hemoglobin and platelets) were analyzed in relation to index hospitalization mortality. We performed descriptive statistics and conducted a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Out of a total of 390 individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, 168 (43%) died and 222 survived. The median age of patients who died was higher than those who survived (75 vs. 69 years). The vast majority (94%) of patients were male. Black patients accounted for a higher proportion of those who died than those who survived (61% vs. 55%), whereas the opposite was true for Whites (26% vs. 31%) and Hispanics (9% vs. 12%). In the multivariable model (Table), mortality was associated with older age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), higher BMI (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10), higher AST (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004-1.02), lower ALT (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.996), higher alkaline phosphatase (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02), and lower hemoglobin (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.97). Conclusion: In this multicenter VA study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first half of 2020, overall mortality was 43%. For mortality during index hospitalization, we observed a positive association with age, BMI, AST, and alkaline phosphatase, and an inverse association with ALT and hemoglobin. Every 1 unit increase in hemoglobin was associated with 17% decreased odds of death. These findings suggest that commonly used digestive laboratory tests have prognostic significance for COVID-related survival.Table 1.: Patient Retention to Second Biopsy in Practice-Integrated Sites by Study.

Surgical treatment of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cancer: Analysis of prognostic factors

BackgroundIntracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common cerebrovascular event in patients with cancer. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for ICH and to determine possible pre-operative outcome predictors. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed surgical procedures for the treatment of ICH in patients with cancer. Analysis included clinical and radiological findings of the patients. Primary endpoints were survival and mortality in index hospitalization. ResultsNinety-four emergency neurosurgeries were performed for ICH in 88 different patients with cancer over ten years. 51 patients had chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH: 54.3%), 35 with intraparenchymal hemorrhage (37.2%), 6 with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH: 6.4%), and only 2 with epidural hemorrhages (2.1%). Median patient follow-up was 63 days (IQR = 482.2). 71 patients (75.5%) died at follow-up, with a median survival of 33 days. Overall 30-day mortality was 38.3%; 27.5% for patients with CSDH. Lower survival was associated to higher absolute leucocyte count (HR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04–1.09), higher aPTT ratio (HR 3.02; 95% CI 1.01–9.08), higher serum CRP (HR 1.01; 95%CI 1.01–1.01), and unresponsive pupils (each unresponsive pupil - HR 2.65; 95%CI 1.50–4.68). ConclusionOutcomes following surgical treatment of ICH in patients with cancer impose significant morbidity and mortality. Type of hematoma, altered pupillary reflexes, coagulopathies, and increased inflammatory response were predictors of mortality for any type of ICH.

Trend in morbidity and mortality in surgical aortic valve replacement: a retrospective, observational, single-centre study.

Continuous improvement in the management of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) may have considerably enhanced surgical outcomes including in-hospital mortality and perioperative complications. We aimed to analyse in-hospital mortality and morbidity trends in patients undergoing SAVR in a single centre to provide insights for future benchmarking for transcatheter aortic valve implantation indications. This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing either isolated SAVR or combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at the Bristol Heart Institute, UK, from January 2000 to December 2017. Baseline characteristics were extracted and analysed across 3 different eras (2000-2005, 2006-2011 and 2012-2017). Risk-adjusted time trend was obtained from univariate and multivariate logistic regression including all baseline characteristics. A total of 2719 patients (63.2%) underwent isolated SAVR, and 1581 (36.8%) underwent combined CABG and SAVR during the study period. For patients undergoing SAVR, in-hospital mortality decreased from 2.9% in 2000-2005 to 0.7% in 2012-2017 (risk-adjusted time trend 0.0001). Hospital mortality in patients aged 75-79 and ≥80 years decreased from 5.6% and 5.3% to 0.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Mortality after combined SAVR and CABG did not significantly decrease (from 3.9% in 2000-2005 to 3.5% in 2012-2017; risk-adjusted time trend = 0.62). However, in patients aged ≥80 years, index hospitalization mortality showed a decreasing non-significant trend from 9.8% to 4.8%. Our findings support the hypothesis that mortality and morbidity rates following SAVR have significantly improved over the years, including for patients at high risk.

