Major Procedure-related Complications Research Articles

Pentobarbital-induced sleep upregulates the survival p-FADD/FADD ratio in mouse brain cortex

The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular treatment with bare stents alone versus stent assisted coiling in isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) aneurysms.Patients with an IMAD aneurysm who underwent endovascular stenting between February 2010 and February 2017 at one of three institutions were included in this study. Data regarding technical success, procedure time, symptom resolution, complications, changes in IMAD aneurysm, and stent patency were recorded.A total of 38 patients (35 men) were included, 27 treated with bare stents alone and 11 treated with stent assisted coiling. Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients treated with bare stents and in 81.8% of those treated with stent assisted coiling (p = 0.078). The mean procedure times were 62.6 ± 5.3 min for treatment with bare stents and 116.4 ± 8.4 min for stent assisted coiling (p < 0.001). A total of 23 patients had persistent symptoms before stenting; all symptoms were resolved within 3.0 ± 0.7 days. No procedure related major complications occurred. Over 30.2 ± 18.1 months of follow up, complete resolution of the IMAD aneurysm was achieved in all patients; good stent patency and in stent re-stenosis were achieved in 65.8% and 34.2% patients, respectively. There were no occlusions of the stented arteries.Bare stents alone and stent assisted coiling have high technical success rates and demonstrate good intermediate patency in patients with an IMAD aneurysm. Bare stents alone may serve as an alternative to stent assisted coiling for the management of IMAD aneurysm

Recent fluorescence-based optical imaging for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy.

The importance of fluorescence-based optical imaging in various fields of surgery is increasing. This is a prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of indocyanine-green fluorescence (ICGF)-based navigation for near-infrared (NIR) thoracoscopic segmentectomy. ICGF-based video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy was performed in 149 patients. Each patient underwent preoperative evaluation by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), which provided three-dimensional simulations of vascular structures, segmental bronchi, and lung tumor. During the procedure, low-dose ICG (0.25 mg/kg) was injected systemically after the target segmental pulmonary arteries and bronchus were divided. Under NIR-thoracoscopic guidance, an ICG fluorescent line was marked by electric scalpel, followed by division of lung parenchyma along the line by electric scalpel or endoscopic staples. An intersegmental line of ICGF was visible in 98% of patients, even with the use of low-dose ICG. Neither ICG-related adverse events nor procedure-related major complications occurred. The 5-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 91.8% and 98%, respectively. Localized recurrence at the resected site did not occur in any patient. ICGF-based navigation for NIR VATS segmentectomy for patients with lung cancer is feasible and effective.

Efficacy and safety of transvenous lead extraction in 108 consecutive patients: a single-centre experience.

The number of cardiac implantable electronic devices is growing worldwide because they play a relevant role in improving the survival rate in patients with specific heart diseases. Cardiac implantable electronic devices complications including infection, dysfunction or venous stenosis increase the need for the least traumatic way to explant leads. Our goal was to report the successes and procedural complication rates of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in a consecutive series of patients. From 2010 to 2016, 108 patients underwent TLE of 227 leads due to endocarditis (n = 21; 19%), pocket infection (n = 58; 54%) or lead dysfunction (n = 29; 27%). In 98% (n = 106) of the patients, laser-assisted lead extraction was performed. In 2% (n = 2) of the patients, the application of a solitary locking stylet was sufficient. The patient mean age was 68 ± 14 years; 25% of the patients had previous cardiac surgery. TLE was performed a mean of 9 ± 6 years after the implantation of the existing device. Complete procedural success (removal of all lead material from the vascular space) was achieved in 98.7% (n = 224), and clinical success (achievement of all clinical goals associated with the indication for lead removal and absence of major complications) was achieved in 98% (n = 106). In 2 patients the procedure failed due to a vascular tear requiring a thoracotomy. In 1 patient, complete lead extraction was not possible due to heavy calcification (coronary-sinus lead). The 30-day mortality rate was 3.7% (n = 4); the patients died of multiorgan failure (n = 1), cardiac failure (n = 1) and septicaemia (n = 2). The procedure-related major complication rate was 2% (n = 2). Laser-assisted TLE seems to be a safe and effective procedure with an acceptable complication rate.

