Percutaneous Cannulation Research Articles

Percutaneous versus surgical femoral access in minimally invasive cardiac operations.

Both surgical and percutaneous femoral accesses for the establishment of extracorporeal circulation are used in minimally invasive cardiac surgeries. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes with the MANTA vascular closure device after percutaneous arterial decannulation via the surgical approach. Between November 2018 and January 2021, a total of 490 consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive cardiac operations at our institution. Cannulation and decannulation of femoral vessels were under direct vision surgically or percutaneously. The MANTA system was used to close the femoral artery in all patients with percutaneous cannulation. Demographic, clinical and procedural data were collected retrospectively. Surgical cut-down and suture closure of the femoral artery was performed in 222 patients (45.3%); percutaneous access and closure with the MANTA system was used in 268 patients (54.7%). The surgical group presented a significantly higher incidence of any access site complication compared to the percutaneous group [18 patients (8.1%) vs 6 patients (2.2%); P = 0.003]. Lymph fistula and wound healing disorders occurred more frequently in the surgical group (3.2% vs 0% [P = 0.004] and 3.6% vs 0% [P = 0.002], respectively). Median procedural duration and stays in the intensive care unit were significantly lower in the percutaneous group {127 [interquartile range (IQR) 97-158] min vs 150 (IQR 117-185) min (P < 0.001) and 1 (IQR 1-2) day vs 2 (IQR 1-3) days (P = 0.008), respectively}. Percutaneous access and closure with the MANTA system are feasible, safe and associated with lower incidences of all-cause access site complications and shorter stays in the intensive care unit compared to surgical access and closure in minimally invasive cardiac surgeries.

Use of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Life Support (VA ECLS) in Awake Patients in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

<h3>Purpose</h3> Avoidance of intubation and use of VA ECLS in awake patients may be beneficial. This study sought to demonstrate safety and feasibility of VA ECLS in non-intubated awake patients. <h3>Methods</h3> This was a retrospective review of VA ECLS patients at our institution from 2017 to 2021 not undergoing ECPR and not cannulated for postcardiotomy shock. Patients were divided into intubated and awake/not ventilated at time of cannulation. Patients' baseline characteristics were analyzed, and propensity score matching was used to compare the complications and outcomes of intubated and awake patients. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 140 patients included in the study, 103 (74%) were intubated, whereas 37 (26%) were awake at time of cannulation. All awake patients underwent percutaneous femoral cannulation and technical success was 100%. Overall, 45 (32%) were female, average age was 56.2±13.5 years, and average body mass index was 30.0±7.4. In the initial cohort, there were no significant differences between intubated and awake patients with respect to demographics and comorbidities. However, awake cohort was most likely to be in acute decompensated heart failure as etiology of shock (51% vs 19%), to be in SCAI D (70% vs 31%), and to have IABP prior to ECLS (59% vs 24%). In the propensity-matched cohort (37 in each group), there were no significant differences in duration of ECLS, stroke, bleeding, need for renal replacement therapy, need for left ventricular unloading or survival to discharge (73% vs 68%). Most common destination post ECLS in intubated patients was recovery (59% vs 24%), as opposed to ventricular assist device implantation (38% vs 2.7%) or transplantation (24% vs 5.4%) in awake patients (p<0.001). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In the largest retrospective series to date of awake VA ECLS, its use is safe, feasible and effective in select cardiogenic shock patients especially as a bridge to heart replacement therapies.

Percutaneous Venous Cannulation for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: The Safest and Effective Technique Described Step-by-Step.

The current cardiac surgical landscape, with the expansion of minimally invasive operations, ECMO, and some interventional therapies, requires a thorough knowledge of peripheral cannulation techniques. In particular, venous cannulation may appear trivial and complication-free, but this does not reflect the reality. A venous cannulation which is not perfectly performed can lead to serious life-threatening complications in several steps. The technique we describe step by step is the current gold standard in terms of safety and efficacy: from the use of ultrasound for ultrasound-guided puncture to safe advancement of super stiff guidewires by means of a sentinel catheter, and concluding with smooth insertion of the venous cannula over the stiff guidewire up to the SVC. Moreover, a list of bailout maneuvers to solve complications is presented along with a report of institutional clinical experience since the adoption of this technique.