Surgical treatment of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cancer

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common cerebrovascular event in patients with cancer. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for ICH and to determine possible pre-operative outcome predictors.&#x0D; Methods: We retrospectively reviewed surgical procedures for the treatment of ICH in patients with cancer. Analyses included clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics. Primary endpoints were survival and mortality in index hospitalization.&#x0D; Results: Ninety-four emergency neurosurgeries were performed for ICH in 88 different patients with cancer over ten years. 51 patients had chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH: 54.3%), 35 with intraparenchymal hemorrhage (37.2%), 6 with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH: 6.4%), and only 2 with epidural hemorrhages (2.1%). Median patient follow-up was 63 days (IQR=482.2). 71 patients (75.5%) died at follow-up, with a median survival of 33 days. Overall 30-day mortality was 38.3% and reached 27.5% in patients with CSDH. Lower survival was associated to higher absolute leucocyte count (HR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04-1.09), higher aPTT ratio (HR 3.02; 95% CI 1.01-9.08), higher serum CRP (HR 1.01; 95%CI 1.01-1.01), and unresponsive pupils (each unresponsive pupil - HR 2.65; 95%CI 1.50-4.68). Lower absolute platelet count was associated with a modest increase in survival rates (every 1000 platelets - HR 0.99; 95%CI 0.97-0.99).&#x0D; Conclusion: Outcomes following surgical treatment of ICH in patients with cancer impose significant morbidity and mortality. Altered pupillary reflexes, coagulopathies, and increased inflammatory response were predictors of mortality for any type of ICH. CSDH was the most common type of ICH and had higher mortality rates than non-oncologic patients.

Cangrelor as an Effective Bridge in Patients Requiring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Temporary Mechanical Support

Objectives Describe the experience at our institution using cangrelor during T-MCS as a bridge to durable support or weaning, including hematological complications and mortality. Background In patients with cardiogenic shock, temporary mechanical circulatory support (T-MCS) devices can provide cardiac or cardiopulmonary support as a bridge to myocardial recovery or need for long-term support. Intravenous cangrelor presents a promising drug therapy for maintaining adequate platelet inhibition while bridging to decision Methods This retrospective, cohort study included all patients from 06/22/2015 through 01/31/2018 who received cangrelor as a second antiplatelet therapy in addition to aspirin while being supported with a T-MCS device at a single large tertiary care center. The primary outcome was major bleeding according to the ELSO definition. Secondary endpoints included all cause index hospitalization mortality, decision to withdraw care, minor bleeding, stent thrombosis confirmed by angiography, and thromboembolic event confirmed by imaging during the patient's index hospitalization. Additional secondary endpoints were 1-year survival, and 1-year major adverse cardiac event rate. Results The primary outcome major bleeding occurred in four of ten cases. Four of the remaining six cases had a minor bleeding event. There were no episodes of acute/subacute stent thrombosis in the eight patients who received a drug-eluting stent. All cause index hospitalization mortality occurred in 60%, of which 5 patients had care withdrawn due to futility. None of the patients had a catastrophic bleeding event. Conclusions Our case series suggests a potential benefit of cangrelor as a bridge in patients requiring PCI and temporary mechanical support.

The impact of urgent neurosurgery on the survival of cancer patients.