Major cardiac and vascular complications after transvenous lead extraction: acute outcome and predictive factors from the ESC-EHRA ELECTRa (European Lead Extraction ConTRolled) registry.

We aimed at describing outcomes and predictors of cardiac avulsion or tear (CA/T) with tamponade and vascular avulsion or tear (VA/T) after transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in the ESC-EHRA European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) registry. A total of 3555 consecutive patients of whom 3510 underwent TLE at 73 centres in 19 European countries were enrolled. Among 58 patients (1.7%) with procedure-related major complications, 49 (84.5%) patients (30 CA/T and 19 VA/T) presented cardiovascular complications requiring pericardiocentesis, chest tube positioning and/or surgical repair. The mortality was 20% in patients with tamponade due to CA/T and 31.6% in patients with VA/T. Pericardiocentesis as first manoeuvre followed by rescue surgical repair was highly effective in case of CA/T (93.8%). At multivariate analysis, CA/T with tamponade was more common in RIATA lead extraction, female patients, leads with a mean dwelling time more than 10 years, and when ≥3 leads were extracted or multiple sheaths required. Occlusion or critical stenosis of superior venous access and the leads mean dwelling time more than 10 years were independent predictors for VA/T, while mechanical dilatation was an independent predictor of a lower incidence of this complication as compared to the use of powered sheaths. In the ELECTRa registry, RIATA lead extraction and superior venous access occlusion/thrombosis are two new independent predictors for cardiac tamponade and major vascular complications, respectively. The use of mechanical sheaths seems to be associated with a lower incidence of VA/T. A strategy of pericardiocentesis followed by a rescue surgical approach seems to be reasonable in order to treat a CA/T with tamponade.

Preoperative Biliary Stenting and Major Morbidity After Pancreatoduodenectomy: Does Elapsed Time Matter?

To analyze possible associations between the duration of stent placement before surgery and the occurrence and severity of postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The effect of preoperative stent duration on postoperative outcomes after PD has not been investigated. From 2013 to 2016, patients who underwent PD for any reasons after biliary stent placement at 5 European academic centers were analyzed from prospectively maintained databases. The primary aim was to investigate the association between the duration of preoperative biliary stenting and postoperative morbidity. Patients were stratified by stent duration into 3 groups: short (<4 weeks), intermediate (4-8 weeks), and long (≥8 weeks). In all, 312 patients were analyzed. The median time from stent placement to surgery was 37 days (2-559 days), and most operations were performed for pancreatic cancer (67.6%). Morbidity and mortality rates were 56.0% and 2.6%, respectively. Patients in the short group (n = 106) experienced a higher rate of major morbidity (43.4% vs 20.0% vs 24.2%; P < 0.001), biliary fistulae (13.2% vs 4.3% vs 5.5%; P = 0.031), and length of hospital stay [16 (10-52) days vs 12 (8-35) days vs 12 (8-43) days; P = 0.025]. A multivariate adjusted model identified the short stent duration as an independent risk factor for major complications (odds ratio 2.64, 95% confidence interval 1.23-5.67, P = 0.013). When jaundice treatment cannot be avoided, delaying surgery up to 1 month after biliary stenting may reduce major morbidity, procedure-related complications, and length of hospital stay.

Endovascular Treatment of Patients with Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection Aneurysm: Bare Stents Alone Versus Stent Assisted Coiling

The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular treatment with bare stents alone versus stent assisted coiling in isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) aneurysms. Patients with an IMAD aneurysm who underwent endovascular stenting between February 2010 and February 2017at one of three institutions were included in this study. Data regarding technical success, procedure time, symptom resolution, complications, changes in IMAD aneurysm, and stent patency were recorded. A total of 38 patients (35 men) were included, 27 treated with bare stents alone and 11 treated with stent assisted coiling. Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients treated with bare stents and in 81.8% of those treated with stent assisted coiling (p=0.078). The mean procedure times were 62.6±5.3min for treatment with bare stents and 116.4±8.4min for stent assisted coiling (p<0.001). A total of 23 patients had persistent symptoms before stenting; all symptoms were resolved within 3.0±0.7 days. No procedure related major complications occurred. Over 30.2±18.1 months of follow up, complete resolution of the IMAD aneurysm was achieved in all patients; good stent patency and in stent re-stenosis were achieved in 65.8% and 34.2% patients, respectively. There were no occlusions of the stented arteries. Bare stents alone and stent assisted coiling have high technical success rates and demonstrate good intermediate patency in patients with an IMAD aneurysm. Bare stents alone may serve as an alternative to stent assisted coiling for the management of IMAD aneurysm.

