Outpatient Cardiac Catheterization Research Articles

Characteristics and short-term outcomes of outpatient and inpatient cardiac catheterizations: A descriptive study using a nationwide claim database in Japan

BackgroundMost previous studies on outpatient cardiac catheterization have been conducted in Western countries, but Japanese studies are rare. We aimed to describe patient characteristics and short-term clinical outcomes of outpatient cardiac catheterization compared to those of inpatient cardiac catheterization in Japan. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the JMDC Claims Database. We identified all adult patients aged ≥18 years who underwent cardiac catheterization between April 2012 and October 2021. We investigated patient characteristics and clinical outcomes (i.e. all-cause mortality, stroke, acute kidney injury, bleeding, vascular complications, percutaneous coronary intervention, and total healthcare costs) within 2, 7, and 30 days between patients who underwent outpatient cardiac catheterization (outpatient group) and those who underwent inpatient cardiac catheterization (inpatient group). ResultsOf the 37,002 eligible patients (57.6 % <60 years old, and 80.2 % male), 1853 (5.01 %) underwent outpatient cardiac catheterization. The outpatient group was more likely to be male, have more comorbidities, and be performed at non-university hospitals than the inpatient group. The proportion of patients who underwent right heart catheterization and imaging was lower in the outpatient group. There were no significant differences in 7-day major complications between the two groups (all-cause mortality, 0.0 % versus 0.0 %, p = 0.57; acute kidney injury, 0.0 % versus 0.1 %, p = 0.10, bleeding, 0.5 % versus 0.9 %, p = 0.052; vascular complication, 0.0 % versus 0.1 %, p = 0.23, respectively). The 30-day total healthcare costs were lower in the outpatient group than in the inpatient group (mean 3212 US dollars versus 3955 US dollars, p = 0.003). ConclusionsApproximately 5 % of cardiac catheterizations were performed in an outpatient setting. Given the low adverse event risk observed in this study, it may be a reasonable option to widen outpatient cardiac catheterization to include potential populations in Japan, warranting further studies.

Timing of sedation and patient-reported pain outcomes during cardiac catheterization: Results from the UNTAP-intervention study.

Invasive cardiac catheterization (CC) temporarily increases pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Procedural sedation is deployed to mitigate these symptoms, though practice varies. Research evaluating peri-procedural patient-reported outcomes is lacking. We randomized 175 patients undergoing CC to short interval ([SI] group, <6 min) or long interval ([LI] group, ≥6 min) time intervals between initial intravenous sedation and local anesthetic administration. Outcomes included: (1) total pain medication use, (2) patient-reported and behaviorally assessed pain and (3) patient satisfaction during outpatient CC. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate the impact of treatment time interval on total medication utilization, pain, and satisfaction. Among enrollees the mean age was 62 (standard deviation [SD] = 13.4), a majority were male (66%), white (74%), and overweight (mean body mass index = 28.5 [SD = 5.6]). Total pain medication use did not vary between treatment groups (p = 0.257), with no difference in total fentanyl (p = 0.288) or midazolam (p = 0.292). Post-treatment pain levels and nurse-observed pain were not statistically significant between groups (p = 0.324 & p = 0.656, respectively. No significant differences with satisfaction with sedation were found between the groups (p = 0.95) Patient-reported pain, satisfaction and nurse-observed measures of pain did not differ, after adjustment for demographic and procedural factors. Analyses of treatment effect modification revealed that postprocedure self-reported pain levels varied systematically between individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (SI = 2.2 [0.8, 3.6] vs. LI = 0.7 [-0.6, 2.0]) compared with participants not undergoing PCI (SI = 0.4 [-0.8, 1.7] vs. LI = 0.7 [-0.3, 1.6]) (p = 0.043 for interaction). No consistent treatment differences were found for total medication dose, pain, or satisfaction regardless of timing between sedation and local anesthetic. Treatment moderations were seen for patients undergoing PCI. Further investigation of how procedural and individual factors impact the patient experience during CC is needed.

Advancing Nursing Science Through Site-Based Clinical Inquiry: Designing Problem Pyramids.

Advancing Nursing Science Through Site-Based Clinical Inquiry: Designing Problem Pyramids.

Old Is (Not) Gold: Midazolam Monotherapy versus Midazolam Plus Fentanyl for Sedation during Cardiac Catheterization.