Background: Patients with cancer are subject to all neurosurgical procedures of the general population, even if they are not directly caused by the tumor or its metastases. We sought to evaluate the impact of urgent neurosurgery on the survival of patients with cancer.Methods: We included patients submitted to neurosurgeries not directly related to their tumors in a cancer center from 2009 to 2018. Primary endpoints were mortality in index hospitalization and overall survival.Results: We included 410 patients, 144 went through elective procedures, functional (26.4%) and debridement (73.6%) and 276 urgent neurosurgeries were performed: one hundred and sixty-three ventricular shunts (59%), and 113 intracranial hemorrhages (41%). Median age was 56 (IQR = 24), 142 (51.4%) of patients were metastatic, with 101 (36.6%) having brain metastasis. In 82 (33.7%) of the urgent surgeries, the patient died in the same admission. Urgent surgeries were associated with mortality in index hospitalization (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.93–6.15), as well as non-primary brain tumors (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.48–6.61). Median survival after urgent surgeries was 102 days, compared to 245 days in the control group (Log rank, P < 0.01). Lower survival probability was associated with metastasis (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.15–2.66) and urgent surgeries (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18–1.89). Within the urgent surgeries alone, metastasis predicted lower survival probability (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15–2.67).Conclusion: Conditions that require urgent neurosurgery in patients with cancer have a very poor prognosis. We present concrete data on the magnitude of several factors that need to be taken into account when deciding whether or not to recommend surgery.

MELD-XI is predictive of mortality in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a life-saving method of supporting critically ill patients. However, it is expensive and associated with high morbidity and mortality, making early predictive outcome modeling extremely valuable. The model for end-stage liver disease-excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) scoring system has been shown to have prognostic value in other critically ill patient populations. A single-center retrospective review was performed for all adult patients managed on VA-ECMO from May 2011 to January 2018 (n = 247). Patients were included in the study if MELD-XI scores could be calculated during the first 48 hours on ECMO (n = 187). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed for MELD-XI in regard to in-hospital mortality. Of the 187 patients, 74 (40%) patients had MELD-XI less than 14 (low-risk) and 113 (60%) had a MELD-XI of 14 or greater (high-risk). The cohorts did not differ significantly in terms of patient characteristics or indication for ECMO. The high-risk MELD-XI group had significantly greater mortality during index hospitalization compared to the low-risk group (74% vs 39%; P < .0001). Quartile stratification demonstrated progressively worse prognosis associated with higher MELD-XI scores; the fourth quartile showed a ninefold increased risk of mortality compared to the first quartile (P < .001). The AUC for predicting index hospitalization mortality was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62-0.77) with a Youden index (J) of 0.36 and optimized cutoff of 12.98. These findings suggest that the MELD-XI scoring system can be applied to the VA-ECMO patient population early in their course of ECMO as a prognostic tool to aid in complex clinical decision making.

Short-term outcome of Manual Thrombus Aspiration for patients Undergoing Primary PCI for Acute STEMI Showing LargeThrombus burden

Abstract Background Thrombus aspiration (TA) might have a potential role in STEMI patients with heavy thrombus burden. The objective of several prospective trials whether routine TA in STEMI patients, contributes to a reduced mortality. After the first promising results, mainly based on the single center (TAPAS trial), results of the largest randomized trials to date (TASTE) study and (TOTAL) study, have not shown any significant differences in all-cause mortality, re-hospitalizations or stent thrombosis after a maximum of one-year follow-up period Objectives The aim of this prospective study is to study the in-hospital &amp; short term out-come of using manual thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI &amp; showing large thrombus burden. Results The study included 209 patients referred to (CCU) of (Ain Shams University hospitals) with diagnosis of STEMI, who had under-gone primary PCI, with evidence of heavy thrombus burden . All the patients received DAPT, 99% had received GPIIbIIIa antagonists. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group (A) included 73 patients, who had under-gone manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI to culprit lesion +/- other vessels &amp; and group (B) included 136 patients, who had under-gone primary PCI of culprit lesion+/- other vessels, using the standard technique, without thrombus aspiration, within the period from 11/2016 till 7/2018(21 months),and they were followed up during hospital stay &amp; for one month following hospital discharge. No stents were used in 13.7% of group (A), but no stents were used on 3.7% of group (B) (p value= 0.007). TIMI III flow had been achieved in 94.5% of group (A), 80.1% of group (B)(p value = (0.020) . MBG 3 had been achieved in 82.2% of group (A), 58.1% of group (B) . ST-segment resolution &amp;gt; 70% had been achieved in 8.2% of group (A), that hadnot been achieved in group (B) (p value =0.003). Mortality(among MACE) was the only event detected (p value 0.026). Follow up MACE were statisticalLy significant results (p value=0.022) . Statistically highly significant results regarding, LV systolic function EF %, p vaue= 0.001, had been achieved . Conclusion In STEMI patients with evidence of heavy thrombus burden, a strategy of manual aspiration thrombectomy is valuable in reducing index hospitalization mortality, and 1 month follow-up rates of mortality, TIMI flow, better MBG, ST-segment resolution, in addition to left ventricular systolic function .

