Closure Procedure Research Articles

Percutaneous closure of postoperative residual ventricular septal defects, including dehiscence of surgical patches.

Percutaneous closure of residual ventricular septal defects (VSDs) after congenital heart surgery may provide a safer and more efficient alternative to redo surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of transcatheter closure of residual postoperative VSD. This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at the tertiary care institutions of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from March 2012 to March 2022. All patients who underwent transcatheter closure of postoperative residual VSD were included. As catheter closure of VSD related to surgical patches is challenging, patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised patients with VSD related to the surgical patches, while Group 2 included residual muscular VSD. Various occluders and approaches were utilized based on the patient's weight and the VSD type, size, and proximity to the cardiac valves. Demographic, echocardiographic, catheterization, and outcome data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Thirty-three patients underwent 37 VSD catheter closure procedures. Twenty-two procedures were done to close residual VSD related to the surgical patch, while fifteen were done for additional muscular VSD. The median age of the patients was 3.3 years, and the interquartile range (IQR) ranged between 9 months and 7 years. The median weight was 13.1 kilograms, with an IQR of 5.1 to 16.8 kilograms. The median pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (QP/QS) was 1.6 with an IQR of 1.5 to 2.44; the median systolic pulmonary pressure was 46 mmHg with an IQR of 32 to 54 mmHg. The median procedure duration was 120 minutes, with an IQR of 90 to 160 minutes. Patients in Group 1 were older and had a lower mean pulmonary pressure than Group 2 (P=0.02, P=0.007, respectively). Of the 37 procedures, 35 (94.6%) were done successfully, while two patients had redo surgery due to failed procedures (one had device embolization). Ten successful catheterizations were performed for infants weighing ≤5 kilograms. The functional heart failure class improved significantly after the closure of the residual VSD. There were three documented mortalities, none related to the procedure. No significant difference between patient groups regarding hospital stay or survival (P=0.660, P=0.791, respectively). After congenital heart surgery, transcatheter closure of residual VSD may be a safe and effective alternative to surgical closure. It can be applied to various residual VSD using a variety of occluders with satisfactory results. Moreover, using specific approaches can close residual VSD, even in small infants.

Percutaneous paravalvular leak closure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the international PLUGinTAVI Registry.

Data regarding the safety and long-term effectiveness of percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. This study aims to present alarge multicentre international experience of percutaneous post-TAVI PVL closure. All patients who underwent percutaneous post-TAVI PVL closure in 14 hospitals across Europe and North America between January 2018 and October 2022 were included. Overall, 45 patients (64% male) were enrolled. The median age was 80 years (75-84). Among them, 67% and 33% had self-expanding and balloon-expandable valve implantations, respectively. Baseline post-TAVI PVL was severe in 67% of cases and moderate in the rest. The time from index TAVI to PVL closure procedure was 16.1 (8.7-34.8) months. Most patients were in NYHA Class III and IV (73%) before the procedure, and 40% had referred hospitalisations for heart failure between TAVI and the PVL closure procedure. Successful PVL closure was achieved in 94%, reducing regurgitation to ≤mild in 91% and moderate in the rest. The Amplatzer Valvular Plug III was the most frequently used device (27 cases), followed by the Amplatzer Valvular Plug 4. The incidence of severe adverse events was 11%. None of the patients died during the index hospitalisation. During long-term follow-up (21.7±16.2 months), the all-cause mortality rate was 14%, and patients presented improvement in functional status and asignificant reduction in the rate of hospitalisation for heart failure (from 40% to 6%). Percutaneous PVL closure is afeasible and safe option for treating post-TAVI leaks. Successful PVL reduction to mild or less could be associated with acute and long-lasting improvements in clinical outcomes.

Variations in Payer-Negotiated Prices for Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery.

