Palliative Interventions Research Articles

The appropriate use of gastrostomy tubes in palliative surgery.

Palliative surgery is defined as an operation or procedure performed with the primary intention of relieving symptoms or improving quality of life. Gastrostomy tubes are often employed with palliative intent but, like many palliative interventions, there is insufficient data to facilitate surgical decision-making. This can be challenging for healthcare professionals as caring for palliative patients often encompasses end of life care, severe life-altering symptoms, and poor prognosis. Thus, we have gathered available data for the appropriate use of gastrostomy tube in palliative surgery and propose our mini-review as a primer to aid in medical and surgical decision-making. We first provide the background for palliative surgery and the definition, brief history and techniques pertinent to palliative gastrostomy tube (PGT). Then we review the data relevant to two common indications-head/ neck cancer and malignant bowel obstruction-for PGT. As our deliverable, we present an effective paradigm for delivering the data to patients and families utilizing known palliative communication and decision-making frameworks such as the Palliative Triangle, Best Case/Worst Case and Defining Value. Moreover, we highlight the necessity of conducting more palliative care research that involves palliative outcome measures in addition to traditional metrics such as overall survival. We end our discussion by emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary team, individualized decision-making, and relationship-based care for palliative patients.

Integrated Short-term Palliative Rehabilitation to improve quality of life and equitable care access in incurable cancer (INSPIRE): a multinational European research project.

Disability related to incurable cancer affects over a million Europeans each year and people with cancer rank loss of function among the most common unmet supportive care needs. To test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an integrated short-term palliative rehabilitation intervention, to optimise function and quality of life in people affected by incurable cancer. This is a multinational, parallel group, randomised, controlled, assessor blind, superiority trial. The INSPIRE consortium brings together leaders in palliative care, oncology and rehabilitation from partner organisations across Europe, with complementary expertise in health service research, trials of complex interventions, mixed-method evaluations, statistics and economics. Partnership with leading European civil society organisations ensures citizen engagement and dissemination at the highest level. We will conduct a multinational randomised controlled trial across five European countries, recruiting participants to assess the effectiveness of palliative rehabilitation for people with incurable cancer on the primary outcome - quality of life - and secondary outcomes including disability, symptom burden and goal attainment. To support trial conduct and enhance analysis of trial data, we will also conduct: comparative analysis of current integration of rehabilitation across oncology and palliative care services; mixed-method evaluations of equity and inclusivity, processes and implementation for the intervention, at patient, health service and health system levels. Finally, we will conduct an evidence synthesis, incorporating INSPIRE findings, and a Delphi consensus to develop an international framework for palliative rehabilitation practice and policy, incorporating indicators, core interventions, outcomes and integration methods. If positive, the trial could produce a scalable and equitable intervention to improve function and quality of life in people with incurable cancer and reduce the burden of care for their families. It could also upskill the practitioners involved and motivate future research questions. The intervention could be adapted and integrated into different health systems using existing staff and services, with little or no additional cost.

Treatment of cicatricial tracheal stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistula in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