Endovascular Occlusion Balloon for Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Tears During Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Multiyear Analysis and an Update to Best Practice Protocol.

Superior vena cava (SVC) tears are one of the most lethal complications in transvenous lead extraction. An endovascular balloon can occlude the SVC in the event of a laceration, preventing blood loss and offering a more controlled surgical field for repair. An early study demonstrated that proper use of this device is associated with reduced mortality. Thereafter, high-volume extractors at the Eleventh Annual Lead Management Symposium developed a best practice protocol for the endovascular balloon. We collected data on adverse events in lead extraction from July 1, 2016, to July 31, 2018. Data were prospectively collected from both a US Food and Drug Administration-maintained database and physician reports of adverse events as they occurred. We gathered case details directly from extracting physicians. Confirmed SVC tears were analyzed for patient demographics, case details, and index hospitalization mortality. From July 1, 2016, to July 31, 2018, 116 confirmed SVC events were identified, of which 44.0% involved proper balloon use and 56.0% involved no use or improper use. When an endovascular balloon was properly used, 45 of 51 patients (88.2%) survived in comparison to 37 of 65 patients (56.9%) when a balloon was not used or improperly used (P=0.0002). Furthermore, multivariate regression modeling found that proper balloon deployment was an independent, negative predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients who experienced an SVC laceration (odds ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.40; P<0.001). From July 1, 2016, through July 31, 2018, patients undergoing lead extraction were more likely to survive SVC tears when treatment included an endovascular balloon.

In-hospital and subsequent mortality among lung transplant recipients with a prolonged initial hospitalization.

The care of lung transplant recipients with prolonged index hospitalizations can be ethically complex, with conflicts arising over whether the expected outcomes justify ongoing intensive interventions. There are limited data to guide these conversations. The objective of this study was to evaluate survival to discharge for lung transplant recipients based on length of stay (LOS). This was a retrospective cohort study of adult lung transplant recipients in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. For each day of the index hospitalization the mortality rate among patients who survived to that length of stay or longer was calculated. Post-discharge survival was compared in those with and without a prolonged hospitalization (defined as the 97th percentile [>90days]). Among the 19250 included recipients, the index hospitalization mortality was 5.4%. Posttransplant stroke and need for dialysis were the strongest predictors of index hospitalization mortality. No individual or combination of available risk factors, however, was associated with inpatient mortality consistently above 50%. Recipients with >90day index hospitalization had a 28.8% subsequent inpatient mortality. Their 1, 3 and 5year survival following discharge was 53%, 26%, and 16%. These data provide additional context to goals of care conversations for transplant recipients with prolonged index hospitalizations.

Burden of air leak complications in thoracic surgery estimated using a national hospital billing database.