Percutaneous Transcholecystic Removal of Common Bile Duct Stones: Case Series in 114 Patients.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transcholecystic removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones in 114 patients. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. From September 2011 through February 2017, 114 consecutive patients (68 men, 46 women; mean age, 73 years) underwent percutaneous transcholecystic removal of CBD stones. All patients had acute cholangitis or cholecystitis. Stones were extracted through a 12-F sheath by using a Wittich nitinol stone basket uder fluoroscopic guidance. Technical success rates, complications, and long-term follow-up were evaluated. Results Technical success was achieved in 96 of 114 (84.2%) patients. In 18 patients, stone removal was unsuccessful due to failure of cystic duct cannulation (n = 11), proximal migration of the CBD stone (n = 3), multiple CBD stones (n = 3), and low insertion of the cystic duct (n = 1). No major procedure-related complications were seen. During the mean follow-up of 644 days (range, 11-2206 days), CBD stones recurred in 12 patients after a mean of 884 days (range, 439-1799 days) after the procedure. Conclusion Percutaneous transcholecystic removal of common bile duct stones seems to be a safe and effective method. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article . See also the editorial by vanSonnenberg and Panchanathan in this issue.

Outcomes of percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary lesions using a dedicated forceps system.

Distinction between benign and malignant biliary obstruction is always challenging. To evaluate outcomes of percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary strictures using a dedicated forceps system. This prospective, single-center, single-arm study, included 29 consecutive patients (17 men [56.6%]; mean age = 60 ± 9 years), who underwent 30 transluminal biopsies during percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) due to obstructive jaundice, between September 2014 and January 2017, using a transluminal biliary access and biopsy forceps set. The study's primary efficacy endpoint was technical success and the primary safety endpoint was the procedure-related major complications rate. The study's secondary endpoints were procedure-related minor complication rate, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the characterization of malignancy. Tissue samples allowed histological diagnosis in 27/30 procedures (technical success rate 90.0%), as in three cases (10.0%) the sample was characterized as non-diagnostic: one case was suspicious for pancreatic cancer and two cases were cholangiocarcinoma. In one case, biopsy was successfully repeated. The diagnosis was cholangiocarcinoma in 16 cases (53.3%), colorectal metastasis in three cases (10%), pancreatic adenocarcinoma in three cases (10.0%), and inflammation in five cases (16.6%). There were two false-negative cases of inflammation proven to be cholangiocarcinoma, resulting in sensitivity of 91.67%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 92.59%. No major complications were noted. There were four cases of hemobilia (13%) which auto-resolved within 48 h. Percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary strictures during PTBD using the specific forceps system was proven safe and resulted in high technical success and diagnostic accuracy rates.

En Bloc Left Pulmonary Vein and Appendage Isolation in Thoracoscopic Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

We evaluated the safety and rhythm control effectiveness in en bloc isolation of the left pulmonary vein (PV) and appendage conducted as part of the thoracoscopic procedure for bilateral PV isolation, non-PV ablation, and appendage closure for atrial fibrillation (AF). Procedural safety was evaluated by reviewing the surgical records. Rhythm control was examined in accordance with the Heart Rhythm Society guidelines at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12, and yearly thereafter. The sinus rhythm rates at postoperative years 1 and 2 were compared with the corresponding data from our previous procedure without the en bloc technique. Starting in 2014, the en bloc technique was applied to 238 nonvalvular AF patients and successfully performed in all but 23 patients. The mean operation time was 88 minutes. There were no hospital deaths or major procedure-related complications. The mean follow-up period was 1.7 years. The sinus rhythm rates at postoperative years 1 and 2 were 85% and 80% in paroxysmal, 76% and 70% in persistent, and 67% and 61% in long-standing persistent AF, respectively, without antiarrhythmic drug use. Compared with the previous procedure (n= 324), sinus rhythm rates were higher in long-standing persistent AF (67% vs 50% at 1 year and 61% vs 40% at 2 years; p= 0.04). No patients suffered cardiogenic thromboembolisms without anticoagulation. Thoracoscopic en bloc left PV and appendage isolation was safely achieved in most patients. Using this technique may contribute to better rhythm control results than not using it in cases of long-standing persistent AF.