To describe treatment of cicatricial tracheal stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistula in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. There were 91 patients with cicatricial tracheal stenosis for the period from August 2020 to April 2022 (21 months). Of these, 32 (35.2%) patients had cicatricial tracheal stenosis, tracheoesophageal fistula and previous coronavirus infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Incidence of iatrogenic tracheal injury following ventilation for viral pneumonia in the pandemic increased by 5 times compared to pneumonia of other genesis. Majority of patients had pneumonia CT grade 4 (12 patients) and grade 3 (8 patients). Other ones had pulmonary parenchyma lesion grade 2-3 or mixed viral-bacterial pneumonia. Isolated tracheoesophageal fistula without severe cicatricial stenosis of trachea or esophagus was diagnosed in 4 patients. In other 2 patients, tracheal stenosis was combined with tracheoesophageal fistula. Eight (25%) patients had tracheostomy at the first admission. This rate was almost half that of patients treated for cicatricial tracheal stenosis in pre-pandemic period. Respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 1-7 months after discharge from COVID hospital. All patients underwent surgery. In 7 patients, we preferred palliative treatment with dilation and stenting until complete rehabilitation. In 5 patients, stent was removed after 6-9 months and these ones underwent surgery. There were 3 tracheal resections with anastomosis, and 2 patients underwent tracheoplasty. Resection was performed in 3 patients due to impossible stenting. Postoperative course in these patients was standard and did not differ from that in patients without viral pneumonia. In case of tracheoesophageal fistula, palliative interventions rarely allowed isolation of trachea. Four patients underwent surgery through cervical approach. There were difficult surgeries in 2 patients with tracheoesophageal fistula and cicatricial tracheal stenosis. One of them underwent separation of fistula and tracheal resection via cervical approach at primary admission. In another patient with thoracic fistula, we initially attempted to insert occluder. However, open surgery was required later due to dislocation of device. Absolute number of patients with tracheal stenosis, tracheoesophageal fistula and previous COVID-19 has increased by several times compared to pre-pandemic period. This is due to greater number of patients requiring ventilation with risk of tracheal injury, non-compliance with preventive protocol for tracheal injury including anti-ischemic measures during mechanical ventilation. The last fact was exacerbated by involvement of allied physicians with insufficient experience of safe ventilation in the «red zone», immunodeficiency in these patients aggravating purulent-inflammatory process in tracheal wall. The number of patients with tracheostomy was 2 times less that was associated with peculiarity of mechanical ventilation in SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, tracheostomy was a poor prognostic sign and physicians tried to avoid this procedure. Incidence of tracheoesophageal fistula in these patients increased by 2 times compared to pre-pandemic period. In subacute period of COVID-associated pneumonia, palliative measures for cicatricial tracheal stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistula should be preferred. Radical treatment should be performed after 3-6 months. Absolute indication for circular tracheal resection with anastomosis is impossible tracheal stenting and ensuring safe breathing by endoscopic methods, as well as combination of cicatricial tracheal stenosis with tracheoesophageal fistula and resistant aspiration syndrome. Incidence of postoperative complications in patients with cicatricial tracheal stenosis and previous mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia and patients in pre-pandemic period is similar.

Economic Evaluation of Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background: With the increase in the population of cancer patients and the importance of reducing the economic burden of disease, it is very important to offer solutions that can provide the services needed by this group of patients in the most appropriate way. In recent years, palliative care services have been provided in a wide range of countries for this purpose, and many studies have been conducted to assess its economic and clinical aspects. The current study aimed to systematically review economic evaluation studies that investigate the costs of end-of-life care for cancer patients. Methods: Electronic search was performed in multiple databases and different resources between 2000-2021 based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were Studies consisting of a complete EE, including CEA, CUA, and CBA regarding the EE of palliative care for patients with cancer disease, EE studies carried out by decision analysis models following the EE approach, full-text articles in the English language, and published during 2000 and 2021 and According to our search strategy, the following articles were removed: studies conducted as a partial EE (like those intended to evaluate the effectiveness, cost evaluation, QoL evaluation), articles with poor methodological quality based on the CHEERS checklist, non-English studies, study protocols, articles presented to a conference, and letters to the editor. The quality of the articles was evaluated using a CHEERS checklist. Results: 29 studies were included based on inclusion criteria. Most articles were published during the past decade. All studies were performed in high-income countries (UK= 6 studies, Canada= 5 studies). Most studies (n=7) focused on the health sector. Results of quality evaluation showed that 10 articles had excellent quality (score higher than 85%). Most studies (27 out of 29 studies) concluded that palliative medicine interventions were cost-effective and yielded positive cost-effectiveness results. 20 studies confidently concluded about the costs and benefits of providing palliative care services on cost-effectiveness and cost savings, and 2 studies made such a conclusion with uncertainty. Therefore, palliative care for cancer patients is cost-effective or cost-saving in 85% of studies. Conclusion: Although there are a wide variety of studies, characteristics, and quality of the final studies included in the present study, there are relatively favorable and stable patterns regarding the results. Palliative care is usually less expensive than comparator groups, and the cost difference is statistically significant in most cases, and this treatment is a relatively cost-effective option. However, making the right relevant decision and applying it as a dominant therapy approach in different countries requires further study in larger populations and over a longer period.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTHCARE STEREOTYPE THREAT AND ADVANCE CARE PLANNING AMONG HISPANIC PATIENTS