BackgroundOne of the most common outcomes of lung resections are parenchymal air leaks. These air leaks are most often self-limited and spontaneously resolve several days after surgery. Historically, only prolonged air leaks have been considered to have a significant effect on patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of any air leak complications (aALCs) on resource utilization and mortality.MethodsThe Premier Perspective® database was used to identify all elective primary lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resections performed from 2012 to 2014; aALC was defined as a composite of air leak and pneumothorax. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the impact of aALCs on length of stay (LOS), operating room time (ORT), hospital costs, and mortality during index hospitalization.ResultsA total of 21,150 patients undergoing lung resection surgery were included in the analysis: lobectomy (n=10,946), segmentectomy (n=1,788), and wedge resection (n=8,416). The overall incidence of aALCs was 24.26% (95% CI [23.68, 24.83]). Identified risk factors included resection type, surgical approach, male gender, and presence of COPD. Patients with aALCs had a significantly higher economic burden (adjusted mean [standard error of mean, SE]: LOS=7.24 [SE=0.12] days; ORT=214.9 [SE=6.4] min; and hospital costs=$26,070 [SE=$1404]) compared to those without aALCs (adjusted mean [SE]: LOS=4.75 [SE=0.07] days; ORT=201.7 [SE=3.9] min; and hospital costs=$19,558 [SE=$399]). aALC was also associated with increased overall index hospitalization mortality (odds ratio=1.90, 95% CI [1.42, 2.55]).ConclusionThis analysis showed that aALCs are not only frequent but also associated with significantly higher resource utilization and mortality.

Compliant endovascular balloon reduces the lethality of superior vena cava tears during transvenous lead extractions

Superior vena cava (SVC) lacerations have been identified as the most lethal complication encountered during cardiac implantable electronic device lead extraction. The case fatality rate of these events approximates 50% due to rapid exsanguination. A novel, compliant balloon specifically designed for use in the SVC may provide hemostasis in the event of endovascular perforation. By temporarily occluding the compromised vessel, the endovascular balloon should delay hemodynamic collapse, provide a more controlled surgical field for repair, and thereby reduce the mortality of SVC tears complicating transvenous lead extraction. To assess the early impact of the compliant endovascular balloon on the management of SVC tears and survival outcomes. We searched a publicly available, United States Food and Drug Administration-maintained database for adverse events from 1 manufacturer of lead extraction tools. Reports from July 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016 were reviewed by 2 physicians to identify instances of SVC tears. Extracting physicians were contacted for further case details. Confirmed SVC tears were analyzed for patient demographics, repair strategies, and index hospitalization mortality. Of the complications reported, 35 cases of surgically confirmed SVC tears were identified. One hundred percent of patients (9/9) were discharged alive when the endovascular balloon was properly utilized, compared to 50% of patients (13/26) when the device was not used (P = .0131). Differences between all other variables analyzed were statistically insignificant. During the study period, we observed a reduction in mortality in patients who suffered SVC tears while undergoing lead extraction when treatment included an endovascular balloon.

Readmission and Late Mortality After Critical Illness in Childhood.

Little is known about the ongoing mortality risk and healthcare utilization among U.S. children after discharge from a hospitalization involving ICU care. We sought to understand risks for hospital readmission and trends in mortality during the year following ICU discharge. Retrospective observational cohort study. This study was performed using administrative claims data from 2006-2013 obtained from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Database. We included all children in the dataset admitted to a U.S. ICU less than or equal to 18 years old. The primary outcome was nonelective readmission in the year following discharge. Risk of rehospitalization was determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. We identified 109,130 children with at least one ICU admission in the dataset. Over three quarters of the index ICU admissions (78.6%) had an ICU length of stay less than or equal to 3 days, and the overall index hospitalization mortality rate was 1.4%. In multivariate analysis, risk of nonelective readmission for children without cancer was higher with longer index ICU admission length of stay, younger age, and several chronic and acute conditions. By the end of the 1-year observation period, 36.0% of children with an index ICU length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days had been readmitted, compared with only 13.9% of children who had an index ICU length of stay equals to 1 day. Mortality in the year after ICU discharge was low overall (106 deaths per 10,000 person-years of observation) but was high among children with an initial index ICU admission length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days (599 deaths per 10,000 person-years). Readmission after ICU care is common. Further research is needed to investigate the potentially modifiable factors affecting likelihood of readmissions after discharge from the ICU. Although late mortality was relatively uncommon overall, it was 10-fold higher in the year after ICU discharge than in the general U.S. pediatric population.