Percutaneous Treatment Research Articles

PERCUTANEOUS CORRECTION OF "BADLY ACCOMPANIED" MASSIVE TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Abstract Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular pathology that impairs quality of life and survival. Tricuspid transcatheter edge–to–edge repair (t–TEER) has shown promising potential in the TR treatment. There remains several uncertainties such as timing of intervention in relation to clinical status, RV function, pulmonary artery pressure and many comorbidities that are often overlooked. Case Summary A 80–year–old man with dilated cardiomyopathy, persistent atrial fibrillation and biventricular defibrillator (ICD), was admitted to our centre for congestive heart failure (CHF). Echocardiography showed massive TR, severe right heart dilatation, increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure, severely dilated inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins with systolic flow reversal. We also found an uncommonly high blood flow coming to the right atrium from the IVC, due to an anomalous vascular communication between an intrahepatic portal branch and a hepatic vein, a so–called intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IPSVS). Although these relatively rare shunts are usually not treated unless symptomatic, after a collective careful evaluation, we decided to proceed to the embolization of the IPSVS with a vascular plug, to make the t–TEER less challenging, safer and more durable. In better general conditions, after 2 months, the patient underwent the transcatheter tricuspid procedure with a single XTW TriClip™ (Abbott). At 3 months follow–up, the patient showed noticeable improvements in QoL, CHF signs and symptoms, echocardiographic parameters and exercise capacity. Discussion Appropriate timing of t–TEER is crucial not only to avoid irreversible RV damage and organ failure, but also to increase the success rate of the procedures. In this case we observed that the IPSVS treatment contributed significatively to improve the patient’s clinical status and to reduce the right heart volume overload before attempting the t–TEER. This combined approach facilitated the technical success of tricuspid procedure, that was itself challenging due to the ICD leads in the right chambers. Conclusion Patients’ selection and timing of percutaneous TR treatment are not clearly defined. This case shows that a winning strategy to approach challenging TR is to solve, before the tricuspid treatment, all the potentially treatable comorbidities that could negatively interfere with the technical success of the procedure itself and with the durability of TR reduction.

PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM AND AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS WITH ‘STAGED’ EVAR & TAVR

Abstract Symptomatic AS and AAA are critical clinical conditions, increasingly more prevalent with aging of the population. TAVR is a treatment of choice in high risk and inoperable patients with symptomatic severe AS, who are often elderly. A continuous increase in the number of TAVR procedures–per–year is expected due to the increasingly robust evidence that TAVR is advantageous in the population with non–increased surgical risk. Our ‘tailored’ interventional approach has planned an endovascular correction of the AAA as the first step, followed by a ‘staged’ TAVR. The AAA was treated first because was it considered strategically better in the presence of severe AS in stable clinical conditions. Moreover the potential elevation of the systolic arterial pressure after TAVR might provoke enhanced strain at the AAA wall increasing the risk of rupture. During the EVAR procedure all the material needed to proceed to an ‘urgent’ aortic valvuloplasty or TAVR if necessary was available and ready. The proposed treatment was effective in all treated patients, offering the resolution of both problems through totally percutaneous treatment in patients with a significant high risk for both mortality and vascular complications. The risk of acute kidney injury is reduced compared to simultaneous procedures because the total amount of contrast agents used overall is spread among two different procedures after an adequate time of recovery. The main clinical, technical and procedural considerations of TAVR procedure in this case series were: Transfemoral access into the bifurcated endoprosthesis was feasible in 100% of patients The use of highly supportive stiffer guides (or buddy wire technique) to overcome the tortuosity of the iliac–femoral approaches should be considered; The introducer advancement under fluoroscopic guidance and through–and–through wire technique is strongly recommended in the presence of tortuosity; The strategy to protect the main vascular access must be personalized choosing between the ipsilateral femoral approach or the radial (or omeral) approach; The total amount of contrast medium administered to patients should be carefully monitored; The procedures should always be conducted with as much ‘contrast zero‘ methods as possible. Define a delay time between EVAR and TAVR according to the clinical status, the age and the co–morbidities of patients even in the presence of clinical stability, is highly debated.