Updated performance of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker in the real-world setting: A comparison to the investigational study and a transvenous historical control

Early results of the Micra Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study and Micra Post-Approval Registry (PAR) demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy performance; however, intermediate-term results across a large patient population in the real-world setting have not been evaluated. We report updated performance of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker from a worldwide PAR and compare it with the IDE study as well as a transvenous historical control. The safety objective of the analysis was system- or procedure-related major complications through 12 months postimplantation. We compared the major complication rate with that of the 726 patients from the IDE and with a reference data set of 2667 patients with transvenous pacemakers by using a Fine-Gray competing risk model. The Micra device was successfully implanted in 1801 of 1817 patients (99.1%). The mean follow-up period was 6.8 ± 6.9 months. Through 12 months, the major complication rate was 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0%-3.7%). The risk of major complications for Micra PAR patients was 63% lower than that for patients with transvenous pacemakers through 12 months postimplantation (hazard ratio 0.37; 95% CI 0.27-0.52; P < .001). The major complication rate trended lower in the PAR than in the IDE study (hazard ratio 0.71; 95% CI 0.44-1.1; P = .160), driven by the lower pericardial effusion rate in the PAR. There were 3 cases of infection associated with the procedure, but none required device removal and there were no battery or telemetry issues. Pacing thresholds were low and stable through 12 months postimplantation. Performance of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker in international clinical practice remains consistent with previously reported data. Major complications were infrequent and occurred 63% less often compared to transvenous systems. Micra Transcatheter Pacing System Post-Approval Registry ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02536118; Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02004873.

Endoscopic management of difficult benign biliary and pancreatic strictures using a wire-guided cystotome: experience with 25 cases.

Background and study aims Endoscopic management using standard accessories is the preferred modality for treatment of benign biliary strictures. However, with difficult strictures, there is frequently failure of endoscopic therapy. We are reporting our experience regarding use of a standard diathermic dilator (cystotome) to aid in stricture dilatation and stent placement in patients with difficult strictures. Patients and methods Data were analyzed from January 2014 to January 2017 at a single tertiary care center in North India. Total 25 patients were included. Results The mean age was 45 years (varying from 38 – 55 years). Of the 25 patients with difficult strictures, 14 (56 %) were male and 11 (44 %) were female. Further, of these, 19 had biliary and 6 had pancreatic strictures. The average time of diathermic current application was 3.5 seconds (ranging 3 – 5 seconds). Technical and clinical success were achieved in 100 % of cases. None of the patients had any procedure-related (early or delayed) major complications. Conclusion The cystotome is an extremely safe and useful accessory in benign biliary and pancreatic strictures, whereas conventional methods to negotiate stricture have failed.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Large-Bore Tube Application without the Use of Endoscope: Single-Center Experience on 86 Neurologically Compromised Patients

Context: Percutaneous placement of gastrostomy tube has replaced surgical placement as the most accepted method of gastrostomy tube insertion. It can be done by an alternative nonendoscopic fluoroscopy-guided technique that combines the advantages of fluoroscopic guidance and the pull technique. Aims: This study aimed to describe a percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided technique for applying mushroom-retained large-bore gastrostomy advanced through the nose without endoscopy. Settings and Design: This retrospective study was conducted at the Interventional Radiology Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Subjects and Methods: Between January 2015 and November 2017, 86 neurologically compromised patients underwent placement of 24F mushroom gastrostomy tubes. There were 55 males and 31 females, with the mean age of 61 years (58–87 years). Technical success and procedural complications were assessed. Follow-up data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the medical records at the neurology clinic to evaluate tube function and monitor complications. Results: Technical success rate was 100%. Procedure time varied between 10 and 13 min. No major procedure-related complications occurred. Twenty-two patients (25.5%) died during the study period with no procedure-related deaths. Nearly 34.8% of the patients (30/86 patients) could not be followed up due to loss of contact. Follow-up time ranged between 200 and 230 days in the remaining 34 patients with no evidence of tube dysfunction. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous placement of large-bore pull gastrostomy tubes inserted via nasal route showed a high rate of technical success and long-term patency with low risk of complications.

Transesophageal approach to lung, adrenal biopsy and fiducial placement using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS): An interventional pulmonology experience. Initial experience of the UCSF-FRETOC (fresno tracheobronchial & oesophageal center) study group.

Routine lung cancer surveillance has resulted in early detection of pulmonary nodules and masses. Combined endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and trans-esophageal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are approved methods for sampling lymph nodes or masses. Furthermore, EUS allows for adrenal sampling as part of staging, and can assist with fiducial placement for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Promote use of EUS by interventional pulmonologists in the United States when diagnosing and staging lung cancer or when placing fiducials. All patients undergoing EUS and/or EBUS were serially entered into a prospectively maintained database. Only patients undergoing EUS guided lung and/or adrenal biopsy and/or fiducial placement were selected for analysis. All patients underwent a post-procedure chest radiograph and were followed outpatient. 20 of 39 patients underwent sampling of a suspicious lung mass. An adequate sample was obtained in 19 of 20 patients. In all 19 patients a definitive diagnosis was achieved (95%). In all 13 patients who underwent adrenal sampling, presence or absence of metastasis was conclusively established. 6 patients successfully underwent fiducial placement. In all 39 patients, no major procedure related complications were noted for a period of 30 days. One patient had a small pneumothorax that resolved spontaneously. EUS can be safely performed by a trained interventional pulmonologist for the diagnosis of lung, adrenal masses and placement of fiducials. We think that interventional pulmonologists in the United States involved in lung cancer staging should receive training in EUS techniques.

Thoracoscopic stapler-and-loop technique for left atrial appendage closure in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Mid-term outcomes in 201 patients

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure can be an alternative to oral anticoagulation to prevent cardiogenic thromboembolisms in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety, completeness, and mid-term prevention of our thoracoscopic stapler-and-loop technique for LAA closure. Patients operated on between October 2008 and February 2017 were reviewed. Endoscopic stapler and ligation loops were used. Patients received 1 month of anticoagulation before discontinuation. Hospital death and procedure-related major complications (thromboembolism, hemorrhagic events, phrenic palsy) were the primary composite endpoint for safety, and cardiogenic thromboembolisms were the endpoint for prevention. Brain magnetic resonance imaging investigated new thromboembolic spots 1 year after surgery. There were 201 patients (118 men, 83 women) with a mean age of 74 years (range 68-94) years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score (± SD) 4.1 ±1.4, and mean HAS-BLED score 2.9 ± 1.0. Mean operation time was 28 minutes. All LAAs were removed, and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography confirmed completeness of the closure in each patient. No hospital deaths or major procedure-related complications occurred. Follow-up results for 198 patients (98%) over a mean period of 48 months (range 12-110) revealed that 2 patients developed cardiogenic thromboembolisms (0.25 event per 100 patient-years). Magnetic resonance imaging of 51 patients with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4.7 ± 1.6 revealed 1 new small spot in each of 2 patients (3.9%; 3.9 spots per 100 patient-years). Our thoracoscopic stapler-and-loop technique swiftly, safely, and completely closed LAAs in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and provided acceptable mid-term prevention without anticoagulation.

Endovascular Removal of Fractured Inferior Vena Cava Filter Fragments: 5-Year Registry Data with Prospective Outcomes on Retained Fragments

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of attempted percutaneous filter fragment removal during retrieval of fractured inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and to report outcomes associated with retained filter fragments. Materials and MethodsOver a 5-year period, 82 consecutive patients presenting with a fractured IVC filter were prospectively enrolled into an institutional review board–approved registry. There were 27 men and 55 women (mean, 47 y; range, 19–85 y). After main filter removal, percutaneous removal of fragments was attempted if they were deemed intravascular and accessible on preprocedural computed tomography (CT), cone-beam CT, and/or intravascular ultrasound; distal pulmonary artery (PA) fragments were left alone. A total of 185 fragments were identified (81 IVC, 33 PA, 16 cardiac, 2 hepatic vein, 1 renal vein, 1 aorta, 51 retroperitoneal). Mean filter dwell time was 2,183 days (range, 59–9,936 d). Eighty-seven of 185 fragments (47%) were deemed amenable to attempted removal: 65 IVC, 11 PA, 8 cardiac, 2 hepatic, and 1 aortic. Primary safety outcomes were major procedure-related complications. ResultsFragment removal was successful in 78 of 87 cases (89.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.3–95.2). There were 6 minor complications with no consequence (6.9%; 95% CI, 2.6–14.4) involving intraprocedural fragment embolization and 1 major complication (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.0–6.2), a cardiac tamponade that was successfully treated. The complication rate from attempted cardiac fragment removal was 12.5% (1 of 8; 95% CI, 0.3–52.7). Among patients with retained cardiopulmonary fragments (n = 19), 81% remained asymptomatic during long-term clinical follow-up of 845 days (range, 386–2,071 d). ConclusionsPercutaneous removal of filter fragments from the IVC and proximal PAs is safe and effective overall, but attempted intracardiac fragment removal carries a higher risk of complication. Most residual filter fragments not amenable to percutaneous removal remain asymptomatic and may be monitored clinically.

New onset of phrenic nerve palsy after laser-assisted transvenous lead extraction: a single-centre experience.

Phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) after mechanical transvenous lead extraction (TLE) was recently described for the first time. We aimed to analyse our TLE database for the presence of PNP. All consecutive patients referred to our institution were included in this study. Every available post-procedural chest X-ray was compared to the routinely performed pre-procedural radiographs. A newly elevated hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to TLE was considered indicative of PNP. Altogether 255 TLE procedures with extraction of 364 leads were performed. Most common TLE indication was lead malfunction (63%). Complete radiographic success rate was 97.3% with an in-hospital procedure-related major complication rate of 2.4%, including one intra-procedural death (0.4%). We identified five cases with PNP (2%), all occurring after laser-assisted TLE. Clinical presentation varied from subtle and aspecific chest pain/discomfort to severe and acute dyspnoea, with time to diagnosis varying from immediate to several weeks after the procedure. In 80% of cases, the explanted lead was a defibrillator electrode and the median lead dwelling time was 70.2 months (29.3; 1084.9). In four cases, the extraction was performed using high-energy laser (pulse repetition rate 80 Hz). The present study reports the incidence of PNP after laser-assisted TLE. We postulate that the thermal energy generated by laser is not dissipated quickly enough in occluded or heavily calcified lesions, injuring the ipsilateral phrenic nerve. Our findings advise to carefully consider to increase pulse repetition rate at the subclavian level. Larger, possibly prospective studies are needed to evaluate the real incidence through systematic radiological assessment after TLE.

Percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation for refractory benign hepaticojejunostomy and biliary strictures.

The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) and balloon dilation for the treatment of hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) strictures resistant to surgery and/or other interventions. Eighteen patients who underwent percutaneous ERFA for HJ stricture were included. There were 10 men and 8 women with a mean age of 48.3±10.8 (SD) years (range: 33-69 years). The 18 patients had a total of 29 benign HJ strictures secondary to cholecystectomy (14 patients; 78.0%), Whipple procedure (3 patients; 16.6%) or blunt abdominal trauma (1 patient; 5.4%). The different end-points were technical success, clinical success, recurrence, procedure-related mortality, and morbidity. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 83.3%, respectively. No mortality and major procedure-related complications were observed. One patient experienced minor complication (self-limited pleural effusion). Two patients did not show favorable response to ERFA whereas 10 patients had no stricture recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 7.3 months±1.0 (SD) (range: 4-10 months). ERFA is a safe and effective treatment for benign HJ and biliary strictures. However, more studies involving more patients with a long-term follow-up period should be made to fully determine the long-term results of ERFA.