Abstract Experiencing ethnic/racial stereotype threat, the psychological experience of confronting stereotypes in the healthcare system, has been found to negatively impact healthcare outcomes (e.g. dissatisfaction with healthcare, poorer mental and physical health, higher physician distrust). Few studies have examined healthcare stereotype threat among Hispanics, and no study has tested how it might impact advance care planning outcomes among Hispanic hospitalized patients. This study aims to examine the relationship between healthcare stereotype threat and advance care planning activities among Hispanic hospitalized patients. We analyzed secondary data collected from a feasibility study of a palliative care educational intervention among 50 Spanish-speaking, Hispanic patients, over the age of 40, who were hospitalized in a large public hospital. Fifty percent had discussed future care if they were to become seriously ill, 18% had written instructions about their care (living will or advance directive), and 32% had a durable power of attorney (proxy) for healthcare. Results of logistic regressions revealed that greater healthcare stereotype threat scores were associated with lower odds of having discussed future care or medical treatment with others (OR=0.49, p=.03). However, healthcare stereotype threat scores were not associated with having provided written instructions about future medical care (OR=0.44; p=0.07), or with having a durable power of attorney for healthcare (OR=0.89; p=0.76). Future research should investigate ways to improve the cultural sensitivity in broaching discussions of future medical treatment among seriously ill patients. Additionally, more research and attention to policy implication are needed to reduce racial stereotype threat experienced in the healthcare system.

BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNICATING ABOUT PALLIATIVE CARE TO PATIENTS AND PHYSICIANS

Abstract Home-based palliative care (HBPC) programs are proliferating across the U.S, yet face significant, documented challenges in promoting uptake of services and sustaining sufficient patient referrals. There is a tremendous need to understand effective methods for engaging physicians, patients, and caregivers in palliative care. Thus, the purpose of this study was to elicit best practices in how to communicate about HBPC to both healthcare providers and patients/caregivers. Focus groups with nine California-based HBPC organizations were conducted between January and April 2020. Discussions lasted approximately 54 minutes, were guided by a semi-structured protocol, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and codes from the data. Twenty-five interdisciplinary HBPC staff members participated in a focus group. Most identified as white (76%), female (76%), and working in their current position for five years or less (56%). Three themes were identified from the data: (1) value of relationships; (2) communication do’s and don’ts; and (3) need for education. Participants discussed actionable recommendations for each theme. Study findings highlight several best practices for HBPC programs to communicate- and foster relationships with healthcare professionals and patients/families about palliative care, with education at the crux. Lessons learned about key words and phrases to say and to avoid are particularly valuable for budding HBPC programs. Our results suggest that HBPC providers exert enormous efforts to increase patient referrals and enrollment through strategic, continuous outreach and education to physicians, patients, and their caregivers; however, palliative care educational interventions are needed.

Total arthrodesis for non-rheumatoid wrists: Outcomes at 5 and 20 years of follow-up

IntroductionTotal wrist arthrodesis (TWA) aims to obtain a painless wrist with a strong grip. Its main disadvantage is compromised mobility and for many authors it remains a rescue intervention. However, after one or more palliative interventions, TWA confers poorer results. The objective of our study was to evaluate the medium-term results of TWA, and their long-term stability. HypothesisOur hypothesis was that the results are reliable and persistent for pain and strength, without repercussions to other joints. Material and methodsThis was a single-center consecutive series of TWA performed with a dedicated plate, excluding rheumatoid wrists, evaluated at 5.4 and 21.1years of follow-up. ResultsThirty wrists were assessed at the first review and 17 reassessed at the last follow-up. At the mean follow-up of 5.4years, 93% of patients considered themselves “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the TWA surgery. No infectious complications occurred. At the mean follow-up of 21.1years, all were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” and 88% of them considered their result stable or improved compared to the first revision. The average VAS had gone from 8.4/10 preoperatively to 1.8/10 at the first evaluation and to 0.3/10 at the last follow-up. Except for a patient with both wrists operated on for whom comparison was not possible, the strength of the operated side was on average 89.7% of that of the contralateral side (from 45% to 150%). The mean Quick DASH score was 30.3 (4.5 to 61.4) and the mean PRWE score was 32.5 (1 to 77). DiscussionTWA using a plate provides excellent results for both pain control and strength restoration. The clinical results remain stable over time, and arthrodesis at more than 20years of follow-up does not seem to have any impact on the other joints of the upper limb. After wrist surgery, the main complaint of patients is the limited range of motion, but the main cause of dissatisfaction is persistent pain. Arthrodesis can be performed first-line in case of questionable indication of partial arthrodesis on a stiff wrist because the results of TWA are better in the absence of a surgical history. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective study.

