Postprocedural Complications Research Articles

Acute management of cerebral venous thrombosis: Indications, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment in two high-volume centers.

After several uncontrolled studies and one randomized clinical trial, there is still uncertainty regarding the role of endovascular treatment (EVT) in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). This study aims to describe and assess different acute management strategies in the treatment of CVT. We performed a retrospective analysis of an international two-center registry of CVT patients admitted since 2019. Good outcome was defined as a return to baseline modified Rankin scale at three months. We described and compared EVT versus no-EVT patients. We included 61 patients. Only one did not receive systemic anticoagulation. EVT was performed in 13/61 (20%) of the cases, with a median time from diagnosis to puncture of 4.5 h (1.25-28.5). EVT patients had a higher median baseline NIHSS [6 (IQR 2-17) vs 0 (0-2.7), p = 0.002)] and a higher incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (53.8% vs 20.3%, p = 0.03). Recanalization was achieved in 10/13 (77%) patients. Thrombectomy was performed in every case with angioplasty in 7 out of 12 patients and stenting in 3 cases. No postprocedural complication was reported. An improvement of the median NIHSS from baseline to discharge [6 (2-17) vs 1(0-3.75); p < 0.001] was observed in EVT group. A total of 31/60 patients (50.8%) had good outcomes. Adjusting to NIHSS and ICH, EVT had a non-significant increase in the odds of a good outcome [aOR 1.42 (95%CI 0.73-2.8, p = 0.307)]. EVT in combination with anticoagulation was safe in acute treatment of CVT as suggested by NIHSS improvement. Selected patients may benefit from this treatment.

A Rare Case of Pial Arteriovenous Fistula in an Infant – A Case Report

Introduction: Pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare intracranial vascular malformation with diverse clinical presentations. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial due to its poor natural history. Endovascular treatment has emerged as a preferred option with promising results. Case Report: We report a case of an 8-month-old infant who presented with recurrent focal seizures and acute intraparenchymal hematoma. Further investigation with magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of a PAVF. Results: Endovascular embolization successfully obliterated the PAVF with no postprocedural complications. Clinical follow-up demonstrated a favorable outcome. Conclusion: This case highlights the significance of early detection through suitable imaging modalities and timely intervention in preventing life-threatening complications associated with PAVFs. Endovascular embolization offers an effective and safe treatment option for pediatric PAVFs, leading to positive outcomes in this rare entity.

Outcomes of ERCP in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Nationwide Inpatient Assessment.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder that leads to abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across secretory epithelia resulting in thickened, viscous secretions in the bronchi, biliary tract, pancreas, intestine, and the reproductive system. Defects in the biliary tract can predispose to stone formation requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, there is a paucity of data assessing ERCP outcomes in patients with CF. We identified patients from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)-National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between the years 2016 and 2020. Our study group included patients with CF of all ages who underwent an inpatient ERCP. We used ICD10 diagnostic and procedural codes to identify patients, procedures, and complications of the procedure. From 2016 to 2020, a total of 860,679 inpatient ERCPs were identified. Of these procedures, 535 (0.06%) were performed in patients with CF. The mean age of patients with CF undergoing ERCP was 60.62 years, of which 48% were males and 52% were females. Patients in the CF group had a higher incidence of post-ERCP pneumothorax (0.93%) than the patients in the non-CF group (0.15%). The occurrence of other ERCP-related adverse events was similar in both groups (P>0.05). On multivariate regression analysis, patients with CF were 1.75 times more likely to develop post-ERCP infections [odds ratio (OR): 1.75; 95% CI: 1.03-2.94; P=0.035) and 7.64 times more likely to develop post-ERCP pneumothorax (OR: 7.64; 95% CI: 1.03-56.5; P=0.046) compared to patients without CF after adjusting for confounders. The groups had no significant difference in mortality, post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, pneumoperitoneum, and gas embolism. There was also no significant difference in the length of stay between the study and control groups. ERCP is a safe procedure in patients with CF with a comparable risk of postprocedural complications and mortality to those who do not have cystic fibrosis. However, patients with CF may experience a higher risk of post-ERCP infections and post-ERCP pneumothorax. Further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate outcomes of ERCP in patients with CF and to determine methods of mitigating adverse events.