Effectiveness of a flow confirmation study of a central venous port of the upper arm versus the chest wall in patients with suspected system-related mechanical complications

BackgroundIf mechanical complications associated with a central venous port (CVP) system are suspected, evaluation with a flow confirmation study (FCS) using fluorescence fluoroscopy or digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Evaluations of mechanical complications related to CVP of the chest wall using FCS performed via the subclavian vein have been reported. However, the delayed complications of a CVP placed in the upper arm have not been sufficiently evaluated in a large population. We evaluated the effectiveness of FCS of CVPs implanted following percutaneous cannulation of the subclavian (chest wall group) or brachial (upper arm group) vein.MethodsA CVP was implanted in patients with advanced cancer requiring chemotherapy. FCS was performed if there were complaints suggestive of CVP dysfunction when initiating chemotherapy.ResultsCVPs were placed in the brachial vein in 390 patients and in the subclavian vein in 800 patients. FCS was performed in 26/390 (6.7%) patients in the upper arm group and 40/800 (5.0%) patients in the chest wall group. The clinical characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The duration of CVP implantation until FCS was significantly shorter in the upper arm group (136 ± 96.6 vs. 284 ± 260, p = 0.022). After FCS, the incidence of CVP removal/reimplantation being deemed unnecessary was higher in the upper arm group (21/26 [80.8%] vs. 26/40 [65.0%], p = 0.27). In the upper arm group, no cases of catheter kinking or catheter-related injury were observed, and the incidence of temporary obstruction because of blood clots that could be continued using CVP was significantly higher than that in the chest wall group (10/26 [38.5%] vs. 4/40 [10.0%], p = 0.012).ConclusionsFCS was effective in evaluating CVP system-related mechanical complications and deciding whether removal and reimplantation were required in both groups.

Outcome Comparison of Totally Implantable Venous Access Device Insertions Between Surgeons and Radiologists in Australia.

BackgroundThe need for chemotherapy treatment is increasing with the growing incidence of cancer worldwide. The insertion of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) is commonly performed by surgeons and radiologists, but the procedures are not without complications. The primary outcome of this review outlines TIVAD insertion success and complication rates between general surgeons and radiologists. The secondary goal of this study is to help identify areas for improvement and consideration when performing TIVAD insertion.MethodologyThis was a descriptive, three-year, retrospective multicentre study of oncological patients who underwent TIVAD insertion by either general surgeons or radiologists at two peripheral Brisbane hospitals.ResultsSurgeons performed 61 percutaneous subclavian vein cannulations, 29 ultrasound-guided internal jugular veins, and seven open cephalic veins cut-down TIVAD insertions (n=97). Overall surgical success was 81.4%, with the internal jugular (89.7%) having the highest success rate followed by the open cut-down (85.7) and subclavian approaches (77.0%). The overall surgical complication rate was 16.4%, with five pneumothorax, five port malfunctions, three haemorrhages, two infections, one thrombus, and one mediastinal injury. Each pneumothorax was associated with subclavian cannulation attempts. Two haemorrhages were associated with both open cephalic and subclavian attempts. Radiologists performed 248 ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein TIVAD insertions (n=248) with 247 successful first attempts (99.5%). Within the radiology group, there was an overall complication rate of 15.3% with 22 infections, 14 port malfunctions, one haemorrhage, and 1 mediastinal injury.ConclusionUltrasound-guided internal jugular vein TIVAD insertion had the highest first attempt success rate in both the surgical and radiology groups.

Percutaneous Pulmonary Artery Cannulation to Treat Acute Secondary Right Heart Failure While on Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Right heart failure (RHF) is a common, yet difficult to manage, complication of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) that is associated with increased mortality. Reports of the use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices for concurrent right heart and respiratory failure are limited. This series describes the percutaneous cannulation of the pulmonary artery for conversion from veno-venous to veno-pulmonary artery return ECMO in 21 patients who developed secondary RHF. All patients cannulated between May 2019 and September 2021 were included. Either a 19 or 21 French venous cannula was placed percutaneously into the pulmonary artery via the internal jugular or subclavian vein, providing a total of 821 days of support (median 23 [4-71] days per patient) with flows up to 6 L/min. Five patients underwent cannulation at the bedside, with the remainder performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Pulmonary artery cannulation occurred after 12 [8.5-23.5] days of ECMO support. Vasoactive infusion requirements decreased significantly within 24 hours of pulmonary artery cannula placement (p = 0.0004). Nonetheless, 75% of these patients expired after a median of 12 [4-63] days of support, with three patients found to have had significant pericardial effusions peri-arrest. This cannulation technique may be an effective alternative to veno-arterial ECMO cannulation or the placement of a dual-lumen cannula for the treatment of RHF.