A randomized, double-blinded feasibility trial of educational materials for hiccups in chemotherapy-treated patients with cancer.

Chemotherapy can cause hiccups but few randomized controlled trials have focused on hiccups. This trial examined the feasibility of such research. This single-institution, multi-site trial used phone recruitment for patients: (1) 18years or older, (2) able to speak/read English, (3) with a working e-mail address, (4) with hiccups 4weeks prior to contact, and (5) with ongoing oxaliplatin or cisplatin chemotherapy. The primary outcome was feasibility. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two sets of educational materials, each of which discussed hiccups and palliative options. The experimental materials were almost identical to the standard materials but provided updated content based on the published medical literature. At 2weeks, patients responded by phone to a 5-item verbally administered questionnaire. This trial achieved its primary endpoint of recruiting 20 eligible patients within 5months; 50 patients were recruited in 3months. Among the 40 patients who completed the follow-up questionnaire, no statistically significant differences between arms were observed in hiccup incidence since initial contact, time spent reviewing the educational materials, and the troubling nature of hiccups. Twenty-five patients tried palliative interventions (13 in the experimental arm and 12 in the standard arm), most commonly drinking water or holding one's breath. Eleven and 10 patients, respectively, described hiccup relief after such an intervention. Clinical trials for chemotherapy-induced hiccups are feasible and could address an unmet need.

Variation in hospital utilization of palliative interventions for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer near end of life.

Patients with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer often undergo noncurative interventions with palliative intent to relieve high symptom burden near end of life. Hospital-level variation in intervention utilization remains unclear. National cohort study of 142 304 patients with stage III or IV GI cancer within the National Cancer Database (2004-2014) who died within 1-year of diagnosis. Hospitals were stratified by palliative intervention utilization (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management). Multivariable, multinomial regression evaluated the association between patient/hospital factors and palliative intervention utilization. Across 1322 hospitals, median hospital palliative intervention utilization was 12.0% [interquartile range: 0.0%-26.1%]. Utilization increased over time in all but lowest utilizing hospitals. Relative to lowest utilizing hospitals, factors associated with a lower likelihood of care at highest utilizing hospitals included: race (White [ref]; Black-Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] 0.81, 95%confidence interval [0.77-0.85]) and lower income (RRR 0.81 [0.78-0.84]). Factors associated with a higher likelihood included: lower education level (RRR 1.62 [1.55-1.69]) and hospital type (community program [ref]; comprehensive community-RRR 1.33 [1.26-1.41]; academic-RRR 1.88 [1.77-1.99]; integrated network-RRR 1.79 [1.66-1.93]). Hospital variation in palliative intervention use is substantial and potentially associated with sociodemographic and hospital characteristics. Future work can examine how differences in hospital care processes translate to quantity/quality of life for cancer patients.

Trajectories of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Palliative Gastrointestinal Surgery in Advanced Cancer: Is Good Quality of Life Sustainable?