A RARE COMPLICATION OF MITRAL TEER PROCEDURE: CLIP LATE DETACHMENT AND EMBOLIZATION

Abstract Intraprocedural and late complications of MitraClip implantation have already been described. This report highlights the importance of conventional surgical options in the event of percutaneous treatment failure. An 85–year–old woman with a history of chronic anemia, and thalassemia Minor was referred to our clinic for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to a P2 flail with significant calcification of the posterior mitral annulus. During the Heart Team discussion, age and comorbidities led to consider the patient eligible for TEER with the MitraClip system (EuroSCORE II 9,34%; STS score 7,47%). TEER procedure was uneventful: one XTW was deployed at the level of the flail (A2–P2), a second XTW was then placed more lateral to treat a separate residual jet, and one NTW was finally placed between them. MR reduction was considered acceptable (moderate MR, mean grad 6 mmHg). After two months, symptoms worsened, and TTE showed severe MR (no device detachment) with increased sPAP and associated moderate TR. A couple of weeks later, the patient was hospitalized. Chest X–ray revealed clip embolization confirmed by coronary angiography that showed an XTW Clip embolized to the Right coronary sinus with partial occlusion of the ostium. Percutaneous clip retrieval is described in the literature, but the embolized device position and the presence of recurrent severe MR led us to prefer an urgent surgical intervention. Under CPB, the embolized XTW was easily retrieved through a small aortotomy; the intervention was completed by mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair. The postoperative course was uneventful. Predischarge TTE showed normal mitral bioprosthesis function, mild AR, mild TR, and preserved LV function. DISCUSSION Clip embolization is a rare but potentially critical complication of TEER and can happen periprocedurally or on early follow–up. Single leaflet detachment is more common, but complete detachment and embolization can occur. Therapeutic options are represented by surgical or transcatheter approaches according to embolization sites and patient comorbidities. In our case, the risk of potential coronary obstruction or thrombosis and the concomitant need for MR treatment have led us to consider surgery as the first option. CONCLUSION TEER can be graved by acute or late complications. The best approach has to be tailored to each patient, and surgery can be an effective and safe option even for initially discarded high–risk patients.

Temporal trends in acute coronary syndrome by subtype

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Various studies reported different results in trends regarding acute coronary syndrome (ACS) subtypes over the last years. We performed a retrospective analysis to determine trends in ACS incidence, demographic characteristics of patients, invasive treatment as well as outcomes and mortality of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) in our tertiary Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Methods We collected data from medical records and our electronic hospital information system on all admissions that occured in March 2003, 2013 and 2023 and compared the data. Results Over the years, there was a significant increase in total number of patients in our CICU (74, 87 and 143 per month, respectively). Patients with ACS accounted for more than half of all patients in the investigated period, but without reaching statistical significance for increase (51.4%, 64.4% and 63.6%; p= 0.156). On the other hand, when considering patients with STEMI, there was a significant upgrowth of the number of such patients (6.8% vs 31% vs 28.7%; p<0.001) with a trend of a decrease in the number of NSTEMI (28.4%, 18.4% and 23.8%; p= 0.324) and patients with UA (16.2%, 14.9% and 11.2%; p= 0.528). Percutaneous interventional treatment significantly rose over time (35.6 vs 61.2 vs 67.8%, p<0.01), while application of ICU restricted therapies like vasopressors (1.7% vs 0 vs 6.3%; p= 0.072) and inotropes (6.8% vs 4.7% vs 8.5%; p= 0.356) showed increasing trend, but without reaching statistical significance. However, CICU length of stay (LOS) notably decreased (59h vs 43h vs 22h; p= <0,001) as well as mortality (9.5% vs 5.7% vs 2.8%; p= <0.001). Conclusion We observed a significant increase in the number of STEMI patients with a declining trend in NSTEMI and UA patients, as well as increase in coronary procedures and vasopressors and inotropes administration, all indicating growing acuity and complexity of our patients. On the other hand, LOS and mortality significantly decreased highlighting better outcomes and treatment success.