Comparison of percutaneous decannulation and open surgical repair for large-bore arterial access sites of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Following weaning of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, removal of cannulas and repair of large-bore arterial sites is traditionally by open surgical repair (OSR). The use of a percutaneous vascular closure device (VCD) offers a minimally invasive alternative to OSR with potential for reduced operative complications, reduced hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality. A systematic review of Medline and Embase databases was conducted for studies comparing VCD-assisted decannulation with OSR following decannulation of peripheral ECMO. The primary endpoint was rate of post-procedural complications, namely wound infection and limb ischaemia. The secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Eight studies, with a total of 685 patients, met inclusion criteria. Forty-eight percent (n = 328) of patients underwent VCD-assisted decannulation with the remainder decannulated by OSR. Pooled analysis demonstrated that patients undergoing VCD-assisted decannulation are at significantly lower risk of overall complications than surgical repair (OR 4.34; 95% CI 2.19-8.57; p < .001). Specifically, there was a substantial decrease in groin infections (OR 6.77; 95% CI 3.07-14.97; p < .001) without notable differences in limb ischaemia or pseudoaneurysm occurrence between the VCD and OSR cohorts. There was a lower incidence of intra-operative bleeding and haematoma in the VCD cohort (p < .001 and p = .002, respectively). Vascular closure device-assisted decannulation of peripheral ECMO offers a significantly reduced risk of complications, particularly groin infections and bleeding. Future research should encompass larger cohorts, randomised controlled trials, cost-benefit analyses, and the training of surgeons, cardiologists and intensivists in VCD-assisted decannulation, potentially through the integration of simulation-based training.

Pros and Cons of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Surveillance

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) has become an increasingly popular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The success of this type of treatment is dependent upon, to great extent, appropriate post-procedure surveillance accurately recognises complications in a timely fashion. The prominent modes of surveillance have been Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) and Color Duplex Ultrasound (CDUS). Each imaging method has its limitations; particularly the use of radiation and intravenous contrast media for the CTA and the subjectivity and lower resolution of the images that CDUS generates. More recently, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) has been used and provides an accurate diagnosis of many post-procedure complications. This study aims to review the literature and present the evidence for the role of CEUS in the surveillance of EVAR patients, which may have implications for future practice.

Contrast-free left atrial appendage occlusion in patients using the LAMBRE™ device

BackgroundAdvances in imaging have led to procedural optimization of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Contrast-free approaches, guided merely by echocardiography, have been established, however data on this topic remains scarce. In this analysis, we assessed contrast-free procedural results with the LAMBRE LAAC device. MethodsThe multicenter retrospective BoBoMa (Bonn/Bordeaux/Mainz)-Registry included a total of 118 patients that underwent LAAC with LAMBRE devices omitting contrast-dye. Baseline and echocardiographic characteristics as well as intra- and postprocedural complications and outcomes were assessed. ResultsPatients were at a mean age of 77.5 ± 7.5 years with high thromboembolic and bleeding risk (CHADS-VASc-score 4.6 ± 1.4, HAS-BLED-score 3.7 ± 1.0, respectively). Renal function was impaired with a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 50 ± 22 ml/min. Mean procedural time was 47.2 ± 37.5 minutes with a mean radiation dose of 4.75 ± 5.25 Gy*cm2. Device success, defined as proper deployment in a correct position, was achieved in 97.5% (115/118) of cases with repositioning of the occluder in 7.6% (9/118) and resizing in 3.4% (4/118) of cases. No relevant peri-device leakage (>3 mm) was observed with 42% of occluders being implanted in an ostial position. Periprocedural complications occurred in 6.8% (8/118) of cases, including two cases of device embolization and one case of clinically-relevant pericardial effusion requiring surgical intervention. Other complications included pericardial effusion (2.5%, 3/118) and vascular access site complications (1.7%, 2/118). ConclusionEchocardiography-guided contrast-free LAAC using the LAMBRE device is safe and feasible. Further prospective studies including the direct comparison of devices as well as imaging techniques are warranted in contrast-free LAAC.