Palliative patients face a wide range of physical, emotional, social, and functional challenges. In evaluating the efficacy of palliative surgical interventions, a major pitfall of traditional surgical outcome measures is that they fall short of measuring outcomes that are meaningful to patients during end-of-life. HRQoL tools may provide a more comprehensive assessment of the true value and impact of palliative surgery. We prospectively recruit advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative GI surgery. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire was administered before and at regular intervals after surgery. HRQoL improvement was defined as ≥4-points increment in FACT-G total score over baseline. Duration of sustained HRQoL improvement above this threshold and factors associated with varying extents of HRQoL change were evaluated. Of the 65 patients, intestinal obstruction was the most common indication for surgery (70.8%). The mean baseline FACT-G total score was 70.7 (95% CI: 66.3-75.1). Forty-six (70.8%) patients experienced HRQoL improvement after surgery. This HRQoL improvement was sustained over a median duration of 3.5 months and was driven mainly by improvements in patients' physical and emotional well-being. Albumin was significantly associated with the extent of HRQoL improvements (P = 0.043). A clinically significant and sustained improvement in HRQoL was observed after palliative GI surgery. Patients with higher preoperative albumin levels were more likely to experience HRQoL improvements.

Education Research: Evaluation of Epilepsy Surgery Education in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Programs

Background and Objectives To assess the scope of surgical epilepsy exposure and training among fellows in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology (CNP) fellowship programs in the United States. Characteristics associated with increased fellow involvement in epilepsy surgery were evaluated. Methods A 10-question multiple-choice survey was designed to characterize individual fellowship programs, epilepsy surgery programs, trainee involvement, and assessment of trainee performance. The survey was distributed to program directors of adult Epilepsy and CNP-EEG track fellowships between November 2021 and April 2022. Epilepsy surgery procedures included resective approaches, neurostimulation modalities, and palliative interventions approved for drug-resistant epilepsy. Associations between categorical variables were evaluated using the Fisher exact test. Results There were 37 responses from a total of 72 survey recipients (51% response rate). The majority (68%) of surgical programs performed >30 surgical procedures per year. The range of procedures was overall similar across programs. At most programs, fellows were personally involved in 1–10 (49%) or 11–30 (46%) surgical procedures per year. Institutions with >50 surgical cases/year were more likely to expose fellows to >10 cases/y compared with institutions with volumes ≤50 per year (77% vs 33%, p = 0.017). Fellows had the greatest involvement in presurgical planning with more variable involvement in perioperative and postoperative activities. Competency in surgical management was primarily investigated through faculty assessments (97%), whereas oral (46%) and written (30%) assessments were less frequently used. Discussion High-volume epilepsy surgery centers provide trainees with increased exposure despite also having more fellowship positions. There is variability in surgical epilepsy exposure, trainee involvement, and performance evaluation metrics between institutions. We identify specific areas that programs may focus on to improve fellow competency in the surgical management of epilepsy.

Surgical Aspects of Treatment of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Introduction. Treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma remains one of the most complicated issues of surgical hepatology. As known, hilar cholangiocarcinoma is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and only a surgical option is an effective way to improve patient survival.The aim of the study was to improve clinical outcomes of patients with cholangiocarcinoma by evaluating the efficiency of various options for resection and reconstructive and restorative stages of surgical treatment.Methods. The study involved clinical findings and outcomes of 68 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Biliary decompression was performed in 61 (89.7%) cases. Radical surgical interventions were performed in 35 (51.4%) cases, and palliative surgical interventions were performed in 33 (48.6%) cases.Results. Specific complications at the stage of biliary decompression were noted in 4 (6.5%) cases, inadequate drainage of the biliary tract occurred in 5 (8.2%) cases. The syndrome of "rapid decompression of the biliary tract" was recorded in 14 (23.0%) cases, cholangitis - in 12 (19.7%). Intraoperative complications were noted in 2 (15.3%) cases, postoperative - in 6 (17.1%) cases. Mortality rate was 8.5%. In the long-term period, stenosis of the biliodigistic anastomosis was recorded in 11.4% of cases, tumor recurrence occurred in 28.6% of cases. The five-year survival rate was 17.0%.Conclusion. Resection of the bile ducts combined with hemihepatectomy is an operation accompanied by high risks, especially at the height of jaundice and in the elderly patients. Performing a sparing hiatal resection of the liver and bile ducts provides an acceptable survival rate. The proposed method to form a biliodigistic anastomosis is effective in terms of preventing insolvency and stenosis of the anastomosis.

Abstract 13151: Left Ventricular Hypovolemia Secondary to in Utero Mitral Valve Inflow Obstruction in a Late-Gestation Fetal Lamb Model

Introduction: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart defect of an underdeveloped left ventricle (LV), necessitating palliative interventions after birth to survive. HLHS often occurs alongside mitral or aortic valve stenosis, lending to the hypothesis that reduced blood flow into and out of the LV in utero could retard LV growth. We have developed a late-gestation fetal lamb model to investigate if in utero mitral inflow obstruction could cause LV hypovolemia. Methods: Twelve pregnant ewes with twin fetuses at 82% gestation were used. In the experimental fetuses (EXPT), mitral inflow obstruction was achieved with an inflatable balloon catheter implanted into the left atrium (LA) in a beating heart. Other implants included a flow probe on the ascending aorta to measure cardiac output, and carotid artery and jugular vein catheters to monitor fetal health. After recovery from surgery, progressive LA balloon inflation began at ~86% gestation, and was left inflated for 8 days (92% gestation). Transesophageal fetal ultrasound was performed at baseline and at termination to measure cardiac chamber volumes and function. Hearts were explanted, weighed and prepared for histology. Results: Fetal body weights were similar (EXPT: 4.6±0.9kg vs CTRL: 4.5±0.6kg, p=0.8597). Total heart weight was higher in EXPT (31.4±5.6g) than CTRL (26.4±2.4g, p=0.0471), but LV weight was similar (EXPT: 7.4± 1.8g vs. CTRL: 7.9± 1.1g, p=0.5652). LV end-diastolic volume was 2.3± 0.7ml in EXPT vs. 7.1± 0.8ml in CTRL (p<0.0001), and end-systolic volume was 1.01ml (0.95 to 1.95ml) in EXPT vs. 3.38ml (3.28 to 3.57ml) in CTRL (p=0.0025). LV/RV weight ratio was 0.83±0.17 in EXPT and 1.08±0.19 in CTRL (p=0.0209), whereas LV/RV chamber area ratio was 0.21±0.06 in EXPT and 0.56±0.05 in CTRL (p=0.0005). Conclusions: In this fetal sheep model, obstructing mitral inflow retarded LV growth, demonstrating a potential mechanistic link between blood inflow and in utero LV volumetric growth.

Indications for selective lymphadenectomy and systematic axillary, inguinal and iliac lymph node dissection

Lymphadenectomy is asurgical procedure in which lymph nodes are surgically resected. It is usually carried out for oncological surgical treatment of various malignant diseases. These include carcinomas of the breast, penis, vulva and anus as well as malignant melanomas and the broad field of sarcomas. Adistinction is made between the removal of regional lymph nodes, the sentinel lymph node and the radical removal of lymph nodes in abody region. Cervical, axillary, inguinal and iliac lymph nodes are clinically relevant. The strategy of sentinel lymph node dissection, in which the first lymph node in the drainage system is resected and histopathologically examined for malignant tissue, has brought decisive advantages for the patients, as radical lymphadenectomy with its severe morbidities is utilized in fewer cases. This can improve the patient's quality of life by sparing the lymphatic drainage pathways and reducing lymphedema, inflammation and wound healing disorders. In addition, alymphadenectomy may be indicated as part of palliative interventions. Another form of lymph node removal is the vascularized lymph node transplantation, which is used for reconstructive purposes in lymphedema. Therefore lymph node grafts are transferred to the site where lymph nodes were previously removed. This review presents the current status of lymphadenectomy in accordance with the German guidelines, anatomical knowledge and specific indications for axillary, inguinal and iliac lymphadenectomy. In addition, an overview of vascularized lymph node transfer is given.

Current state of the art in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a complex congenital heart condition in which a neonate is born with an underdeveloped left ventricle and associated structures. Without palliative interventions, HLHS is fatal. Treatment typically includes medical management at the time of birth to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus, followed by three palliative procedures: most commonly the Norwood procedure, bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt, and Fontan procedures. With recent advances in surgical management of HLHS patients, high survival rates are now obtained at tertiary treatment centers, though adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes remain a clinical challenge. While surgical management remains the standard of care for HLHS patients, innovative treatment strategies continue to be developing. Important for the development of new strategies for HLHS patients is an understanding of the genetic basis of this condition. Another investigational strategy being developed for HLHS patients is the injection of stem cells within the myocardium of the right ventricle. Recent innovations in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine promise to provide important tools to both understand the underlying basis of HLHS as well as provide new therapeutic strategies. In this review article, we provide an overview of HLHS, starting with a historical description and progressing through a discussion of the genetics, surgical management, post-surgical outcomes, stem cell therapy, hemodynamics and tissue engineering approaches.

Outcomes of complete surgical repair versus palliative intervention in neonates with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Using the US National Inpatient Sample dataset (2010 to 2018), we compared outcomes of neonates with Tetralogy of Fallot who had early primary surgical repair (1726 neonate) and those who had staged palliative intervention with transcatheter (1702 neonate) or surgical palliative shunt (2661 neonate).

Study design of an interdisciplinary and participatory nature-based palliative rehabilitation intervention in a Danish nursing home for people with severe dementia

BackgroundA limited amount of research has examined how nature-based palliative rehabilitation can be implemented in nursing homes for people with dementia, even though evidence suggests that these gardens are underused. This paper will present the study protocol of an intervention study co-designed in an interdisciplinary collaboration with a nursing home for people with dementia, to develop a tailored nature-based palliative rehabilitation program to increase qualified use of garden with the purpose of promoting a range of health outcomes.MethodsThe study is a single-cased quasi-experimental mixed methods study. The intervention will be developed, designed, and implemented in collaboration with the nursing home, using different co-design tools and methods. The effect of the intervention will be evaluated using the The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version in combination with medication use, a survey on staff burnout, and cameras in the garden to register garden use. A process evaluation with single- and focus group interviews consisting of various stakeholders in the study will be used to gain knowledge on the intervention processes and implementation.DiscussionThe paper presents new approaches in the field of palliative rehabilitation for people with dementia using nursing home gardens, through interdisciplinary collaboration, participatory co-design approach and mixed methods design. Using both effect and process evaluation, the study will provide unique insights in the role and importance of participatory process, interdisciplinary collaboration, and tailoring palliative rehabilitation activities in gardens at nursing homes to local needs and wishes. These results can be used to guide other nursing homes and renewal projects in the future.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN14095773. Registered 15 July 2022—Retrospectively registered.

Right ventricular outflow tract landing zone perimeter / circularised diameter - new imaging standards in pulmonary valve replacement reporting.

Right ventricular outflow tract intervention spans transcatheter, surgical, or hybrid pulmonary valve replacement methodologies. Standardised pre-procedure workup includes cardiac MRI to identify an intended valve site (landing zone). Our institutional practice includes measurement of the right ventricular outflow tract perimeter (circumference) of this site in end-systole. Our primary aim was to compare patients by their perimeter values to the palliative interventions performed (transcatheter versus surgical/hybrid methodologies). Retrospective review of patients undergoing pulmonary valve replacement from January 2017 to 2021. We performed perimeter measurements at the intended valve site on advanced imaging; the outcomes of interventions were outlined via descriptive and statistical analyses. A total of 37 patients underwent pulmonary valve replacement that met study criteria - 21 transcatheter, 7 surgical, and 9 hybrid. Median age at intervention was 26 years (range 8-70). The mean end-systolic perimeter of the transcatheter cohort was 88.9 ± 8.7 mm and in the surgical/hybrid cohort measured 106.6 ± 7.5 mm. For the transcatheter cohort, the median "circularised" diameter derived from the perimeter measurement (divided by π) was 27.7 mm (range 24.3-32.4). Notably, this correlated (r = 0.93, p < 0.01) with the median diameter of the narrowest region during actual transcatheter right ventricular outflow tract balloon sizing (lateral imaging) of 27.1 mm (range 23.2-30.1). Right ventricular outflow tract perimeter measurement to determine circularised diameter is useful in planning pulmonary valve replacement in terms of candidacy of transcatheter versus the need for a surgical/hybrid approach. The circularised diameter correlates with transcatheter right ventricular outflow tract balloon sizing.

Usability and Acceptability of a Palliative Care Mobile Intervention for Older Adults With Heart Failure and Caregivers: Observational Study.