Little is known about pricing for reconstructive procedures of the head and neck. As of January 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires hospitals to disclose payer-negotiated prices for services, offering new insight into prices for privately insured patients. Cross-sectional analysis. Turquoise database. Payer-negotiated facility fees for 41 reconstructive surgeries were grouped by procedure type: primary closure, skin grafts, tissue rearrangement, locoregional flaps, or free flaps. Prices were normalized to account for local labor costs, then calculated as percent markup in excess of Medicare reimbursement. The mean percent markup between procedure groups was compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Subset analyses were performed to compare mean percent markup using a Student's ttest. We also assessed price variation by calculating the ratio of 90th/10thpercentile mean prices both across and within hospitals. In total, 1324 hospitals (85% urban, 81% nonprofit, 49% teaching) were included. Median payer-negotiated fees showed an increasing trend with more complex procedures, ranging from $379.54 (interquartile range [IQR], $230.87-$656.96) for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 12001 ("simple repair of superficial wounds ≤2.5 cm")to $5422.60 ($3983.55-$8169.41) for CPT code 20969 ("free osteocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis"). Median percent markup was highest for primary closure procedures (576.17% [IQR, 326.28%-1089.34%]) and lowest for free flaps (99.56% [37.86%-194.02%]). Higher mean percent markups were observed for rural, for-profit, non-Northeast, nonteaching, and smaller hospitals. Wide variation in private payer-negotiated facility fees exists for head/neck reconstruction surgeries. Further research is necessary to better understand how pricing variation may correlate with out-of-pocket costs and quality of care.

Wise Pattern versus Transverse Pattern Mastectomy in Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

The Wise pattern adapted to mastectomy incisions has become a valuable asset for breast reconstruction in patients with large and ptotic breasts. The authors compared the time for exchange, time to initiate postmastectomy radiotherapy, and complication rates between Wise pattern and transverse incision pattern reconstructions. Records of patients who underwent immediate, two-stage, implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) between January of 2011 and December of 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Two cohorts were compared according to the incision pattern: Wise pattern versus transverse incision pattern. Complications were compared after propensity score matching. The authors initially analyzed 393 two-stage immediate IBBRs in 239 patients [91 IBBRs (23.2%) in the Wise pattern group and 302 (76.8%) in the transverse pattern group]. Expansion time (53 days versus 50 days, P = 0.9), time for tissue expander-to-implant exchange (154 versus 175 days, P = 0.547), and time to initiate postmastectomy radiotherapy (144 days versus 126 days, P = 0.616) were not different between groups. Before propensity score matching, the 30-day rate of wound-related complications (32% versus 10%, P < 0.001) and the 30-day rate of wound complications requiring excision/débridement and closure procedures (20% versus 7%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the Wise pattern group. After propensity score matching, the 30-day rate of wound complications was persistently higher (25% versus 10%, P = 0.03) in the Wise pattern group. The Wise pattern mastectomy independently increases the incidence of wound-related complications versus only transverse patterns during two-stage IBBR, even after propensity score matching. Delayed tissue expander placement may improve the safety profile of this procedure. Therapeutic, III.

C18 A FISTULA BETWEEN LVOT AND LEFT ATRIUM: AN UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Abstract History of presentation A 76–year–old woman presented to our EchoLab for worsening exertional dyspnea. Few weeks prior the patient underwent cardiological examination that showed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with bilateral pleuric effusion, severe mitralic regurgitation (MR), moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of 50 mmHg and a mildly increased mean gradient on bioprothesic aortic valve (26 mmHg). Past medical history The patient had a medical history significant for arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, permanent atrial fibrillation and HCV–related liver disease. She received double surgical aortic valve replacement in 2015 and 2019, the second procedure was complicated by intraoperatory stretching of mitral anterior leaflet and atrioventricular block treated with implantation of bicameral PMK. In the following weeks, the patient was admitted to hospital for exposure of the PMK generator pocket associated to catether cultures positivity for S. Aureus oxacilline–resistant, thus undergoing to device removal and positioning of a new PMK. Investigations The cardio–thoracic auscultation revealed a bilateral basal reduction of vesicular breath sounds, an apical sweet systolic murmur (suggestive of MR) and a systolic small aortic murmur best heard at the second intercostal space. The transthoracic echocardiography showed a blood flow apparently originating from interatrial septum heading towards the free left atrial wall. The Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) with bubble test ruled out any interatrial communication. The 3D TEE acquisitions clarified that the shunt arose from the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), thus allowing the diagnosis of fistula between the LVOT and the left atrium. Follow–up and conclusions The patient underwent a procedure of percutaneous closure of the fistula. One month after this intervention, the patient presented to our department for the cardiological follow–up. We noticed that the closure had been successful with no left residual shunts and a reduction of the transprothesic mean aortic gradient (18 mmHg). This case report highlights the importance of the 3D echocardiography in order to settle uncertain diagnostics whereas the 2D echocardiography alone is not sufficient. Nevertheless, the diagnostic challenge that remains open is to understand whether the etiology of the fistula is iatrogenic or post–infectious.