Nationwide trends in intensive care unit utilization in the elective endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Multiple studies suggest routine post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) stays after endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is unnecessary, though rates of ICU utilization nationwide are unknown. We aim to evaluate rates and characteristics of ICU utilization in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of UIAs. This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing a nationwide private-payer database in the United States to evaluate the ICU utilization in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of UIAs between 2005 and 2019. Demographics and pre-operative comorbidities as well as post-procedural complications and discharge status were compared. An analysis of charges and costs was also performed. Among 6218 patients who underwent elective EVT of a UIA, 4890 (78.6%) were admitted to the ICU post-operatively. There were no differences in age, sex, or Charlson comorbidity scores in patients admitted to the ICU post-operatively compared to those admitted elsewhere. ICU utilization was more common in urban locations compared to rural. 12.7% of patients had ICU-specific needs sufficient to be billed by a critical care provider. Total provider costs were significantly higher in patients utilizing the ICU post-operatively, even among uncomplicated patients with routine discharges. Most patients undergoing elective endovascular UIA repair in the United States are admitted to the ICU postoperatively. Only 12.7% have ICU needs, and these patients are predictable from pre-operative characteristics or peri-operative complications. Reducing ICU use in this subgroup of patients may be an important target to improve healthcare value in this patient population.

The accuracy of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy compared to fluoroscopy in navigation of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in patients with interstitial lung disease

BackgroundSafely implementing transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires accurate navigation. Traditional fluoroscopy falls short in reducing the risk of post-procedure pneumothorax. The potential of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) as a more precise navigation method warrants further exploration.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted on ILD patients undergoing TBLC. Patients were assigned either fluoroscopy or ENB for cryoprobe positioning. Navigation accuracy was evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the standard. Safety and diagnostic yield were also observed.ResultsSeventeen patients underwent TBLC, with 10 guided by fluoroscopy and seven by ENB. Fluoroscopy-guided cryoprobe navigation required more adjustments [9/15 (60%) v.s. 1/9 (11%), p = 0.018] for subsequent TBLC compared to ENB, as confirmed by CBCT images. Clinical characteristics, post-procedure complications, and biopsy specimen size showed no significant differences between the groups. Fourteen patients obtained a pathological diagnosis, and 15 received a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis. In the fluoroscopy group, three patients failed to obtain a pathological diagnosis, and two failed to obtain an MDD diagnosis.ConclusionsENB demonstrates significantly superior accuracy in TBLC navigation compared to traditional fluoroscopy when CBCT images are used as a reference. Further studies are necessary to determine the value of ENB in TBLC navigation for ILD patients.

Safety of Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder and Watchman Device for Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative to chronic anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Multiple devices were used for LAA closure, with the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder (Abbott,Chicago, IL, USA) and Watchman device (Boston Scientific,Marlborough, MA, USA) being the most commonly used in clinical practice. In August 2021, the FDA approved the use of the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder. There is still a knowledge gap in the safety profile of the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder device in comparison to the Watchman device. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the safety profile peri-procedure and post-procedure between the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder and Watchman devices. Patients who underwent LAA closure using Watchman or Amulet devices from July 2015 to August 2020 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were included in the analysis. Primary endpoints included peri-operative and post-procedural complications (thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, vascular access complications, pericardial effusion/tamponade, device positional complications and in-hospital death). The study included 37 patients (21 had Watchman devices, 16 had Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder devices, and 28 were men, mean age 76.57 ± 9.3 years). Seven patients developed post-procedural iatrogenic atrial septal defects (four in the Watchman group vs three in the Amulet group, p-value=0.982). Three patients developed pericardial effusion (one in the Watchman vs two in the Amulet group, p-value=0.394). Only one patient developed peri-device leak (one in the Watchman group vs none in the Amulet group, p-value=0.283). One device could not be deployed (one in the Amulet group vs none in the Watchman group, p-value=0.191). None of the patients developed in-hospital death, cardiac tamponade, device embolism, device thrombosis, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cranial bleeding, or arrhythmias after the procedure. The rate of peri-operative complications was similar between both groups. Both groups displayed low rates of adverse events in the peri-operative and post-operative periods. There was no significant difference in the safety profile of Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluders and Watchman devices. There was a low incidence of peri-operative and post-operative adverse events with the implanted devices.

Comparison of Glidesheath Slender and Subcutaneous Nitrate Administration in Terms of Radial Artery Complications: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience.

The transradial route is used in most coronary procedures today. Although this method seems to be advantageous in terms of bleeding complications and patient comfort, the small radial artery diameter brings with it complications such as radial artery spasm and occlusion. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that subcutaneous nitrate administration dilates the radial artery. The Glidesheath Slender, which has a thinner outer wall than conventional sheaths, is another method that has been shown to reduce complications by reducing friction on the radial artery wall. Our aim was to compare these two methods in terms of complications. We retrospectively reviewed patients with complete clinical and radial Doppler ultrasound records who had undergone transradial interventions. We compared procedures using subcutaneous nitrate application plus conventional sheaths with procedures using the Glidesheath Slender sheath in terms of procedural and post-procedural complications. Eighty-seven patients in the subcutaneous nitrate group and 35 patients in the Glidesheath Slender group were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of procedural and postprocedural complications (p = 0.511 and p = 0.333, respectively). In cases where a thin-walled sheath such as a Glidesheath Slender is not available, subcutaneous nitrate administration seems to be similar, especially in terms of preventing radial artery spasm.

Application of echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation and correlation analysis of postprocedural complications.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is gradually becoming an alternative therapy for patients who cannot adapt to surgical treatment or have contraindications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography in the evaluation of severe AR patients treated with TAVR and to analyze the correlations with postprocedural complications to improve the evaluation and screening of patients. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data of 70 patients with severe AR. Periaortic valve structures were carefully measured by esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and compared with the multilayer slice computed tomography (MSCT) findings. Real-time three-dimensional esophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) was monitored during the operation, and a 30-day postprocedural follow-up was performed. The relationship between postprocedural complications and patients' clinical data or periaortic valve structures was analyzed by multifactorial analysis to identify relevant predictors of complications. The TEE measurements of periaortic valve structures were in good agreement with the MSCT measurements. Among the patients who underwent successful operations, both left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) diameters were reduced, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved 30 days after TAVR compared with the preprocedural period (P<.05). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 15 patients. The presence of preprocedural right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.18-12.70; P=.01) was an independent factor for permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR. Echocardiography plays an extremely important role in TAVR procedures. The presence of preprocedural RBBB can be an independent predictor of postprocedural pacemaker implantation.

Clinical outcomes according to the timing of the first tracheostomy tube change

PurposeThe first tracheostomy tube replacement is a critical procedure that can cause various complications, but there are few studies on the optimal timing of tracheostomy tube replacement in adult patients. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate timing to replace the first tracheostomy tube to improve outcomes in adult patients. Materials and methodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study that included 3957 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent the first tracheostomy tube change from January 2010 to February 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality after the first tracheostomy tube change. ResultsThe all-cause mortality was statistically significantly lower in group changing the first tracheostomy tube between 7 and 9 days than in other groups (42.1%, P = 0.001). After adjustments in the multivariable analyses, early first tracheostomy tube change within 6 days was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality. The hospital stay, ICU stay, and post-procedural pulmonary complications seemed to increase as the replacement time was delayed. ConclusionsThe timing of the first tracheostomy tube change between 7 and 9 days after tracheostomy was associated with improved clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality. Further prospective investigations are needed to determine whether the optimal timing of the first tracheostomy tube change can reduce mortality.

Endovascular Repair in Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A 10-Year Single Center Experience.

Life-threatening blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) typically occurs alongside multiple other traumatic injuries. Symptoms of BTAI can range from being asymptomatic in the case of intimal tears to becoming catastrophic in the case of uncontained aortic ruptures. The aim of this research was to examine the clinical outcomesfor those who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR) in hospital settings. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using patient data that were extracted from Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the duration between January 2011 and December 2021. This study included data from all patients aged 18 and up who had been diagnosed with BTAI and had undergone TEVAR. The BTAI diagnoses were confirmed using CT scans. Logistic regression was utilized to identify predictors of patients' health status improvement and length of stay. A total of 80 patients were involved. Around 50.0% (n=40) of the patients had grade 3 thoracic aortic injuries. The median duration of stay was 14.00 days (Interquartile range 21.00). Only one patientdeveloped post-procedure complications (1.3%). Almost one-third (31.3%; n=25) of the patients required subclavian coverage. One patient developed intraoperative endoleak (1.3%). One patient developed an access site complication (1.3%). The mortality rate within 30 days of the operation was 1.3%. The vast majority of the patients (92.5%; n=74) showed improvement upon discharge from the hospital. The baseline patient characteristics and length of hospitalization had no effect on the improvement of patient status upon discharge or their length of stay (p>0.05). Patients with BTAI have shown an excellent success rate with TEVAR and a low complication rate. Predictors of procedure success and length of stay need to be identified; however, this can't be done without larger-scale investigations. This can aid in the development of preventative measures that improve clinical outcomes for the patients.

The Impact of Age, Comorbidities, and Discharge Timing on Clinical Outcomes Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background The adoption of same-day discharge (SDD) in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures offers potential benefits in terms of patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs. Despite these advantages, the safety and efficacy of SDD, especially among patients with diverse health profiles, are not fully understood. This study investigates the effects of patient-specific factors, including age, comorbidities, and discharge timing, on the clinical outcomes of elective PCI, focusing on the viability of SDD. Methods A prospective study was carried out at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, involving 220 patients undergoing elective PCI from January to June 2023. This research compared the clinical outcomes of patients discharged on the same day with those who had extended hospital stays, examining the impact of age, comorbidities, and PCI success. Main outcome measures included post-procedure complications and hospital readmissions within 30 days. Results The study enrolled participants with an average age of 62 years, the majority (88%, n=194/220) of whom had comorbidities. Interestingly, 16% (n=35/220) of the participants were discharged on the same day, while the rest stayed longer in the hospital. Notably, those in the SDDgroup experienced significantly more complications and readmissions, with 95.14% (n=33/36) compared to only 16.22% (n=30/184) in their counterparts. Factors such as age, comorbidities, success ofPCI, timing of discharge, and patient satisfaction emerged as significant predictors of the observed outcomes. Conclusion This study highlights the essential role of personalized care in discharge planning following elective PCI, advocating for a cautious approach towards SDD, especially for older patients and those with multiple health issues.

Transvenous embolization of noncavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins within the dura mater. Various treatment modalities, such as surgical ligation, endovascular intervention, and radiosurgery, aim to close the fistulous connection. Although transvenous embolization (TVE) is the preferred method for carotid-cavernous fistulas, its description and outcomes for noncavernous dAVFs vary. This has prompted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of TVE in treating noncavernous dAVFs, addressing variations in outcomes and techniques. We searched PubMed and Embase, spanning from the earliest records to December 2022, to identify pertinent English-language articles detailing the utilization of TVE. We focused on specific procedural details, outcomes, and complications in patients older than 18 years. The data collected and analyzed comprised the sample size, number of fistulas, publication specifics, presenting symptoms, fistula grades, and pooled rates of embolizations, outcomes, follow-up information, and complications. From a total of 565 screened articles, 15 retrospective articles encompassing 166 patients spanning across seven countries met the inclusion criteria. Their Newcastle-Ottawa scores ranged from 6 to 8. Intraprocedural complication rate was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.9-17.1) and in-hospital postprocedural complication rate was 5.4% (95% CI = 2.8-10.6). Prevalence of in-hospital mortality was 5.5% (95% CI = 2.9-10.6). Complication rate during follow-up was 8.6% (95% CI = 4.7-15.7) with fistula rupture occurring in 5.5% (95% CI = 2.6-11.6) of patients. Complete obliteration rate at final angiographic follow-up was 94.9% (95% CI = 90.3-99.9). Symptoms improved in 95% (95% CI = 89.8-100) of patients at final follow-up. To our knowledge, we present the first meta-analysis assessing obliteration rates, outcomes, and complications of TVE for dAVFs. Our analysis highlights the higher (>90%) complete obliteration rates. Large prospective multicenter studies are needed to better define the utility of TVE for noncavernous dAVFs.

Complications of left bundle branch area pacing compared with biventricular pacing in candidates for resynchronization therapy: Results of a propensity score–matched analysis from a multicenter registry

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing (BVP) is a well-established therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, heart failure, and left bundle branch block. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been shown to be a feasible and effective alternative to BVP. Comparative data on the risk of complications between LBBAP and BVP among patients undergoing CRT are lacking. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the long-term risk of procedure-related complications between LBBAP and BVP in a cohort of patients undergoing CRT. MethodsThis prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled 668 consecutive patients (mean age 71.2 ± 10.0 years; 52.2% male; 59.4% with New York Heart Association class III-IV heart failure symptoms) with left ventricular ejection fraction 33.4% ± 4.3% who underwent BVP (n = 561) or LBBAP (n = 107) for a class I or II indication for CRT. Propensity score matching for baseline characteristics yielded 93 matched pairs. The rate and nature of intraprocedural and long-term post-procedural complications occurring during follow-up were prospectively collected and compared between the 2 groups. ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 18 months, procedure-related complications were observed in 16 patients: 12 in BVP (12.9%) and 4 in LBBAP (4.3%) (P = .036). Compared with patients who underwent LBBAP, those who underwent BVP showed a lower complication-free survival (P = .032). In multivariate analysis, BVP resulted an independent predictive factor associated with a higher risk of complications (hazard ratio 3.234; P = .042). Complications related to the coronary sinus lead were most frequently observed in patients who underwent BVP (50.0% of all complications). ConclusionLBBAP was associated with a lower long-term risk of device-related complications compared with BVP in patients with an indication for CRT.

NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy.

Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions. A systematic search of published randomized controlled clinical trials, open labelled studies, case reports and guidelines from electronic databases, like PubMed, EmBase and Cochrane, was performed. The modified grade system was used (1, 2, 3 or usual practice point) to classify the quality of available evidence. Then, a multitude of factors were taken into account, such as volume of evidence, applicability and practicality for implementation to the target population and then strength of recommendation was finalized. MT helps to improve diagnosis and patient management, with reduced risk of post procedure complications. Trainees should perform at least 20 medical thoracoscopy procedures. The diagnostic yield of both rigid and semirigid techniques is comparable. Sterile-graded talc is the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis. The consensus statement will help pulmonologists to adopt best evidence-based practices during MT for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas in FCD type II: Application of MRg-LiTT after a SEEG re-evaluation in pediatric patients with a previous failed surgery

ObjectiveNegative MRI and an epileptogenic zone (EZ) adjacent to eloquent areas are two main issues that can be encountered during pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Focal Cortical Dysplasia type II (FCD type II) is the most common aetiology underlying a negative MRI.The objective of this study is to present three cases of pediatric patients exhibiting negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas, who previously underwent traditional open surgery or SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulations (RF-TC). After seizure seizure recrudescence, pre-surgical SEEG was re-evaluated and Magnetic Resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LiTT) was performed.We discuss the SEEG patterns, the planning of laser probes trajectories and the outcomes one year after the procedure. MethodsPediatric patients who underwent SEEG followed by MRg-LiTT for drug-resistant epilepsy associated with FCD type II at our Centre were included. Pre-surgical videoEEG (vEEG), stereoEEG (sEEG), and MRI were reviewed. Post-procedure clinical outcome (measured by Engel score) and complications rates were evaluated. ResultsThree patients underwent 3 MRg-LiTT procedures from January 2022 to June 2022. Epileptogenic zone was previously studied via SEEG in all the patients. All the three patients pre-surgical MRI was deemed negative. Mean age at seizure onset was 47 months (21–96 months), mean age at MRg-LiTT was 12 years (10 years 10 months – 12 years 9 months). Engel class Ia outcome was achieved in patients #2 and #3, Engel class Ib in patient #1. Mean follow-up length was of 17 months (13 months – 20 months). Complications occurred in one patient (patient #2, extradural hematoma). ConclusionsThe combined use of SEEG and MRg-LiTT in complex cases can lead to good outcomes both as a rescue therapy after failed surgery, but also as an alternative to open surgery after a successful SEEG-guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation (RF-TC). Specific SEEG patterns and a previous good outcome from RF-TC can be predictors of a favourable outcome.

Post-ligation cardiac syndrome after surgical versus transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in low body weight premature infants: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is a safe and effective alternative to surgical ligation in low-body-weight infants. Post-ligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS) is defined as severe hemodynamic and respiratory collapse within 24h of PDA closure, requiring initiation or an increase of an inotropic agent by > 20% of preligation dosing and an absolute increase of at least 20% in ventilation parameters compared with the preoperative value. Whilst PLCS is routinely observed after surgery, its incidence remains poorly described following transcatheter closure. This study aimed to compare the incidence of PLCS after surgical versus transcatheter closure of PDA in low-body-weight premature infants. Propensity scores were used to compare surgical (N = 78) and transcatheter (N = 76) groups of preterm infants who underwent PDA closure at a procedural weight less than 2000g in two tertiary institutions between 2009 and 2021. The primary outcome was the incidence of PLCS. Secondary outcomes included overall mortality before discharge, risk factors for PLCS, and post-procedural complications. Procedural success was 100% in both groups. After matching, transcatheter group experienced no PLCS vs 15% in the surgical group (p = 0.012). Furthermore, overall mortality (2% vs 17%; p = 0.03) and major complications (2% vs 23%; p = 0.002) were higher in the surgical group. Surgery (100% vs 47%; p < 0.01), gestation age (25 ± 1 vs 26 ± 2weeks, p < 0.05) and inotropic support before closure (90% vs 29%; p < 0.001) were associated with PLCS occurrence. Conclusion: Transcatheter PDA closure may be equally effective but safer than surgical PDA closure in low-body-weight premature infants. What is Known: • Post-ligation cardiac syndrome is a serious and common complication of surgical closure of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. • Transcatheter closure of preterm ductus arteriosus is a safe and effective technique that is becoming more and more common worldwide. What is New: • Device closure is safer than surgical ligation for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants and may be the first-line non-pharmacological therapeutic option in this indication in experienced teams. • Our findings should encourage neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists to start and/or strengthen a durable interventional program for transcatheter PDA closure in premature infants.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Drug Eluting Stents for Safety and Efficacy in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease.

Advancements in arterial stenting technology have challenged prior notions favoring medical management for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Where previous conclusions were drawn from bare metal stent (BMS) technology, recent studies suggest drug-eluting stents (DES) are favorable due to their anti-proliferative effect, which reduces vascular remodeling. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature prior to August 2023 reviewing all reports of ICAD treated with DES. Our target outcomes were incidence of any stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or death within 30 days (postprocedural complications), ischemic stroke in the territory of the qualifying artery beyond 30 days (long-term complications), radiographically detected in-stent restenosis rate (ISR), and symptomatic ISR during follow-up. A subgroup analysis further stratified preprocedural mean stenosis above and below 70% into severe and moderate cohorts, respectively. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and EMBASE query identified 527 candidate articles, from which 14 studies met inclusion criteria for a total of 607 patients and 640 ICAD lesions. Incidence of postprocedural complications was 7.3% (95% CI 3.9-11.7%) with subgroup analysis demonstrating significantly higher incidence in the severely stenotic group [9.0% (95% CI 4.7-14.5%)] than the moderately stenotic group [3.0% (95% CI 0.7-6.8%)]. Long-term complications were 1.2% (95% CI 0.4-2.3%). Radiographic ISR was 3.5% (95% CI 1.4-6.3%) and symptomatic ISR was 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.5%). Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that DES can effectively reduce the risk of ISR and may be a viable treatment modality to reduce long-term complications in refractory ICAD patients.