Objective We aimed to study the differences in perception of pain during cardiac catheterization with midazolam monotherapy compared to the current standard of midazolam plus fentanyl. Background Procedural sedation is important to ensure comfort and safety in patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Despite the widespread use of midazolam and fentanyl for procedural sedation, the effectiveness of this dual agent approach to sedation has never been studied in comparison to midazolam monotherapy. Methods A total of 129 patients undergoing sedation for outpatient elective cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to either midazolam monotherapy (n = 69) or combination of midazolam and fentanyl (n = 60). The primary outcome was assessment of pain perception prior to discharge by patient completion of a pain questionnaire. Participants were asked if they experienced any pain during their procedure (yes/no) and, if yes, asked to rate their overall pain level using a 10-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 (minimal pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Results Most patients (n = 94, 73%) reported no pain during their procedure. Patients sedated with midazolam monotherapy reported similar average pain scores compared to patients sedated with the combination of midazolam and fentanyl (1.1 vs. 1.1, p=0.95). Conclusions Among patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization, no significant differences in pain scores were noted between sedation with midazolam alone compared to midazolam and fentanyl. Due to fentanyl's unfavorable interaction with P2Y12 agents, increased costs, and addiction potential, it is imperative that cardiologists revisit the role of effective procedural sedation with a single agent and avoid the use of fentanyl.

Feasibility and safety of outpatient cardiac catheterization with intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test.

Intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test is useful to diagnose vasospastic angina. Although outpatient coronary angiography has been widely performed in current clinical settings, the feasibility and safety of ACh provocation test in outpatient services are unclear. A total of 323 patients, who electively underwent ACh provocation test in hospitalization and outpatient services, were included. Coronary angiography was performed after insertion of a temporary pacing electrode in the right ventricle. The positive diagnosis of intracoronary ACh provocation test was defined as total or subtotal coronary artery narrowing accompanied by chest pain and/or ischemic electrocardiographic changes. Cardiac complications defined as composite of death, ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac tamponade, were evaluated. There were 201 patients (62%) in the hospitalization group and 122 patients (38%) in the outpatient group. The incidence of positive ACh provocation test was similar between the 2 groups (47 vs. 54%, p=0.21). Coronary angiography in the outpatient group was performed through the radial artery, mostly (98%) with a 4F sheath. Venous access site was not significantly different between the 2 groups, and the sheath size was 5F in all cases. There were 2 cases (1.0%) of cardiac complications in the hospitalization group, whereas 1 case (0.8%), which led to unexpected hospitalization, occurred in the outpatient group. In conclusion, intracoronary ACh provocation test for the diagnosis of vasospastic angina in outpatient services was feasible and safe in selected patients.

COST-ANALYSIS OF OUTPATIENT CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION IN INFANTS WITH SINGLE VENTRICLE CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Background: Cardiac catheterization (CC) is performed in patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SVCHD) to aid in hemodynamic assessment, intervention and surgical planning. Outpatient CC reduces anxiety to patients and families and decreases cost. Given the morbidity and mortality

Pseudoaneurysma nach transradialer Punktion bei systemischer Lyse einer Basilaristhrombose

Because of neurological symptoms as a result of thrombotic occlusion of the basilar artery, a successful revascularization after systemic Actilyse application was performed in a 78 year old patient. Later, it came to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm at the radial artery, punctured for invasive blood pressure measurement. After oscillographic respectively ultrasound detection of a 2 cm wide pseudoaneurysm from the radial artery, the surgical resection of the aneurysm sac was performed. An ultrasound-guided manual compression due to the localization of a thrombus close to the aneurysm neck could not be conducted. The further clinical course was unremarkable. With an increasing number of pseudoaneurysms as a complication of transradial puncture occuring more frequently in the context of intensive care supply and rising outpatient cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography and PCI), the knowledge of care options of vascular complications are of particular importance before practical application.

Abstract 176: Variation in the Content and Timing of Informed Consent in Cardiovascular Procedures: An Opportunity to Improve Decision-making