Enhanced Thromboresistance and Endothelialization of a Novel Fluoropolymer-Coated Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

BackgroundDevice-related thrombus (DRT) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures is a rare but potentially serious event. Thrombogenicity and delayed endothelialization play a role in the development of DRT. Fluorinated polymers are known to have thromboresistant properties that may favorably modulate the healing response to an LAAC device. ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to compare the thrombogenicity and endothelial coverage (EC) after LAAC between the conventional uncoated WATCHMAN FLX (WM) and a novel fluoropolymer-coated WATCHMAN FLX (FP-WM). MethodsCanines were randomized for implantation with WM or FP-WM devices and given no postimplant antithrombotic/antiplatelet agents. The presence of DRT was monitored by using transesophageal echocardiography and verified histologically. The biochemical mechanisms associated with coating were assessed by using flow loop experiments to quantify albumin adsorption, platelet adhesion, and porcine implants to quantify EC and the expression of markers of endothelial maturation (ie, vascular endothelial-cadherin/p120-catenin). ResultsCanines implanted with FP-WM exhibited significantly less DRT at 45 days than those implanted with WM (0% vs 50%; P < 0.05). In vitro experiments showed significantly greater albumin adsorption (52.8 [IQR: 41.0-58.3] mm2 vs 20.6 [IQR: 17.2-26.6] mm2; P = 0.03) and significantly less platelet adhesion (44.7% [IQR: 27.2%-60.2%] vs 60.9% [IQR: 39.9%-70.1%]; P < 0.01) on FP-WM. Porcine implants showed significantly greater EC by scanning electron microscopy (87.7% [IQR: 83.4%-92.3%] vs 68.2% [IQR: 47.6%-72.8%]; P = 0.03), and higher vascular endothelial-cadherin/p120-catenin expression after 3 months on FP-WM compared with WM. ConclusionsThe FP-WM device showed significantly less thrombus and reduced inflammation in a challenging canine model. Mechanistic studies indicated that the fluoropolymer-coated device binds more albumin, leading to reduced platelet binding, less inflammation, and greater EC.

ROLE OF INTRAOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN GUIDING THE DECISION FOR PRIMARY COMMON BILE DUCT CLOSURE

Intraoperative Ultrasonogram (IOUS) has been an valuable adjunct in deciding whether primary cbd closure is feasible or not. The use of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has become increasingly popular in primary central bile duct (CBD) closure procedures. IOUS offers real-time imaging that allows surgeons to precisely identify the anatomy of the CBD, detect any abnormalities or stones, and confirm the success of the closure procedure. IOUS is particularly useful in cases where there is uncertainty about the location or extent of bile duct injury, or when there is a high risk of bile duct injury during the closure procedure or when there is doubt in retained CBD calculus. This abstract brings out series of patients that we have operated at our institution and followed up for a period of 1year from march 2022 to march 2023

Microtransesophageal echocardiographic guidance of patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure

The important growth in the number of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedures requires to find alternatives to conventional guidance by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with general anesthesia (GA). The micro-TEE monitoring, with local anesthesia, could allow a reliable guidance with a reduced procedural length, without the need for GA. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PFO closure guided by micro-TEE compared to conventional TEE under GA. This retrospective single-center observational study included all consecutive patients admitted to the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, from January 2019 to June 2021 for PFO closure. The type of guidance was based on PFO's morphological characteristics and patient's choice. The primary endpoint was the successful implantation of at least one prosthesis without significant residual shunting (≤ grade 1). Key secondary endpoints were the procedure duration and periprocedural complications. A total of 237 patients (44% of female, mean age: 50 ± 14 years) were included, with TEE and micro-TEE guidance in 174 (73%) and 63 (27%) cases, respectively. Smaller devices (i.e. Amplatzer PFO occluder™ 18/25 or Occlutech Figulla Flex II 23/25™) were more frequently implanted among patients with micro-TEE compared to TEE guidance, with 59% vs. 44% respectively (P = 0.04). Overall, there was no case of procedural failure and the primary endpoint was obtained in 158 (91%) and 60 (95%) patients with TEE and micro-TEE guidance, respectively (P = 0.27). Procedural duration was shorter with micro-TEE guidance [median time 8 (7–11)min versus 21 (16–27)min, P = 0.01]. The rate of periprocedural complications was low (1.3% overall) and limited to periprocedural atrial arrythmia, without significant differences in both groups (P > 0.99). Micro-TEE guidance may result in safe and shorter PFO percutaneous closure compared to TEE guidance with GA. These results must be confirmed on larger cohorts. TEE and micro-TEE durations (Fig. 1).

OC-006 INTRAOPERATIVE FASCIA TRACTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF LARGE ABDOMINAL WALL/INCISIONAL HERNIAS (W3, EHS)

Abstract Aim To evaluate the effectiveness, clinical practicability, and complication rate of the fascial traction procedure for the treatment of large ventral hernias. Method This observational study evaluated 90 patients from 1 specialised center with an intraoperatively measured fascial distance of more than 10 cm who were treated by Intraoperative Fascia Traction – IFT- (abdominal wall stretching) using the fasciotens® hernia traction procedure. Results Fascial gap measured pre-operatively ranged from 10 to 44 cm, with most patients (94%) having a fascial above 15 cm (W3 according to the European Hernia Society classification). The mean fascial distance was reduced from 16.1 ± 0.8 to 5.8 ± 0.7 cm (stretch gain 10.2 ± 0.7 cm, p &amp;lt; 0.0001, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test). A reduction in fascial distance of at minimum 50% was achieved in three quarters of the patients, and in half of the treated patients the reduction in fascial distance amounted to even more than 70% The closure rate achieved by fascial traction after a mean surgical duration of 207.3 ± 11.0 minutes was 90% (81/90). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (8%). Re-operation was required in 4 patients (4.5%). Conclusion This described intraoperative fascia traction (IFT) method is a new, promising procedure for abdominal wall closure in large ventral hernias. The presented results demonstrate a high effectiveness, a good clinical practicability and a low complication rate of the Intraoperative fascia traction (IFT) method.

P-015 PREVENTION OF INCISIONAL HERNIA WITH ONLAY MESH IN LOOP ILEOSTOMY CLOSURE

Abstract Aim The primary aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of the placement of an onlay mesh for prevention of incisional hernia after loop ileostomy closure Material &amp; Methods This is a multicentric, prospective, randomized controlled trial including patients operated on for loop ileostomy closure after a prior rectal resection for rectal cancer. In the control group (C), after the digestive tract is reconstructed, the closure of the abdominal wall is performed by a 4:1 ratio running suture of polydioxanone. Patients in the study group (M) had the same closure procedure performed, and a light polypropilene mesh is placed onlay. The presence of incisional hernia was evaluated by physical examination at scheduled clinical visits and radiologically by an abdominal CT scan performed at the end of follow-up (6 month after surgery) Results 58 patients were included (27 in control group and 31 in mesh group) . Both groups had similar characteristics, except for a higher rate of smokers in the control group (48% vs 6%). During the follow-up, 5% of patients developed an incisional hernia (Group M 0 vs Group C 11%). At 30 days of follow-up 5 (16%) surgical site occurrences were detected in Group M for 4 (15%) in Group C. Conclusions A low incidence of IH after ileostomy closure is detected. All the IH were presented in the control group with no stadistically significant differences between groups. Larger trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the results.