Photodynamic therapeutic ablation for peripheral pulmonary malignancy via electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy localization in a hybrid operating room (OR): a pioneering study.

With the aid of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), it has become possible to approach peripheral lung tumors from the airway. Meanwhile, local ablation using photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown increasing promise in the realm of lung cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore an alternative ablation method using PDT with SuperDimension ENB localization in a hybrid operating theater. Our study includes patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer who underwent PDT via ENB in the hybrid operating room (OR) of National Taiwan University Hospital between January 2016 and January 2017. ENB with the SuperDimension Navigation System (7th edition) was performed before PDT ablation to localize the target lesions. PDT ablation was performed with the assistance of intraoperative Dyna-computed tomography (Dyna-CT). Tumor response was evaluated by CT 3 months after the procedure. Three patients underwent lung interstitial PDT via the aid of ENB during the study period. The mean size of the nodules was 21.3 mm. The mean navigation time was 14.3 minutes. In all cases, the target pulmonary nodule was ablated by PDT successfully. No major procedure-related complications occurred. One patient suffered from skin hypersensitivity one month after the procedure. The follow-up CT showed significant tumor shrinkage for all the patients. They were all discharged without incident a few days after the procedure as scheduled. PDT with SuperDimension ENB guidance in the hybrid OR is a novel and feasible approach to control peripheral lung malignancy.

Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Clinical Commentary for Anesthesiologists

With increasing use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, the need for lead extractions has increased to an annual volume of more than 10,000 extractions worldwide. This article provides a focused clinical commentary on the perioperative management, identification, and treatment of life-threatening complications associated with lead extractions. In addition, a summary of indications, techniques, and lead extraction complications is provided. Although uncommon, lead extractions are associated with a consistent rate of major procedure-related complications and mortality. Major life-threatening complications include vascular laceration, cardiac avulsion, hemothorax, pericardial effusion, and cardiac arrest. Comprehensive preoperative risk assessment and adequate planning and preparedness are crucial to decreasing all procedure-related adverse events. The location of the procedure (electrophysiology suite v hybrid operating room) and the nature of cardiac surgical backup are determined after meticulous risk stratification. In addition to decisions on vascular access, invasive monitoring, and modality of rhythm support, transesophageal echocardiography plays a crucial role in early diagnosis, timely management, and potential prevention of these complications.

Assessment of quality of life in patients of urethral stricture on clean intermittent catheterization following direct vision internal urethrotomy.

Context:Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) after direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU)Aims:The aim is to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with urethral strictures on CIC following DVIU.Settings and Design:Prospective study.Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted between August 2013 and July 2015 in the Department of Urology at KGMU, Lucknow. We included patients above the age of 18 years with stricture urethra, who were on CIC following direct visual internal urethrotomy. Patients below the age of 18 years, noncompliance, concomitant neurogenic voiding dysfunction, multiple strictures, pan anterior strictures, and posterior stenosis were excluded from the study. A 16 French Foley catheter was used for CIC following DVIU. Patients were evaluated at follow-up visit at 3, 6, and 12 months. At each follow-up visits, patients were assessed using CIC-QOL questionnaire, maximum urine flow rate and complications related to CIC if any.Statistical Analysis Used:Unpaired t-test was used to compare continuous data, and Fisher's exact test was used to analyze categorical data.Results:Among total 144 male patients evaluated, we included 97 patients, who underwent DVIU. Mean age of the study population was 37.7 ± 14.03 years. Most urethral strictures were idiopathic (64.02%) followed by postinflammatory (24.25%). A significant number of patients reported difficulty in performing CIC, which hampered daily activities. No major procedure related complications were reported. Patients who were compliant to CIC reported no stricture recurrence till 6 months follow-up.Conclusions:CIC following DVIU remains a reasonable adjunctive option. All the parameters of CIC-QOL questionnaire had improved on continuing CIC. Young men on CIC had greater impairment of QOL when compared to aged patients.