Background: Informed consent, when effectively implemented, provides a powerful opportunity to build trust between the patient and clinician; support patient autonomy; and enable high-quality decision-making. Yet despite being legally and ethically mandated, consistent quality standards for informed consent are lacking, resulting in varied laws and practices. We examined variation in the quality of informed consent among three cardiovascular procedures - cardiac catheterization (CC), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - at a single institution. Methods: We conducted a chart review of elective outpatient CCs, TEEs, and ICDs performed from April 1 to June 30, 2014, evaluating: presence of consent form; content (documentation of purpose of procedure, benefits, risks, risk probabilities, and alternatives); legibility (assessed subjectively); and timing of consent prior to start of procedure. We also assessed documentation of procedure-specific risks (CC: bleeding, infection, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, vessel damage, heart damage, kidney injury, contrast allergy, adverse reaction, death; TEE: oral damage, esophageal damage, arrhythmia, blood pressure changes, breathing changes, aspiration pneumonia, death; ICD: pneumothorax, vessel damage, cardiac puncture, bleeding, infection, arrhythmia, adverse reaction, lead failure, death). Results: A generic consent document was used for all procedures (79 CCs, 39 TEEs, 36 ICDs); however, personalized, hand-written information was heterogeneous. Some documents did not specify the procedure’s purpose (CC: 19% [15 of 79]; TEE: 8% [3 of 39]; ICD: 6% [2 of 36]). Description of procedure-specific risks varied, and in some cases no risks were specified (CC: 32% [25 of 79]; TEE: 18% [7 of 39]; ICD: 42% [15 of 36]); only 8 total documents cited risk probabilities. Alternatives were never listed, and benefits were frequently not specified (CC: 100% [79 of 79]; TEE: 100% [39 of 39]; ICD: 86% [31 of 36]). Written documentation was often illegible (CC: 41% [32 of 79]; TEE: 31% [12 of 39]; ICD: 28% [10 of 36]). Timing of consent prior to procedure varied (median time: 32 min for CC, 29 min for TEE, and 1.6 days for ICD). Last, 43% (34 of 79 CCs), 49% (19 of 39 TEEs), and 3% (1 of 36 ICDs) were consented less than 30 minutes prior to start time. Conclusion: We observed notable variation in the content, legibility and timing of informed consent documents within and across procedures. These components are necessary, though may not be sufficient, to support a high-quality informed consent process. Our results highlight opportunities for improving informed consent. Standardization of content and increased time for patients to consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives of elective procedures may result in higher quality decision-making and facilitate patient autonomy.

Informed Consent for Cardiac Procedures: Deficiencies in Patient Comprehension With Current Methods

Patients who undergo cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) often have a poor understanding of their disease and of related therapeutic risks, benefits, and alternatives. This pilot study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of 2 preprocedural educational approaches to enhance patients' knowledge of standard consent elements. Patients undergoing first-time elective, outpatient cardiac catheterization and possible PCI were randomly assigned to a scripted verbal or written consent process (group I) or a web-based, audiovisual presentation (group II). Preconsent and postconsent questionnaires were administered to evaluate changes in patients' self-reported understanding of standard consent elements. One hundred and two patients enrolled at a single institution completed the pre- and postconsent surveys (group I=48; group II=54). Changes in patient comprehension rates were similar between groups for risk and benefit consent elements, but group II had significantly greater improvement in the identification of treatment alternatives than group I (p=0.028). Independent of intervention, correct identification of all risks and alternatives increased significantly after consent (p<0.05); 4 of 5 queried risks were correctly identified by greater than 90% of respondents. However, misperceptions of benefits persisted after consent; increased survival and prevention of future myocardial infarction were identified as PCI-related benefits by 83% and 46% of respondents, respectively. Although both scripted verbal and audiovisual informed consent improved patient comprehension, important patient misperceptions regarding PCI-related outcomes and alternatives persist, independent of informed consent approach, and considerable challenges still exist in educating patients about contemplated medical procedures. Future research appears warranted to improve patient comprehension.

Transcatheter treatment of SVC syndrome from histoplasmosis‐related mediastinal fibrosis in a 9‐year old male

We report a case of mediastinal fibrosis secondary to histoplasmosis in a 9-year old male, who presented with superior vena cava syndrome. He was successfully treated by percutaneous superior vena cava stent placement in the outpatient cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Clinical expert consensus statement on best practices in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: Society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions

The cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) is a setting in which elective, urgent, and emergent percutaneous procedures are performed. This poses challenges to maintaining and prioritizing high quality care and patient safety. Nonetheless, process expectations of a high-quality CCL include appropriate periprocedural communication, clinical management, documentation, and universal protocol. Regulations primarily targeted at open surgical operating rooms have the potential to negatively impact care because they may mandate focus on performance measures that are not necessarily relevant to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. For example, routine site marking for percutaneous access is irrelevant for most patients since failure to obtain access on one side (e.g., right femoral artery) simply leads to attempting access on the other side (e.g., left femoral artery). Instead, directives should be tailored to the percutaneous procedure setting to assure quality and optimal patient safety. This document will therefore provide expert consensus opinion on a number of issues pertaining to ‘‘best practices’’ within the CCL, focusing on quality and safety during each step of the process. The writing committee acknowledges a dearth in high-quality published studies in this area, making many of the enclosed recommendations based primarily on expert consensus. Although references are provided when available, further research specifically in catheterization laboratory processes and quality improvement is needed. The document is divided into ‘‘best practices’’ that should be performed during the preprocedure, intraprocedure, and postprocedure settings for diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention, to be consistent with the typical patient flow into and out of the CCL. Despite the long history of cardiac catheterization that dates back several decades, a document describing these ‘‘best practices’’ has not yet been written. The purpose of this document is not to represent all acceptable practices, but to provide consensus opinion on what would currently be considered ‘‘best practices’’ as future goals for catheterization laboratories.