Double Device Approach for Percutaneous Closure of Postmyocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect

The benefit related to the use of preprocedural computed tomography angiography (CCTA) on top of periprocedural echocardiography to plan percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures is still unclear.The authors sought to evaluate the impact of preprocedural CCTA on LAAC procedural success.In the investigator-initiated SWISS-APERO (Comparison of Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman Device in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure) trial, patients undergoing echocardiography-guided LAAC were randomly assigned to receive the Amulet (Abbott) or Watchman 2.5/FLX (Boston Scientific) device across 8 European centers. According to the study protocol ongoing at the time of the procedure, the first operators had (CCTA unblinded group) or did not have (CCTA blinded group) access to preprocedural CCTA images. In this post hoc analysis, we compared blinded vs unblinded procedures in terms of procedural success defined as complete left atrial appendage occlusion as evaluated at the end of LAAC (short-term) or at the 45-day follow-up (long-term) without procedural-related complications.Among 219 LAACs preceded by CCTA, 92 (42.1%) and 127 (57.9%) were assigned to the CCTA unblinded and blinded group, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, operator unblinding to preprocedural CCTA remained associated with a higher rate of short-term procedural success (93.5% vs 81.1%; P = 0.009; adjusted OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.05-7.29; P = 0.040) and long-term procedural success (83.7% vs 72.4%; P = 0.050; adjusted OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.03-4.35; P = 0.041).In a prospective multicenter cohort of clinically indicated echocardiography-guided LAACs, unblinding of the first operators to preprocedural CCTA images was independently associated with a higher rate of both short- and long-term procedural success. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the impact of preprocedural CCTA on clinical outcomes.

Impact of Preprocedural Computed Tomography on Left Atrial Appendage Closure Success: A Swiss-Apero Trial Subanalysis

BackgroundThe benefit related to the use of preprocedural computed tomography angiography (CCTA) on top of periprocedural echocardiography to plan percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures is still unclear. ObjectivesThe authors sought to evaluate the impact of preprocedural CCTA on LAAC procedural success. MethodsIn the investigator-initiated SWISS-APERO (Comparison of Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman Device in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure) trial, patients undergoing echocardiography-guided LAAC were randomly assigned to receive the Amulet (Abbott) or Watchman 2.5/FLX (Boston Scientific) device across 8 European centers. According to the study protocol ongoing at the time of the procedure, the first operators had (CCTA unblinded group) or did not have (CCTA blinded group) access to preprocedural CCTA images. In this post hoc analysis, we compared blinded vs unblinded procedures in terms of procedural success defined as complete left atrial appendage occlusion as evaluated at the end of LAAC (short-term) or at the 45-day follow-up (long-term) without procedural-related complications. ResultsAmong 219 LAACs preceded by CCTA, 92 (42.1%) and 127 (57.9%) were assigned to the CCTA unblinded and blinded group, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, operator unblinding to preprocedural CCTA remained associated with a higher rate of short-term procedural success (93.5% vs 81.1%; P = 0.009; adjusted OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.05-7.29; P = 0.040) and long-term procedural success (83.7% vs 72.4%; P = 0.050; adjusted OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.03-4.35; P = 0.041). ConclusionsIn a prospective multicenter cohort of clinically indicated echocardiography-guided LAACs, unblinding of the first operators to preprocedural CCTA images was independently associated with a higher rate of both short- and long-term procedural success. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the impact of preprocedural CCTA on clinical outcomes.

The efficacy of preoperative intravenous acetaminophen for laparoscopic extraperitoneal closure in children with inguinal hernia for The enhanced recovery after surgery: A prospective randomized study

PurposeA postoperative pain management strategy for the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol has recently become more important in pediatric surgery and growing attention is being paid to perioperative use of intravenous acetaminophen (IV-A). In laparoscopic extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) procedure, postoperative pain is still occurring and optimal analgesia remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative IV-A (pIV-A) for postoperative analgesia after LPEC in children. MethodsAfter approval of the ethics committee of our hospital (#2,018,131), 40 consecutive pediatric patients with unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized into two group (20 each) and received LPEC procedure with pIV-A (group-A) and without (group-C). The pain scale score (PSS), the frequency of the postoperative acetaminophen bolus use (FPAB) and school start day (SSD) were assessed. ResultsThe PSS and the FPAB are significantly lower in group-A compared to group-C on POD0 and POD1, indicating a significant reduction in pain in group-A at an early stage after the operation. In addition, SSD after LPEC operation was shorter in group-A compared to group-C. ConclusionOur results suggest that pIV-A for postoperative analgesia after LPEC in children is safe and useful for the ERAS.