Use of Percutaneous Cannulation in Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has evolved in its practice over the past several years. Percutaneous cannulation is a technique that can be used during MICS to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass. This manuscript describes the stepwise approach to percutaneous cannulation and decannulation in robotic mitral valve surgery.

Longitudinal Trends in Bleeding Complications on Extracorporeal Life Support Over the Past Two Decades-Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Analysis.

Data about inhospital outcomes in bleeding complications during extracorporeal life support (ECLS) have been poorly investigated. Retrospective observational study. Patients reported in Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry. Data of 53.644 adult patients (greater than or equal to 18 yr old) mean age 51.4 ± 15.9 years, 33.859 (64.5%) male supported with single ECLS run between 01.01.2000 and 31.03.2020, and 19.748 cannulated for venovenous (V-V) ECLS and 30.696 for venoarterial (V-A) ECLS. Trends in bleeding complications, bleeding risk factors, and mortality. Bleeding complications were reported in 14.786 patients (27.6%), more often in V-A ECLS compared with V-V (30.0% vs 21.9%; p < 0.001). Hospital survival in those who developed bleeding complications was lower in both V-V ECLS (49.6% vs 66.6%; p < 0.001) and V-A ECLS (33.9 vs 44.9%; p < 0.001). Steady decrease in bleeding complications in V-V and V-A ECLS was observed over the past 20 years (coef., -1.124; p < 0.001 and -1.661; p < 0.001). No change in mortality rates was reported over time in V-V or V-A ECLS (coef., -0.147; p = 0.442 and coef., -0.195; p = 0.139).Multivariate regression revealed advanced age, ecls duration, surgical cannulation, renal replacement therapy, prone positioning as independent bleeding predictors in v-v ecls and female gender, ecls duration, pre-ecls arrest or bridge to transplant, therapeutic hypothermia, and surgical cannulation in v-a ecls. A steady decrease in bleeding over the last 20 years, mostly attributable to surgical and cannula-site-related bleeding has been found in this large cohort of patients receiving ECLS support. However, there is not enough data to attribute the decreasing trends in bleeding to technological refinements alone. Especially reduction in cannulation site bleeding is also due to changes in timing, patient selection, and ultrasound guided percutaneous cannulation. Other types of bleeding, such as CNS, have remained stable, and overall bleeding remains associated with a persistent increase in mortality.

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of an Occult Hemothorax Following Complicated Central Line Insertion Leads to Cardiac Arrest

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of an Occult Hemothorax Following Complicated Central Line Insertion Leads to Cardiac Arrest

Percutaneous versus surgical cannulation for femoro-femoral VA-ECMO in patients with cardiogenic shock: Results from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry

Percutaneous cannulation is increasingly used for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, there is limited evidence about the benefit of this approach compared with conventional surgical cannulation. By using a large international database, this study was designed to compare in-hospital outcomes in cardiac shock patients who received femoro-femoral VA-ECMO with percutaneous versus surgical cannulation. Adults with refractory cardiogenic shock treated with percutaneous (percutaneous group) or surgical (surgical group) femoro-femoral VA-ECMO between January 2008 and December 2019 were extracted from the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between percutaneous cannulation and in-hospital outcomes. Among 12,592 patients meeting study inclusion, 9,249 (73%) underwent percutaneous cannulation. The proportion of patients undergoing percutaneous cannulation increased from 32% to 84% over the study period (p < 0.01 for trend). In-hospital mortality (53% vs 58%; p < 0.01), cannulation site bleeding (19% vs 22%; p < 0.01), and systemic infection (8% vs 15%; p < 0.01) occurred less frequently in the percutaneous group compared to the surgical group. In adjusted analyses, percutaneous cannulation was independently associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.70-0.84; p < 0.01), cannulation site bleeding (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60-0.80; p < 0.01) and systemic infection (OR, 0.63; 95% CI 0.54-0.74; p < 0.01). Severe limb ischemia was more frequently observed in the percutaneous group (5% vs 3%; p < 0.01). However, this association was not significant in adjusted analysis (OR 1.28; 95% CI 0.93-1.62; p=0.15). Compared with surgical cannulation, percutaneous cannulation was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in children. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 66 cases who underwent non-cardiac surgery ECMO in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children's Hospital from May 2016 to April 2021 were collected. The demographics, model of ECMO support, type and size of arteriovenous cannulas, way of catheterization and complications were recorded and summarized. Patients were divided into percutaneous cannulation group and surgical cannulation group according to catheterization strategies. The demographics, duration of cannulation and ECMO support, ECMO weaning rate and hospital survival rate were compared among two groups. χ2 and nonparametric rank sum test were used for comparison. Results: Among the 66 patients who received ECMO, 38 were male and 28 were female, with age 44.5 (12.0, 83.5) months and weight 15.0 (10.0, 25.0) kg; 21 patients underwent percutaneous cannulation, with a success rate of 95% (20 cases). Point-of-care ultrasound was performed for all percutaneous cannulation cases. The duration of percutaneous cannulation was significantly shorter than that of surgical cannulation (26.0 (23.3, 30.3) vs. 57.0 (53.8, 64.0) min, Z=6.31, P<0.001). Successful percutaneous cannulation cases were aged 70.5 (23.8, 109.5) months, and their weight was 23.2 (13.6, 37.0) kg. Ten cases were initially given veno-venous (VV) ECMO support, and 10 cases were given veno-arterial (VA) ECMO support. ECMO arterial cannulas were sized from 8 F to 17 F, and venous cannulas sized from 10 F to 19 F. For VV-ECMO, the right internal jugular and femoral veins were used as vascular access, while VA-ECMO used right internal jugular vein-femoral artery or right femoral vein-left femoral artery approach. Only one patient suffered severe complication (superior vena cava perforation). There was no catheter-related bloodstream infection. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for ECMO can be performed with a high rate of success and safety in children.

Hundred plus Minimally Access Cardiac Surgery: Our Experience

Background: Minimally invasive procedures lead to less scarring resulting in better cosmetic outcomes. This has resulted in increased patient interest in such procedures and this has motivated surgeons to pursue newer and improved techniques for Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Obviously, with the advent of MICS the techniques to achieve it also needed to be changed and upgraded which includes access for cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Right internal jugular vein percutaneous cannulation, together with the direct surgical cannulation of femoral vessels with minithoracotomy/ministernotomy proves to be a safe and effective tool in patients with body weight of above 20 kg for minimally access cardiac surgery. We use this technique for Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, aortic valve replacement (AVR), redo Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR). Here, we describe our experience with minimally invasive approach using total peripheral cannulation and an anterior mini-thoracotomy (6 cm or less) incision for ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR. Methods: The preoperative variables, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR with total peripheral cannulation were collected and analyzed. Results: Between May 2014 to May 2019 we performed minimally invasive closure of atrial septal defects, AVR, TVR and MVR with total peripheral cannulation in 103 patients. There were 64 females and 39 males Mean age was 25 years (range 8 - 58 years), Spectrum of procedures include ASD closure in 81 patients (78.6%), AVR via minithoracotomy in 13 patients (12.6%) and AVR via ministernotomy in 3 patients (2.9%), redo TVR in 5 (4.8%), MVR in 1 patient (0.97%). Average cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 46 minutes (range 22 - 78 min) and average aortic cross-clamp time (AoX) 26 min (range 12 - 45 min) in ASD closure group. In AVR group average CPB time was 91 min (range 72 - 120 min) and AoX time 76.5 min (range 65 - 109 min). In TVR group average CPB time 54 min (range 45 - 67 min) on beating heart. Only one MVR done in this period and CPB time was 82 min and AoX time was 65 min. The mean length of stay in intensive care unit was 1.8 days in ASD closure, 2 days in AVR group when in TVR group 3.5 days, and hospital stay was 3 days in ASD closure group, 4 days in AVR group and 7 days in TVR group. The only one patient who underwent MVR died in 12th post operative day from sepsis. There was one late mortality in AVR group after reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis at 3 months from first operation. Conclusion: ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR with mini invasive approach is safe with very few manageable preoperative complications and good patient satisfaction.

Hundred plus Minimally Access Cardiac Surgery: Our Experience

Background: Minimally invasive procedures lead to less scarring resulting in better cosmetic outcomes. This has resulted in increased patient interest in such procedures and this has motivated surgeons to pursue newer and improved techniques for Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Obviously, with the advent of MICS the techniques to achieve it also needed to be changed and upgraded which includes access for cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Right internal jugular vein percutaneous cannulation, together with the direct surgical cannulation of femoral vessels with minithoracotomy/ministernotomy proves to be a safe and effective tool in patients with body weight of above 20 kg for minimally access cardiac surgery. We use this technique for Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, aortic valve replacement (AVR), redo Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR). Here, we describe our experience with minimally invasive approach using total peripheral cannulation and an anterior mini-thoracotomy (6 cm or less) incision for ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR. Methods: The preoperative variables, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR with total peripheral cannulation were collected and analyzed. Results: Between May 2014 to May 2019 we performed minimally invasive closure of atrial septal defects, AVR, TVR and MVR with total peripheral cannulation in 103 patients. There were 64 females and 39 males Mean age was 25 years (range 8 - 58 years), Spectrum of procedures include ASD closure in 81 patients (78.6%), AVR via minithoracotomy in 13 patients (12.6%) and AVR via ministernotomy in 3 patients (2.9%), redo TVR in 5 (4.8%), MVR in 1 patient (0.97%). Average cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 46 minutes (range 22 - 78 min) and average aortic cross-clamp time (AoX) 26 min (range 12 - 45 min) in ASD closure group. In AVR group average CPB time was 91 min (range 72 - 120 min) and AoX time 76.5 min (range 65 - 109 min). In TVR group average CPB time 54 min (range 45 - 67 min) on beating heart. Only one MVR done in this period and CPB time was 82 min and AoX time was 65 min. The mean length of stay in intensive care unit was 1.8 days in ASD closure, 2 days in AVR group when in TVR group 3.5 days, and hospital stay was 3 days in ASD closure group, 4 days in AVR group and 7 days in TVR group. The only one patient who underwent MVR died in 12th post operative day from sepsis. There was one late mortality in AVR group after reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis at 3 months from first operation. Conclusion: ASD closure, AVR, TVR and MVR with mini invasive approach is safe with very few manageable preoperative complications and good patient satisfaction.

Percutaneous angio-guided versus surgical veno-arterial ECLS implantation in patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest

BackgroundVeno-arterial Extracorporeal Life Support (V-A ECLS) has gained increasing place into the management of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Both surgical and percutaneous approach can be used for cannulation, but percutaneous approach has been associated with fewer complications. Angio-guided percutaneous cannulation and decannulation may further decrease the rate of complication. We aimed to compare outcome and complication rates in patients supported with V-A ECLS through percutaneous angio-guided versus surgical approach. MethodsWe included all patients with emergent peripheral femoro-femoral V-A ECLS implantation for refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest in our center from March 2018 to March 2021. Survival and major complications (major bleeding, limb ischemia and groin infection) rates were compared between the percutaneous angio-guided and the surgical groups. ResultsOne hundred twenty patients received V-A ECLS, 59 through surgical approach and 61 through angio-guided percutaneous approach. Patients’ baseline characteristics and severity scores were equally balanced between the 2 groups. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between the 2 approaches. However, angio-guided percutaneous cannulation was associated with fewer major vascular complications (42% vs. 11%, p > 0.0001) and a higher rate of V-A ECLS decannulation. In multivariate analysis, percutaneous angio-guided implantation of V-A ECLS was independently associated with a lower probability of major complications. ConclusionCompared to surgical approach, angio-guided percutaneous V-A ECLS implantation is associated with fewer major vascular complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm those results and address their impact on mortality.

Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the use of evidence-based treatments, including coronary revascularization and cardiovascular drugs, a significant proportion of patients develop pathological left-ventricular remodeling and progressive heart failure following MI. Therefore, new therapeutic options, such as cellular and gene therapies, among others, have been developed to repair and regenerate injured myocardium. In this context, animal models of MI are crucial in exploring the safety and efficacy of these experimental therapies before clinical translation. Large animal models such as swine are preferred over smaller ones due to the high similarity of swine and human hearts in terms of coronary artery anatomy, cardiac kinetics, and the post-MI healing process. Here, we aimed to describe an MI model in pig by permanent coil deployment. Briefly, it comprises a percutaneous selective coronary artery cannulation through retrograde femoral access. Following coronary angiography, the coil is deployed at the target branch under fluoroscopic guidance. Finally, complete occlusion is confirmed by repeated coronary angiography. This approach is feasible, highly reproducible, and emulates the pathogenesis of human non-revascularized MI, avoiding the traditional open-chest surgery and the subsequent postoperative inflammation. Depending on the time of follow-up, the technique is suitable for acute, sub-acute, or chronic MI models.

Clinical experience of use of percutaneous peripheral arterial cannulation in sick neonates in a developing country

BackgroundContinuous invasive arterial monitoring is necessary in sick neonates needing hemodynamic and ventilatory support. The primary objective of our study was to describe clinical experience with percutaneous peripheral arterial cannulation (PAC) in sick neonates.MethodsNeonates needing PAC were prospectively enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were: neonates needing respiratory support (invasive or non-invasive), neonates requiring vasoactive medications or neonate likely to need more than 5 sampling pricks in 24 h.ResultsOne hundred eight neonates (93.1%) needed cannulation of one arterial site while 8 (6.9%) needed cannulation of 2 arterial sites, thus giving a total of 124 cannulations. Out of the 124 cannulations, 102 (82%) were performed in first attempt, while 22 (18%) cannulations needed 2 or more attempts. Serious complications like discolouration of digits, blanching of skin or bleeding were seen in 6 (4.9%) cannulations. These resolved after removal of arterial line and no long term consequences were noted. On comparing neonates having radial arterial cannulation(n = 108) with posterior tibial arterial cannulation (n = 16) there was no difference in duration of arterial line between radial artery group (mean, SD 53.30 ± 22.56) and posterior tibial artery group (mean, SD 48.25 ± 27.39). However, more attempts were needed to cannulate post tibial artery (mean, SD 2.25 ± 1.32) as compared to radial artery (mean 1.22 ± 0.789) and this difference was statistically significant (MD -1.02, 95% CI − 1.75 to − 0.30). There was no difference in incidence of serious complications between the radial artery group (3.7%, n = 4) as compared to posterior tibial group (5.5%, n = 1, OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.06–5.51, p = 0.63).ConclusionsPeripheral arterial cannulation is a safe method for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling in sick neonates. Complications can be minimized by diligent monitoring and proactive removal of line if there is damping of tracing.

Abstract 1122‐000097: Recurrent Carotid Cavernous Fistula Requiring Complex Repair of Ruptured Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm: A Case Report

Introduction : There are no studies investigating the safety and efficacy of covered stent grafts, particularly the newly developed stents such as the PK Papyrus stent, for endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Methods : We present a case of a 75‐year‐old female who presented to the hospital with a three‐week history of worsening left eye vision, chemosis, proptosis, and partial third nerve palsy. Patient was found to have left direct Type A CCF secondary to ruptured cavernous segment carotid aneurysm. Results : The CCF was treated with coil embolization and pipeline Shield stent embolization devices with immediate stagnation and improvement of symptoms. Patient had history of an aortic mechanical valve and thus was started on warfarin and ASA. After achieving INR level of 2.5‐3.5, patient started to have recurrent swelling of the left eye associated and decreased visual acuity. Repeated diagnostic cerebral angiogram revealed residual CCF. Onyx liquid embolization and a Surpass Evolve Flow Diverter were attempted to slow the fistulization with no success. Multiple attempts for direct percutaneous superior ophthalmic vein cannulation were also unsuccessful. At this point, two coronary graft‐covered PK Papyrus stents were implanted across the fistula pouch, which resulted in immediate resolution of the CCF with evidence of persistent normal flow within left ophthalmic artery. Patient’s visual acuity and left eye movement improved. Conclusions : This case report highlights the effectiveness and safety of covered stent grafts, particularly more flexible stents such as the PK Papyrus stent, in navigating the carotid vasculature and closing direct CCFs and may be used as a first‐line technique. More large‐scale studies are warranted to investigate the safety and efficacy of using such stent grafts to treat direct CCFs in the setting of antithrombotic agents and anticoagulation.

Percutaneous cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in robotic mitral valve surgery with zero groin complications.

Robotic valve surgery utilizes the femoral vessels to set up cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) which translates to groin wound and lower extremity vascular complications. A less invasive technique is a totally percutaneous bypass using vascular closure devices (VCDs) with concerns for lower limb ischemia and arterial stenosis. Since April 2018, we have adopted the standard use of total percutaneous CPB in our robotic mitral cases. We report our institutional results with this technique. All consecutive patients who underwent robotic mitral valve surgery between April 2018 and December 2020 in our institution were included in our study. Hospital database data on demographics, operative variables, and surgical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Robotic mitral valve surgeries were performed on 32 consecutive patients (mean age 57.2 ± 14.8) between April 2018 and December 2020. None of our patients developed an infection at any site. Seroma, hematoma, or pseudoaneurysm were not observed at puncture sites. Surgical repair of the femoral vessels or an additional VCD was not necessary for any of our patients. Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 23.5 months. Our patients did not present with a late wound infection, a seroma, or a pseudoaneurysm, nor had complaints of limb ischemia or claudication. Total percutaneous bypass is the least invasive method of establishing extracorporeal circulation for cardiac surgery and can be performed with excellent results. The benefits of robotic surgery can be expanded with better results in groin cannulation by the adoption of total percutaneous CPB.

Sampling Thoracic Duct Lymph After Esophagectomy: A Pilot Study Investigating the "Gut-Lymph" Concept.

Background: Gut-lymph in animal models of acute disease is altered by intestinal ischemia and contributes to the development of systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Investigating gut-lymph in humans is hampered difficulty in accessing the thoracic duct (TD) for lymph sampling. The aims of this study were to develop and pilot a technique of intraoperative TD cannulation with delayed embolization to serially measure TD lymph pressure, flow, and composition (including markers of intestinal injury) during the early postoperative period and in response to enteral feeding and vasopressor treatment. Methods: A Seldinger technique was used for percutaneous TD cannulation during an Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy. Lymph flow rate and pressure were measured. TD lymph and plasma were sampled at 12 hourly intervals for up to 120 hours after surgery and before TD embolization. Biochemistry, lipids, cytokines, and markers of intestinal injury were measured before and after enteral feeding commenced at 36 hours. Results: Intraoperative TD cannulation was technically feasible in three of four patients. Delayed TD embolization was only successful in one of three patients, with two patients requiring a re-thoracotomy to treat chylothorax. Profound changes in TD composition, but not flow rate, occurred over time and in response to enteral feeding and vasopressors. TD lymph compared with plasma had significantly higher lipase (1.4-17 × ), interleukin-6 (8-108 × ), tumor necrosis factor-α (2.7-17 × ), d-lactate (0.3-23 × ), endotoxin (0.1-41 × ), and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (1.1-853 × ). Conclusions: Although TD cannulation and lymph sampling were successful, TD embolization failed in two of three patients. The composition of sampled TD lymph changed dramatically in response to enteral feeding, indicating intestinal ischemia that could be exacerbated by nonselective vasopressors. The higher concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and gut injury markers in TD lymph, compared with plasma, lends support to the gut-lymph concept.

Rapid Development and Deployment of an Intensivist-Led Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation Program.

To determine the safety and efficacy of a rapidly deployed intensivist-led venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation program in a preexisting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program. A retrospective observational before-and-after study of 40 patients undergoing percutaneous cannulation for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an established cannulation program by cardiothoracic surgeons versus a rapidly deployed medical intensivist cannulation program. An adult ICU in a tertiary academic medical center in Camden, NJ. Critically ill adult subjects with severe respiratory failure undergoing percutaneous cannulation for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Percutaneous cannulation for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation performed by cardiothoracic surgeons compared with cannulations performed by medical intensivists. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation site attempts were retrospectively reviewed. Subject demographics, specialty of physician performing cannulation, type of support, cannulation configuration, cannula size, imaging guidance, success rate, and complications were recorded and summarized. Twenty-two cannulations were performed by three cardiothoracic surgeons in 11 subjects between September 2019 and February 2020. The cannulation program rapidly transitioned to an intensivist-led and performed program in March 2020. Fifty-seven cannulations were performed by eight intensivists in 29 subjects between March 2020 and December 2020. Mean body mass index for subjects did not differ between groups (33.86 vs 35.89; p = 0.775). There was no difference in days on mechanical ventilation prior to cannulation, configuration, cannula size, or discharge condition. There was no difference in success rate of cannulation on first attempt per cannulation site (95.5 vs 96.7; p = 0.483) or major complication rate per cannulation site (4.5 vs 3.5; p = 1). There is no difference between success and complication rates of percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation canulation when performed by cardiothoracic surgeons versus medical intensivist in an already established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program. A rapidly deployed cannulation program by intensivists for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be performed with high success and low complication rates.