Explanatory digital video disc with patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of patients before outpatient diagnostic cardiac catheterization after viewing an explanatory Digital Video Disc, in a cardiology reference hospital. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients undergoing their first cardiac catheterization and was performed from May to June 2009 in the hemodynamic sector. An instrument was used with questions (12) regarding the patients' understanding of the procedure. The intervention was a five-minute video prepared by the researchers. The sample was composed of 94 patients, divided into an intervention group (45) and a control group (49), with a mean age of 55 ± 9 years and predominantly male. The patients of the IG had a higher rate of correct answers (74.6 ± 17.1) compared to the CG (31.6 ± 18.8), P=.000. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the presentation of a guidance video for patients undergoing a hemodynamic procedure.

Experience with Four French Catheters for Outpatient Coronary Angiography.

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of outpatient cardiac catheterization on stable patients at low risk. We present our experience with four French catheters in 104 patients (72 male, 32 female, mean age 51 years old) with coronary angiography done as an outpatient procedure. No heparin was given during the procedure. After initial hemostasis had been attained, the patients returned to day center with vital signs monitored regularly. Patients were allowed ambulation after 4 hours' bed rest and were discharged the same afternoon. Normal coronary angiogram study was found in 76% of the study population. Single-vessel disease, double-vessel disease, triple-vessel disease, and left-main disease were found in 12%, 9.6%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. Nearly all of the patients demonstrated normal ventricular contraction (99%). Average procedural time was 20.2 +/- 4.4 minutes. Average hemostatic time was 8.4 +/- 3.1 minutes. No mortality directly attributed to the catheterization occurred in our study population. Moreover, there were no myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary edema, severe allergic reaction, and cerebrovascular accident. Femoral puncture site complication was only limited to superficial skin bruise. Quality of the cineangiogram was good in majority of the patients. Therefore, this study demonstrates that outpatient cardiac catheterization using four French Judkins catheter is a safe and cost-effective procedure.

Development of an Education Program on Postcardiac Catheterization Care for Ambulatory Care Nurses

One of the responsibilities of clinical educators is to identify learning needs of staff and to develop education programs to meet those needs. A new outpatient diagnostic cardiac catheterization program required patients to be transferred postprocedure to the short procedure unit until discharge. The author describes the development, the implementation, and the evaluation of an education program on postcardiac catheterization care for ambulatory care nurses as well as initiation of a new care program postcardiac catheterization.

Decreasing Outpatient Cardiac Catheterization Rates Associated With Cardiology Clinic Volume but Not With Increasing Cardiac Computed Tomography Utilization

Cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is an accurate noninvasive test for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate whether increasing use of CTA is correlated with left heart catheterization (LHC) rates, we performed a retrospective review of existing outpatient and inpatient catheterization lab and CTA electronic medical records from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2008. Comparing the previous 2 years (July 2004-June 2006) to the 2 years after addition of CTA (July 2006-June 2008), monthly LHC rates decreased 20 +/- 6% (p = 0.08) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates decreased 47 +/- 6% (p<0.001). Cardiology clinic volume declined 34%. CTA rates increased 64 +/- 7% (p<0.001). Radionuclide myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) usage remained stable. Despite increased utilization over the past 2 years, CTA was not correlated with significantly reduced LHC rates. The decline of outpatient LHC rates at our institution over 4 years is mainly influenced by decreasing outpatient Cardiology clinic volume.

Risk management in outpatient cardiac catheterization clinics.

Risk management in outpatient cardiac catheterization clinics.