BackgroundHeart failure is a leading cause of death among older adults. Digital health can increase access to and awareness of palliative care for patients with advanced heart failure and their caregivers. However, few palliative care digital interventions target heart failure or patients’ caregivers, family, and friends, termed here as the social convoy. To address this need, the Social Convoy Palliative Care (Convoy-Pal) mobile intervention was developed to deliver self-management tools and palliative care resources to older adults with advanced heart failure and their social convoys.ObjectiveThe goal of the research was to test the acceptability and usability of Convoy-Pal among older adults with advanced heart failure and their social convoys.MethodsConvoy-Pal includes tablet-based and smartwatch tools facilitating self-management and access to palliative care resources. Older adults and social convoy caregivers completed an acceptability and usability interview via Zoom, including open-ended questions and the Mobile Application Rating Scale: User Version (uMARS). Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize the results of open-ended feedback and self-reported acceptability and usability.ResultsA total of 26 participants (16 older adults and 10 social convoy caregivers) participated in the interview. Overall, the feedback from users was good (uMARS mean 3.96/5 [SD 0.81]). Both older adults and social convoy caregivers scored information provided by Convoy-Pal the highest (mean 4.22 [SD 0.75] and mean 4.21 [SD 0.64], respectively). Aesthetics, functionality, and engagement were also perceived as acceptable (mean >3.5). Open-ended feedback resulted in 5 themes including improvements to goal setting, monitoring tools, daily check-in call feature, portal and mobile app, and convoy assessment.ConclusionsConvoy-Pal was perceived as acceptable with good usability among older adults with heart failure and their social convoy caregivers. With good acceptability, Convoy-Pal may ultimately lead to increased access to palliative care resources and facilitate self-management among older adults with heart failure and their social convoy caregivers.

S2846 Liquid Nitrogen Cryoablation Alone Is an Effective Palliative Treatment for Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: In 2012, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was reported as the most common type of esophageal cancer in the world. In patients with metastatic ESCC, the mainstay of palliative management includes radiation therapy and esophageal stenting. Endoscopic cryoablation has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment for malignant esophageal neoplasm. The administration of liquid nitrogen, achieving a temperature of -85°C, causes transient tissue ischemia and recruitment of immune cells resulting in localized tissue destruction. Most preliminary studies assessing cryoablation in esophageal cancer have demonstrated symptomatic improvement in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Few studies have assessed the use of cryoablation in ESCC. A prospective study conducted in China demonstrated cryoablation’s ability to achieve complete remission in patients with moderate to high grade ESC neoplasm. Here we present a case utilizing endoscopic liquid nitrogen cryoablation as palliative therapy in a symptomatic patient with metastatic ESCC. Case Description/Methods: 82-year-old male former smoker with daily alcohol use presented with dysphagia and weight loss. CT scan of the chest revealed a mid-esophageal mass concerning for malignancy. Upper endoscopy demonstrated a large, fungating esophageal mass with partial obstruction (Figure A). Pathology revealed invasive poorly-differentiated ESCC. PET scan confirmed metastatic disease involving the right lung and paraesophageal, mediastinal, supraclavicular and right thoracic inlet lymph nodes. A multidisciplinary team offered palliative chemotherapy and radiation, which he declined. Due to worsening dysphagia and a 35lbs weight loss, he agreed to cryoablation (Figure B). He underwent an additional three sessions at two-months, three-months, and five-months for small areas of mucosal abnormalities (Figure C). He is four months out from treatment with improved dysphagia and stable weight. Discussion: This case report provides further evidence for the use of cryoablation alone as a minimally invasive, palliative intervention in patients with ESCC. Previous studies have highlighted the effectiveness of cryoablation in improving dysphagia and quality of life in symptomatic patients. This case report provides endoscopic evidence of cryoablation’s ability to reduce tumor burden and achieve complete remission in ESCC. Cryoablation alone appears to be a safe and well tolerated palliative treatment for patients with metastatic ESCC.Figure 1.: Upper endoscopic liquid nitrogen cryoablation of esophageal neoplasm. A) Initial upper endoscopy demonstrating large fungating mass in mid-esophagus with partial obstruction. B) Following completion of cryoablation treatment. C) Following three additional cryoablation sessions for treatment of residual disease.