Referral and outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism - a single-centre experience

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and percutaneous catheter-based treatments have emerged as an effective treatment option alongside thrombolysis. However, data concerning long-term outcomes are scarce. Methods All patients referred to a tertiary centre for pulmonary angiography with the intent to perform mechanical thrombectomy in the context of acute PE between January 2016 and August 2023 were retrospectively included and clinical data and outcomes were collected. Results Fifty-two patients (58% female; mean age 66±18 years) were referred to pulmonary angiography in the setting of acute PE, of whom 40 patients (77%) underwent continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy with an overall success rate of 70%. Twenty-eight percent of patients had bilateral thrombus. Thirty-two patients had intermediate-high risk or high-risk PE, and the mean Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) was 146 points. Thirteen patients (25%) underwent thrombolysis prior to angiography, while 15 patients (28%) had an absolute or relative contraindication for thrombolysis. Ventilation/perfusion scans were performed in ten patients (19%) during the follow-up period, of whom five patients (10%) had evidence of residual illness, with no significant differences between the thrombectomy and non-thrombectomy groups (p=0.8). The overall mortality rate over the complete follow-up period was 39%, while 25% of patients died within 48 hours of the procedure. Predictors of mortality on univariate analysis included older age (HR 1.06 [95% CI 1.00-1.11, p = 0.03]), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 3.88 [95% CI 1.41-10.69, p = 0.01]), history of previous deep vein thrombosis or PE (HR 3.40 [95% CI 1.34-8.63, p = 0.01]), thrombolysis prior to referral for mechanical thrombectomy (HR 5.94 [95% CI 1.93-18.26, p <0.01), shock or haemodynamic instability (HR 8.50 [95% CI 2.44-29,52, p <0.01]) and resuscitated cardiac arrest (HR 5.98 [95% CI 2.34-15.30, p <0.01]). On Cox multivariate analysis, the presence of shock or haemodynamic instability was a predictor of increased mortality (HR 5.23 [95% CI 1.12-24.3, p = 0.04]). Conclusions Intermediate and high risk acute PE is a clinical entity with a high morbidity and mortality rate regardless of treatment strategy, particularly during the index hospitalization and in patients with shock or haemodynamic instability.

Prediction of Subsequent Vertebral Fracture After Acute Osteoporotic Fractures from Clinical and Paraspinal Muscle Features

To construct a nomogram based on clinical factors and paraspinal muscle features to predict vertebral fractures occurring after acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). We retrospectively enrolled 307 patients with acute OVCF between January 2013 and August 2022, and performed magnetic resonance imaging of the L3/4 and L4/5 intervertebral discs (IVDs) to estimate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and degree of fatty infiltration (FI) of the paraspinal muscles. We also collected clinical and radiographic data. We used univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to identify factors that should be included in the predictive nomogram. Post-OVCF vertebral fracture occurred within 3, 12, and 24 months in 33, 69, and 98 out of the 307 patients (10.8%, 22.5%, and 31.9%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that this event was associated with percutaneous vertebroplasty treatment, higher FI at the L3/4 IVD levels of the psoas muscle, and lower relative CSA of functional muscle at the L4/5 IVD levels of the multifidus muscle. Area under the curve values for subsequent vertebral fracture at 3, 12, and 24 months were 0.711, 0.724, and 0.737, respectively, indicating remarkable accuracy of the nomogram. We developed a model for predicting post-OVCF vertebral fracture from diagnostic information about prescribed treatment, FI at the L3/4 IVD levels of the psoas muscle, and relative CSA of functional muscle at the L4/5 IVD levels of the multifidus muscle. This model could facilitate personalized predictions and preventive strategies.

Understanding transcatheter edge-to-edge repair "knobology": Advanced catheter steering for different scenarios of transseptal puncture.

Following the introduction in the latest European and American guidelines, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair has become a valid alternative to surgery for ineligible patients. Among the available technologies, MitraClip (Abbott) was the first to be introduced for the percutaneous treatment of mitral regurgitation with the edge-to-edge technique. Although its safety and effectiveness has been widely demonstrated, the optimal procedural results are highly dependent from operators' experience. In this manuscript, we provide a full guide of advanced steering maneuvers of MitraClip in different scenarios of transseptal puncture.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for the treatment of complete biliary obstruction after cholecystectomy

Background & AimsPost-cholecystectomy biliary strictures can be treated surgically or non-surgically. Although endoscopic or percutaneous treatments are the preferred approaches, these methods are not feasible in cases where complete stricture occlusion prevents the successful passage of a guidewire. The utility of magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) in patients with post-cholecystectomy complete biliary obstruction that cannot be treated conventionally was evaluated. MethodsMCA was performed in 10 patients with post-cholecystectomy biliary strictures that did not resolve with conventional endoscopic or percutaneous treatment. One magnet was delivered through the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tract, and another was advanced via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) of the common bile duct. After magnet approximation and recanalization, a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) was placed for 3 months and then replaced for a further 3 months. Stricture resolution was evaluated after FCSEMS removal. ResultsAmong the 10 patients who underwent MCA for post-cholecystectomy biliary stricture, the biliary injury was Strasberg type B in 2, type C in 3, and type E in 5. Recanalization was successful in all patients (technical success rate 100%). The mean follow-up period after recanalization was 50.2 months (range 13.2–116.8 months). Partial restenosis after MCA occurred in two patients at 24.1 and 1.6 months after stent removal. ERCP with FCSEMS placement resolved the recurrent stenosis in both patients. ConclusionsMCA is a useful alternative nonsurgical treatment for complete biliary obstruction after cholecystectomy that cannot be resolved by conventional methods.

Modern treatment of unicameral and aneurysmatic bone cysts.

The best treatment of unicameral bone cyst and aneurismatic bone cyst (ABC) is debated in the literature. For simple bone cysts, multiple treatments were proposed from observation only to open curettage. The historical treatment with intraosseous injection of methylprednisolone acetate into the bone cysts nowadays is reduced due to the morbidity of multiple injections and the risk of multiple pathologic fractures until the healing. Different types of treatments for ABC are reported, including surgery, percutaneous treatments, and medical treatments; however, there is currently no consensus on the best approach. The association of curettage, bone graft, and elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) had a success rate of over 85%. Decompressing the cyst wall is more critical for increasing the healing rate than the type of graft used to fill the cavity. In ABC, sclerotherapy offers the advantages of lower invasiveness and morbidity, associated with better functional scores and faster return to full weight-bearing. Moreover, they can be used in challenging locations. Selective arterial embolization is a complex procedure and often requires association with other treatments. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of denosumab and its side effects on skeletally immature patients. Curettage with adjuvants and autogenous bone grafting still shows promising results and can be used in larger, aggressive defects or superficial lesions. For simple bone cysts, the combination of curettage, bone graft, and ESIN showed the best results. Sclerotherapy for ABC also shows promising results.

A novel technique of percutaneous transhepatic treatment of biliary-enteric anastomotic occlusive strictures with compliant balloon-occluded distal cholangiography and large-bore catheter: a retrospective case series.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary balloon dilatation (PTBD) is a challenge in resolving biliary-enteric anastomotic occlusive strictures (BEAOS) and/or coexisting stones. The biliary-enteric anastomosis (BEA) often cannot be seen because of the surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Here, a technique that combined percutaneous compliant-occluded distal cholangiography and the maintenance of a large-bore catheter is described to resolve this issue. A retrospective review of 10 patients who presented with BEAOS with/without coexisting stones who were treated with percutaneous compliant balloon-occluded distal cholangiography, bile duct stone removal, and the maintenance of a large-bore catheter between February 2017 and January 2021 was performed. Treatment response, laboratory examinations, including hepatic function tests, routine blood tests, and blood electrolytes, complications, and imaging data were evaluated. Paired t-tests were used to investigate the difference of laboratory examinations before and after the procedure. All 10 cases were technically successful. A total of 9 stones in 6 patients were successfully removed by the compliant balloon. All catheters were removed after the patency of the stricture was confirmed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) 6 months later. No severe adverse events occurred during the perioperative period. There were 2 patients who experienced episodes of cholangitis during the follow-up period (mean, 17 months; range, 4-24 months), and neither BEAOS nor bile duct stones recurred within 2 years after the procedure. White blood cells (WBC), total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were (6.0±1.4)×109/L and (6.0±1.6)×109/L (P=0.91), 31.4±15.7 and 29.6±10.3 µmol/L (P=0.74), 50.8±20.0 and 85.8±67.0 U/L (P=0.16), and 42.6±15.2 and 71.8±44.9 U/L (P=0.09) pre and postintervention, respectively. Percutaneous transhepatic compliant balloon-occluded distal cholangiography and the maintenance of a large-bore catheter probably provide an effective and safe alternative method for resolving BEAOS and/or coexisting stones.

Clinical impact of complex percutaneous coronary intervention in the pre-TAVR workup

Introduction and objectivesIn patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the workup pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the clinical impact of coronary revascularization complexity remains unknown. This study sought to examine the impact of PCI complexity on clinical outcomes after TAVR in patients undergoing PCI in the preprocedural workup. MethodsThis was a multicenter study including consecutive patients scheduled for TAVR with concomitant significant coronary artery disease. Complex PCI was defined as having at least 1 of the following features: 3 vessels treated, ≥ 3 stents implanted, ≥ 3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60mm, or chronic total occlusion. The rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization were evaluated. ResultsA total of 1550 patients were included, of which 454 (29.3%) underwent complex PCI in the pre-TAVR workup. After a median follow-up period of 2 [1-3] years after TAVR, the incidence of MACE was 9.6 events per 100 patients-years. Complex PCI significantly increased the risk of cardiac death (HR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.01-2.07), nonperiprocedural myocardial infarction (HR, 1.52; 95%CI, 1.04-2.21), and coronary revascularization (HR, 2.46; 95%CI, 1.44-4.20). In addition, PCI complexity was identified as an independent predictor of MACE after TAVR (HR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.01-1.71; P=.042). ConclusionsIn TAVR candidates with significant coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous treatment, complex revascularization was associated with a higher risk of MACE. The degree of procedural complexity should be considered a strong determinant of prognosis in the PCI-TAVR population.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Carotid Artery Stenting

BackgroundCarotid artery stenting has been used effectively to treat internal carotid artery stenosis since 1989 (Mathias et al. in World J Surg. 25(3):328-34, 2001), with refined and expanded techniques and tools presently delivering outstanding results in percutaneous endoluminal treatment of carotid artery stenosis.PurposeThis CIRSE Standards of Practice document is directed at interventional radiologists and details the guidelines for carotid artery stenting, as well as the different implementation techniques. In addition to updating all previously published material on the different clinical indications, it will provide all technical details reflective of European practice for carotid artery stenting. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents do not aim to implement a standard of clinical patient care, but rather to provide a realistic strategy and best practices for the execution of this procedure.MethodsThe writing group, which was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee, consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in carotid artery stenting procedures. The writing group reviewed existing literature on carotid artery stenting procedures, performing a pragmatic evidence search using PubMed to select relevant publications in the English language from 2006 to 2022.ResultsCarotid artery stenting has an established role in the management of internal carotid artery stenosis; this Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for its safe performance.

Cost-minimization analysis of percutaneous ethanol injection treatment of benign solid thyroid nodules: an exploratory pilot study

Cost-minimization analysis of percutaneous ethanol injection treatment of benign solid thyroid nodules: an exploratory pilot study

Comparison of reamer irrigator aspirator (RIA) suspension versus bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) for percutaneous treatment of long bone nonunions—A preclinical canine model

ObjectiveTo compare the bone healing effects of percutaneously delivered bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) versus reamer irrigator aspirator (RIA) suspension in a validated preclinical canine ulnar nonunion model. We hypothesized that BMC would be superior to RIA in inducing bone formation across a nonunion site after percutaneous application. The null hypothesis was that BMC and RIA would be equivalent. MethodsA bilateral ulnar nonunion model (n= 6; 3 matched pairs) was created. Eight weeks after segmental ulnar ostectomy, RIA from the ipsilateral femur and BMC from the proximal humerus were harvested and percutaneously administered into either the left or right ulnar defect. The same volume (3 ml) of RIA suspension and BMC were applied on each side. Eight weeks after treatment, the dogs were euthanized, and the nonunions were evaluated using radiographic, biomechanical, and histologic assessments. ResultsAll dogs survived for the intended study duration, formed radiographic nonunions 8 weeks after segmental ulnar ostectomy, and underwent the assigned percutaneous treatment. Radiographic and macroscopic assessments of bone healing at the defect sites revealed superior bridging-callous formation in BMC-treated nonunions. Histologic analyses revealed greater amount of bony bridging and callous formation in the BMC group. Biomechanical testing of the treated nonunions did not reveal any significant differences. ConclusionBone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) had important advantages over Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) suspension for percutaneous augmentation of bone healing in a validated preclinical canine ulnar nonunion model based on clinically relevant radiographic and histologic measures of bone formation.

Clinical and Economic Implications of Interventions in Pancreatic Fluid Collections: An Assessment From a National Claims Database.

To compare clinical and economic implications of percutaneous and endoscopic treatment approaches in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). This is a retrospective claims analysis of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent inpatient endoscopic or percutaneous PFC drainage procedures (2016-2020). We performed longitudinal analysis of claims for all-cause mortality and rehospitalization during 180-day follow-up. Main outcome was mortality. Other outcomes were rehospitalization and direct costs. A total of 1311 patients underwent endoscopic (n = 727) or percutaneous (n = 584) drainage. Percutaneous as compared with endoscopic approach was associated with higher mortality (23.08% vs 16.7%, P = 0.004), rehospitalization (58.9% vs 53.3%, P = 0.04), and mean direct hospital costs ($37,107 [SD = $67,833] vs $27,800 [SD = $43,854], P = 0.004). On multivariable analysis, percutaneous drainage (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.86; P = 0.039), older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P < 0.001), intensive care unit stay (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P < 0.001), and multiple comorbidities (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.09; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Percutaneous drainage (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04-1.63; P = 0.027) and older age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with rehospitalizations. As percutaneous drainage may be associated with higher mortality, rehospitalization, and costs, when requisite expertise is available, endoscopy should be preferred for treatment of PFC amenable to such an approach. Randomized trials are required to validate these findings.

Prospective evaluation of a novel device for ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment of carpal tunnel and trigger finger disease. Efficacy and safety of sono-instruments®.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous release procedures under sonography using Sono-Instruments® in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger (TF). Prospective study involving 30 patients, divided into two groups (15 CTS, and 15 TF). The primary outcomes were surgical performance-related outcomes (visibility, ease of use, satisfaction, duration) using Sono-Instruments® and patient-related outcomes (pain, activity limitations, time to return to work, functional scores). Secondary outcomes included complications. Patients were followed for two months post-operatively. In the CTS group, the average age of the patients was 58.7years. The percutaneous release of the transverse carpal ligament was effectively completed in all cases, with excellent device performance and no adverse events. At one week, all patients could wash their hands, 80% could perform activities of daily living, and 80% of those working had returned to their activities. At two months, all patients had resumed all activities. Pillar pain was still present in 53.3%. In the TF group, the patients had an average age of 57.9years. The percutaneous release of the A1 annular pulley was successful in all cases, with excellent device performance and no adverse events. At one week, all patients could wash their hands, 93.3% could do all activities of daily living, and 75% of those working were back to their professional activities. At two months, all patients were back to all activities of daily living and work. The DASH score was significantly improved at two months, compared to preoperative, for both groups (p < 0.001). Percutaneous sono-guided release using Sono-Instruments® is safe and efficient, and associated with quick functional recovery. II.

Optimal Percutaneous Treatment Approach to Unprotected Ostial Left Anterior Descending Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

The optimal management strategy for significant unprotected ostial left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease remains undefined. Merits of the two most common percutaneous approaches are considered in this quantitative synthesis. A meta-analysis was performed to compare ostial stenting (OS) and crossover stenting (CS) in the treatment of unprotected ostial LAD stenosis. The primary outcome is the disparity in target lesion revascularisation (TLR). The Mantel-Haenszel method was employed with random effect model, chosen a priori to account for heterogeneity among the included studies. Seven studies comprising 1,181 patients were included in the analyses. Of these, 482 (40.8%) patients underwent CS. Overall, there was a statistically significant trend in favour of CS (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.86, p=0.01) with respect to the rate of TLR at follow-up. This remained true when TLR involving the left circumflex artery (LCx) was considered, even when there was a greater need for unintended intervention to the LCx during the index procedure (odds ratio 6.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.69-26.49, p=0.007). Final kissing balloon inflation may reduce the need for acute LCx intervention. Imaging guidance appeared to improve clinical outcomes irrespective of approach chosen. In the percutaneous management of unprotected ostial LAD disease, CS into the left main coronary artery (LMCA) appeared to reduce future TLR. Integration of intracoronary imaging was pivotal to procedural success. The higher incidence of unintended LCx intervention in the CS arm may be mitigated by routine final kissing balloon inflation, although the long-term implication of this remains unclear. In the absence of randomised trials, clinicians' discretion remains critical.

Curcumin-Based Ionic Liquid Hydrogel for Topical Transdermal Delivery of Curcumin To Improve Its Therapeutic Effect on the Psoriasis Mouse Model.

Psoriasis is a systemic, recurrent, chronic autoimmune skin disease. However, psoriasis drugs have poor skin permeability and high toxicity, resulting in low bioavailability and affecting their clinical application. In this study, we propose a curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel loaded with ilomastat (Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel), which can effectively maintain the sustained release of drugs and improve the skin permeability of drugs. We used a model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis and demonstrated that local application of Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel can improve skin lesions in mice with significantly reduced expression levels of inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinase 8, and collagen-I. The expressions of iron death-related proteins SLC7A11 and ASL4 were significantly decreased after treatment with Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel. Flora analysis showed that the content of anaerotruncus, proteus, and UCG-009 bacteria in the gut of psoriatic mice increased. The levels of paludicola, parabacteroides, prevotellaceae_UCG-001, escherichia-shigella, and aerococcus decreased, and the levels of some of the above bacteria tended to be normal after treatment. Therefore, the curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel can be used as a multifunctional, nonirritating, noninvasive, and highly effective percutaneous treatment of psoriasis.

The Effect of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Its Impact on Cardiac Function Indicators

Objective: To analyze the role of percutaneous coronary intervention and its value in elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: A total of 88 elderly patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease between June 2022 and June 2023 were recruited and divided into two groups using the random number table method, with 44 cases in each group. The control group received conventional drug therapy, while the observation group received percutaneous arterial interventional treatment in addition to conventional drug therapy. Clinical efficacy, adverse cardiovascular events, cardiac function indicators, and quality of life were observed in both groups. Results: The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher total effective rate and significantly lower adverse cardiovascular events (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, after treatment, the observation group showed a higher left ventricular ejection fraction, as well as lower left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the observation group had higher scores in all eight dimensions of the SF-36 scale (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: For elderly patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, percutaneous coronary intervention can achieve superior clinical efficacy and high safety and can help improve cardiac function indicators and quality of life.

What should the optimal access site be for percutaneous treatment of anterior lower pole calyx stones?

Compared to other stone groups, anterior calyx stones are more challenging for endourologists to treat. This study aims to evaluate the differences between our latest technique and conventional techniques for treating anterior calyx stones in the lower pole. Patients with isolated anterior lower pole calyx or complex lower pole stones with anterior calyx branching were included in the study. The first group included lower pole access, while the second group included percutaneous treatment through the middle or upper pole. In the first group, the posterior calyx or direct anterior calyx approach was utilised depending on whether the stone was isolated calyx, complex structure or calyx anatomy, while in the second group, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed through the middle or upper pole posterior calyx access. There were 37 patients in Group 1 and 25 patients in Group 2. Both groups were similar regarding patient age, sex, stone burden, and stone localisation (p > 0.05). When comparing operative and post-operative data between groups, it was found that the stone clearance rate, number of accesses, and haematocrit decrease were statistically superior in the second group (p: 0.003, p: 0.002, p: 0.018), with no significant difference in mean operative time, length of hospital stay, fluoroscopy time and pain score (p > 0.05). Percutaneous surgery utilising an access from a calyx distal to the stone may offer better clearance and lower morbidity rates for lower pole stones involving the anterior calyx.