Diagnostic Uncertainty and Costs Associated With Current Emergency Department Evaluation of Low Risk Chest Pain

Of all stress tests done in low risk Emergency Department observation units (OU), a small, but significant number may be reported as positive or indeterminate. The objective of this study is to quantify the prevalence and costs associated with positive and indeterminate stress tests that result in negative cardiac catheterization. Retrospective observational cohort study over 9 months. All patients undergoing the chest pain protocol who got cardiac stress testing in the OU were eligible for inclusion. Cost data were derived from an institutional activity-based cost system utilizing actual costs. Chart review was completed on all patients with positive and indeterminate stress tests and a randomly chosen sample of those with negative stress tests. Of the 1194 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 1084 (90.8%) had a negative stress test. Sixty-two (5.2%) had a positive stress test, and 48 (4.0%) had an indeterminate stress test. Of all 59 patients who underwent catheterization, 41 (69.5%) were negative cardiac catheterizations. The prevalence among all OU stress test patients of positive or indeterminate stress tests with subsequent negative cardiac catheterization was 41/1194 (3.4%; 95% CI 2.5%-4.6%). The prevalence of significant coronary artery disease at cardiac catheterization was 18/1194 (1.5%; 95% CI 1.0%-2.4%). Patients with a positive or indeterminate stress test who had a negative catheterization incurred increased OU costs ($1385 vs. $1,039, P = 0.012), total costs ($7298 vs. $1562, P < 0.001) and length of inpatient stay (1.83 days vs. 0.00 days) when compared with those who had a negative stress test. The probability of going to the OU and having a positive or indeterminate stress test resulting in a subsequent negative catheterization was double the probability of having a stress test result in catheterization that detected significant coronary artery disease. These patients incurred 5 times the total cost when compared with those patients with negative stress testing. Further investigation is warranted to determine alternative risk stratification methods for these low risk chest pain patients with positive stress tests.

Cost effectiveness of radial vs. femoral artery approach to outpatient cardiac catheterization

Cost effectiveness of radial vs. femoral artery approach to outpatient cardiac catheterization

Ambulation 1 Hour After Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization: A Prospective Study of 1009 Procedures

To study the safety of a protocol that allows ambulation 1 hour after diagnostic cardiac catheterization with a transfemoral approach using a 5F catheter system. A total of 1005 consecutive patients (1009 procedures) undergoing outpatient diagnostic cardiac catheterization with a transfemoral approach using a 5F catheter system at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, were included in this study from January 1, 2004, to August 31, 2005. All patients underwent standard manual compression to achieve hemostasis and were ambulated after 1 hour of bed rest. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 years, and 62% were male. Minor vascular complications occurred in 33 procedures (3.3%), Including 14 hematomas (1.4%) less than 4 cm and 19 cases of rebleeding (1.9%) that required repeated manual compression. Only 1 patient (0.1%) had a hematoma greater than 4 cm. No patient had a major complication, such as surgical repair, red blood cell transfusion, retroperitoneal bleeding, formation of an arteriovenous fistula or pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, or an infection. Ambulation 1 hour after diagnostic cardiac catheterization with a transfemoral approach using a 5F catheter system is safe and associated with low rates of vascular complications. This strategy may improve patient comfort, reduce resource utilization, and be preferable to use of vascular closure devices.

Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2, and CD40 Ligand Levels in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are important mediators of extracellular matrix remodeling, which is integral to plaque progression in coronary artery disease. In addition, high levels of the soluble fragment of CD40 ligand (sCD40L) have previously been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and sCD40L were abnormal in patients who had stable coronary artery disease, and these levels were compared with those in matched controls. We also hypothesized correlations of MMPs, TIMPs, and sCD40L to each other and to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a proinflammatory marker), white blood cell count, severity of coronary artery disease (based on angiographic measurements of atherosclerotic burden), and coronary collateralization. We studied 204 adult patients who attended our unit for outpatient diagnostic cardiac catheterization for the investigation of suspected coronary artery disease. Coronary angiograms were scored for atheroma burden and stenosis by 2 independent observers. Circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and sCD40L were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels of MMP-9 (p = 0.0099), TIMP-2 (p = 0.0019), and sCD40L (p <0.001), but not TIMP-1 (p = 0.463) were high in patients compared with healthy controls. In patients who had coronary artery disease, MMP-9 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in women than in men. Only MMP-9 correlated modestly with total white blood cell count (Spearman's correlation, r = 0.274, p = 0.002). Logistic regression of cardiovascular risk factors showed that only white blood cell count was independently associated with MMP-9 (p = 0.02). After standardizing for atheroma and stenosis scores, there were no statistically significant differences in our research indexes in patients who had angiographic collaterals compared with those who did not. In conclusion, stable coronary artery disease is associated with abnormal circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-2, and sCD40L, which do not appear to related to each other or to severity of coronary artery disease or collateralization. The gender difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and MMP-9 levels may provide insight into the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease in men and women, and further studies are warranted to explore this potential link.