Closure of transcatheter ventricular septal defect using LifetechTM Konar-MF Occluder in children weighing less than 10 kilograms: mid-term results, a tertiary single center experience.

Transcatheter closure of medium and large ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in young children is limited due to the use of over-sized devices that can cause hemodynamic instability and arrhythmia. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the device in the mid-term in children weighing less than 10 kg whose transcatheter VSD was closed only with the Konar-MFO device. Among 70 children whose transcatheter VSD was closed between January 2018 and January 2023, 23 patients weighing less than 10 kg were included in the study. Retrospectively, the medical records of all patients were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 7.3 (4.5-26) months. 17 of the patients were females, 6 of them were males, F/M: 2.83. The average weight was 6.1 (3.7-9.9) kg. The mean the pulmonary blood flow/ systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs) was 3.3 (1.7-5.5). The mean defect diameter was 7.8 mm (5.7-11) for the left ventricle (LV) side, and 5.7 mm (3-9.3) for the right ventricle (RV) side. Based on the utilized device dimensions, the measurements on the LV side were recorded as 8.6 mm (range 6-12), while those on the RV side were recorded as 6.6 mm (range 4-10). Antegrade technique was applied to 15 (65.2%) patients and retrograde technique was applied to 8 (34.8%) patients in the closure procedure. The procedure success rate was 100%. The incidence of death, device embolization, hemolysis, or infective endocarditis was zero. Perimembranous and muscular VSDs in children under 10 kg can be successfully closed under the management of an experienced operator with the Lifetech Konar-MFO device. This is the first study in the literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the device in children under 10 kg in whom only Konar-MFO VSD occluder device is used for transcatheter VSD closure.

Stapleless thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital pulmonary airway malformation: a simple technique in thoracoscopic surgery.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a developmental malformation that affects the lung parenchyma, especially terminal respiratory bronchioles. This paper reports a case of an infant diagnosed with CPAM who underwent stapleless thoracoscopic lobectomy using Hem-o-Lok clips®. Computed tomography showed cystic pulmonary lesions in the left lower lobe. Thoracoscopic lobectomy was performed at the age of 1year and 3months. During surgery, the hilar vasculature was treated using either Hem-o-Lok® clips or a LigaSure vessel sealing system. The lower lobe bronchus was divided using double Hem-o-Lok® clips proximally. The surgery was successfully completed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and there were no complications. This technique can be easily performed as a thoracoscopic lobectomy with the potential benefits of safe and effective procedures for bronchus closure and vascular sealing in the small working space of pediatric patients.

PO-01-083 PERCUTANEOUS CLOSURE OF PERI-DEVICE LEAK FOLLOWING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE USING AN AMPLATZER DUCT OCCLUDER

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been recognised as an alternative therapy for stroke prevention in selected patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who have difficulties with long-term oral anticoagulation. Peri-device leaks (PDLs) are frequently diagnosed after LAA closure procedures, regardless of closure methods. PDL > 5mm is related with further embolic events. Nevertheless, management of severe PDL has been a challenging concern which requires multiple teams involved. To report our single centre experiences of percutaneous closure of sever PDL using an Amplatzer closure device. Patients with PDL >5mm after the LAA closure at our centre were reviewed for secondary percutaneous closure. In a case-specific approach, an Amplatzer occluder was implanted under TEE and fluoroscopic guidance depending on the morphology of the defect. Patients' characteristics, procedural details and clinical outcomes was collected and analysed. Three patients (average age 67 ± 9 years old, 2 female) with severe PDL using either Watchman device (n=1) or Lariet device (n=2) were studied. The CHADs2VASC2 score was 4 ± 2, with HASBLED score of 4 ± 1. They all have multilobed LAA morphology (bi-lobar in 2 patients) and one patient suffered TIA in 6 weeks post LAA closure. PDLs with a neck size of 8.3 ± 2.9 mm (range 5-10 mm) were demonstrated on transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) and left atrium computed tomography. The percutaneous closure of PDLs were underwent at 10 ± 2 months after their LAA closure under general anaesthesia and TOE guidance. Three Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) with an average size of 6.3 ± 0.2 mm were delivered to close the leaks successfully (Please see example cases in Figure 1). No peri-device residual flow was identified on TOE and LAA angiography after the secondary closure. No procedural complication occurred. There was no residual leak or peri-device thrombus formation on follow-up TOE in 60 days and anticoagulation was then stopped after the TOE confirmation. No further thromboembolic event was reported during an average follow-up of 9 ± 5months. Percutaneous closure of PDL using a tailored approach using ADO II device represents a safe, and feasible management associated with favourable clinical outcomes.

Large Sternoabdominal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery: Challenging Multimodal Treatment

The authors report the case of a patient who presented with a nonhealing sternal wound 3 months after cardiac bypass surgery. The patient was treated with vacuum-assisted closure, surgical debridement, and IV antibiotics. Despite repeated flap closure procedures, a top closure device, and wound dressings, the patient developed an infection, and the wound size increased from 8 × 10 cm to 20 × 20 cm, advancing from the sternal to upper abdominal region. This wound was then treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and nonmedicated dressings until the patient was eligible to receive a split-thickness skin graft 1.5 years after initial presentation. The main takeaway from this case was that local and systemic factors affected the outcome of each surgical closure. The failure of each preceding treatment choice that led to further increases in size and area of the wound was the main challenge. Eliminating infection, preventing development of new infection, and managing the local and systemic factors before any definite surgery are key to the eventual wound closure.

Wandering Bundles With Sinus Arrhythmia

A 3-year-old boy with congenital ventricular septal defect underwent a closure procedure. Telemetry after the procedure reveals sinus arrhythmia with varying types of bundle branch blocks. Inverse decremental conduction in left posterior fascicle, related to preceding RP interval during sinus arrhythmia, underlies changes between right and left bundle branch blocks. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Residual leak following left atrial appendage occlusion with lariat closed with amplatzer PFO occluder device.

Leaks from incomplete ligation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) following closure with Lariat device are not uncommon and associated with higher stroke rate. This clinical vignette highlights a procedure of closure of residual leak following closure with Lariat device. There was a persistent central leak of 3-4 mm with bidirectional flow, confirmed on TEE. The Amplatzer Talisman PFO Occluder was chosen for the closure of the leak because of its asymmetric discs with a smaller distal disc and expandable waist. In situations where the options are limited for PDL closure, such as the one described in this vignette, it is paramount to continue to find innovative solutions to emerging challenges in transcatheter interventions.

NT-proBNP levels as a predictor of higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect

The decision to close small ventricular septal defect is still controversial. Previous study showed that ventricular dysfunction in adulthood is correlated with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a neurohormone secreted primarily from the ventricles in response to increased left and right ventricular pressure and volume load. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure will reflect ventricular performance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the NT-proBNP in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Level of NT-proBNP in 41 patients with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect was measured before transcatheter closure procedure. We also measured the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in each patients during catheterisation. We investigated the value of NT-proBNP in patients with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect and its correlation with the level of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. We found positive correlation between NT-proBNP and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.278, p = 0.046). The median of NT-proBNP at left ventricular end-diastolic pressure < 10 was lower than at left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥ 10 (0.87 ng/ml versus 1.83 ng/ml, p = 0.023). The results of the NT-proBNP diagnostic test for predicting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥ 10 using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under the curve value of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.546-0.849). The cut-off value >0.99 ng/ml of NT-proBNP has 75.0% sensitivity and 72.2% specifity. Level of NT-proBNP higher than 0.99 ng/ml was correlated significantly with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥10 in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect.