Device Removal Research Articles

Abstract 4144595: Real-World Outcomes of Impella 5.5 in Advanced Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Evaluation for Heart Transplant

Background: Impella 5.5 provides robust support as temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) device in advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock. Understanding short- and long-term outcomes is crucial. Hypothesis: Impella 5.5 supports advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock and successfully bridges them to cardiac replacement without affecting long-term survival. Methods: From February 2020 to April 2024, all patients who received an Impella 5.5 and underwent evaluation for advanced therapies at Houston Methodist Hospital were identified. Implantation of Heartmate 3 (HM3) Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), mortality, and device removal after Impella implantation were assessed. For HM3 LVAD patients, outcomes were categorized as death, transplantation, or survival. Survival after OHT was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared to patients who received OHT without Impella 5.5. Cumulative incidence rates was calculated using Competing risk regression. Results: 140 patients were identified, median age 59.4 years (50.4-66.5), majority Caucasian (54%) and Black (36%). 89 (63.6%) were either bridged to advanced therapies or recovered. 52 (37.1%) underwent OHT, 21 (15%) received an HM3 LVAD, and 51 (36.4%) died post-implantation. 3 (2.1%) died post-transplant. Post-LVAD, 6 (4.3%) died, 3 (2.1%) underwent OHT, and 12 (8.6%) were alive with LVAD. 10 (7.1%) survived after Impella 5.5 removal, 2 (1.4%) went to hospice, and 1 (0.7%) was transferred to another hospital. 3 (2.1%) are currently hospitalized. Fig1a shows outcomes. Fig1b indicates death within 90 days of Impella implantation. 3-year survival of patients bridged with Impella to OHT (N=55) was 94%, comparable (p=0.27) to patients receiving OHT without Impella (N=215)(Fig 1c). Conclusion: Mortality for cardiogenic shock patients remains high. Using Impella 5.5 with a cardiac replacement strategy can salvage some patients. Long-term outcomes for patients bridged to heart transplant with Impella 5.5 are similar to those without the device. Further studies on predictors of early adverse outcomes post-implant can help mitigate risks for advanced heart failure patients in cardiogenic shock.

Management of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reservoir at time of revision surgery: remove, retain, or recycle?

Three common strategies exist for managing the inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir during revision surgery: the original reservoir can be (a) removed, (b) deactivated and left in situ, sometimes referred to as "drain and retain" (DR), or (c) validated and reconnected to new cylinders, which we have termed "reservoir recycling" (RR). To compare the efficacy and safety of the RR approach to penile prosthesis revision against DR and the recommended approach of complete device removal and replacement. A retrospective chart review of our single-surgeon inflatable penile prosthesis database between 2007 and 2022 was performed, identifying revision surgeries. Cases were stratified by reservoir management technique. Patients who had undergone at least 1 follow-up visit and had complete documentation regarding reservoir handling were included. Reservoir-related complications necessitating surgical intervention such as infection and device failure were compared between the 3 groups using a chi-square test. Mean follow-up duration, time to revision, and operative time were also assessed. The primary outcome was theincidence of reservoir-related complications requiring surgical intervention and secondary outcomes included time to revision surgery and operative time. Among 140 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 62 underwent full reservoir replacement (FR), 48 DR, and 30 RR. Compared to FR, DR and RR groups had similar mean time to revision and intraoperative time. Follow-up duration was similarly limited for all 3 groups at a median of approximately 4.5months. There were no postoperative infections in the RR cohort. However, when compared to the DR and FR groups, this did not reach significance (P = .398). There was no difference in mechanical failure rate between the 3 groups (P = .059). Nonmechanical failure was also similar between all 3 groups (P = .165). These results suggest that RR exhibits comparable outcomes to DR and FR, making it a viable option during select penile prosthesis revision surgeries, potentially decreasing morbidity without compromising outcomes. This is the first study to evaluate outcomes after RR. Limitations include small sample size, limited follow-up, and single-surgeon experience. There was no difference in reservoir-related complications when comparing the 3 methods. These preliminary results suggest that reservoir recycling may provide a safe and effective reservoir-handling alternative in inflatable penile prosthesis revision surgery.

Residual Elbow Instability Treated with a Submuscular Internal Joint Stabilizer: Prospective and Consecutive Series with a Minimum Follow-Up of 12 Months

Background: The management of residual elbow instability is a challenging and compelling issue for treating physicians. To overcome inherent drawbacks of dynamic external fixators, the internal joint stabilizer (IJS) has been developed, achieving successful results, but it can sometimes cause local tenderness or anesthetic concerns in the subcutaneous layer. In addition, a bulky anconeus can pull the hardware away from the axis of rotation with an increase in the lever arm and potential issues. To address these issues, an alternative approach has been recently described in which the internal device is covered by the anconeus muscle, becoming submuscular, rather than subcutaneous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative approach to the IJS application in maintaining a concentric elbow during and after device removal in both acute and chronic scenarios. Methods: Prospective data collection was performed with consecutive patients who had residual elbow instability treated with an IJS (Skeletal Dynamics, Miami, FL) covered by the anconeus from January 2022 and with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Results: At a medium follow-up of 16 months, the 16 patients selected had a mean arc of flexion–extension of 123° (range: 0–140°) and a mean pronation-supination arc of 150° (range: 80–80°). The mean MEPS and DASH scores were 90.3 ± 6.2 and 6.3 ± 5.3, respectively. At the last follow-up, elbow stability and concentric reduction were confirmed with radiographic and clinical examinations. Conclusions: With a minimum follow-up of 12 months, the present study supports the safety and efficacy of the internal device in a submuscular layer. The clinical outcomes and the rate of recurrent instability are comparable to those achieved with a classic subcutaneous position. Similarly, the complication rate is not affected, and removal surgery is no more aggressive than the classic approach.

MAC Address Classification in Privacy Issue Using Gaussian Naïve Bayes

There have been several initiatives within standards committees to overcome privacy issues, including user tracking activity based on Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. The implementation of randomized MAC addresses on captive portals, with user-specific connection limits to address privacy concerns, introduces some problems. To address this issue, device removal based on OUI classification was proposed. Connection data taken from the RADIUS server were divided into two distinct classes, either random or not. Gaussian Naïve Bayes was utilized to classify the data with 16 distinct thresholds, and the solution with the highest accuracy was selected. The research produced results showing that all classifications had an accuracy above 96%. Values of 6 and 50% for Mac address thresholds and random percentage thresholds gave the highest accuracy of 98.1139%. This indicates that random Mac address classification in the real world can be done using the result.

Investigation of stent retriever removal forces in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke.

Mechanical thrombectomy becomes more complex when the occlusion occurs in a tortuous cerebral anatomy, increasing the puncture to reperfusion time and the number of attempts for clot removal. Therefore, an understanding of stent retriever performance in these locations is necessary to increase the efficiency and safety of the procedure. An in vitro investigation into the effects of occlusion site tortuosity, blood clot hematocrit, and device geometry was conducted to identify their individual influence on stent retriever removal forces. Embolus analogs were used to create occlusions in a mock circulatory flow loop, and in vitro mechanical thrombectomies were performed in arterial models of increasing tortuosity. The stent retriever removal forces of Solitaire Platinum and EmboTrap II devices were recorded through each geometry with and without embolus analogs present. Similar experiments were also conducted with Solitaire stent retrievers of varying lengths and diameters and 0, 25, and 50% hematocrit embolus analogs. The removal force increased as model tortuosity increased for both the Solitaire Platinum and EmboTrap II stent retriever devices. The average removal forces in the simplest geometry with the Solitaire Platinum and EmboTrap II were 0.24 ± 0.01 N and 0.37 ± 0.02 N, respectively, and increased to 1.2 ± 0.08 N and 1.6 ± 0.17 N, respectively, in the most complex geometry. Slight increases in removal force were found with 0% hematocrit embolus analogs, however, no statistical significance between removal force and EA hematocrit was observed. A comparison between stent retriever removal forces between devices of different diameters also proved to be significant (p < 0.01), while forces between devices of varying lengths were not (p > 0.05). Benchtop mechanical thrombectomies performed with commercial stent retrievers of varying geometry showed that device removal forces increase with increasing model tortuosity, clot hematocrit does not play a significant role in device removal force, and that a stent retriever's diameter has a greater impact on removal forces compared to its length. These results provide an improved understanding of the overall forces involved in mechanical thrombectomy and can be used to develop safer and more effective stent retrievers for the most difficult cases.

The Clinical Management of Traumatic Palatal Ulcers in an Adolescent Patient: A Common Lesion in Mini-Implant-Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion

Background: This case report describes the clinical management of a traumatic palatal ulcer, a complication associated with mini-implant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE). Case Report: A 13-year-old female patient with maxillary constriction underwent MARPE treatment using a custom acrylic expander anchored by four mini-implants. Despite proper planning and device design, the patient missed her first follow-up appointment and continued activations, resulting in tissue inflammation and embedding of the device. Upon examination, swelling and displacement of the cement were observed, necessitating device removal. The traumatic ulcer was treated with chlorhexidine gel, paracetamol, and a soft diet. Complete recovery was achieved within one month. A second expander was then designed and installed, with more frequent monitoring and improved hygiene protocols. This approach led to successful expansion without complications. This case highlights the importance of precise treatment planning, proper mini-implant selection, and regular follow-ups in MARPE therapy. It also emphasizes the need for patient compliance and effective hygiene measures to prevent complications. Conclusions: The successful management of the traumatic ulcer demonstrates that prompt action and consideration of cost-effective treatment options can lead to positive outcomes in addressing MARPE-related complications.

Relapse of infective endocarditis after cardiac implantable electronic device removal compared to a conservative strategy

Abstract Background According to current guidelines, complete removal of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) should be considered in patients with valvular infective endocarditis (IE), accounting for the identified pathogen and need for valve surgery (Class IIa recommendation). Unselected longitudinal data are needed to assess this strategy. Purpose To examine IE readmission after IE discharge according to status of CIED removal in patients with conservatively treated IE. Methods Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients aged ≥18 years with first-time IE from 2010-2021. We included patients with conservatively treated IE and a CIED, who were alive at IE discharge. Patients who underwent CIED removal during IE admission were compared to those without removal, examining the study outcome of IE readmission within six months after IE discharge. An initial blanking period of 14 days was applied after IE discharge. The Aalen-Johanson estimator and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine cumulative incidences and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of IE readmission according to status of CIED removal, respectively. Results Among 6,843 patients with first-time IE, 5,731 (83.7%) were conservatively treated. Of these, 1,201 (21.0%) had a CIED, of which 205 (17.1%) died during IE admission. Thus, the final study population comprised 996 patients alive at IE discharge. The median age of the study population was 75.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 67.9-82.0), and 753 (75.6%) were males. In total, 574 (57.6%) patients underwent CIED removal during IE admission. Patients who underwent CIED removal were younger, compared to patients without CIED removal, 73.1 years (IQR: 65.7-79.1) versus 79.0 years (IQR: 71.3-85.1), respectively. The six-month cumulative incidence of IE readmission was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-3.5%) in patients who underwent CIED removal versus 6.1% (95% CI: 4.0-8.9%) in patients without CIED removal (P-value=0.001) (Figure 1). CIED removal was associated with a significantly lower six-month rate of IE readmission, compared to no CIED removal (HR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.17-0.77]). Relapse bacteraemia (including IE) with the same microorganism as first-time IE occurred in 2.2% of patients who underwent CIED removal and in 5.4% of patients without CIED removal. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common microorganism in 33.3% of patients with relapse bacteraemia who underwent CIED removal. Conclusions In this nationwide study, the six-month rate of infective endocarditis (IE) readmission was three-fold lower in patients who underwent cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) removal, compared to patients without CIED removal. The current findings suggest that CIED removal is associated with lower risk of relapse of IE in patients with conservatively treated IE. These results are in line with current guideline recommendations. However, more randomized clinical trial data are needed.

No reimbursement policy and implantable loop recorders in the real world setting

Abstract Background Prolonged heart rhythm evaluation is indicated in patients with suspected arrhythmias. Routine electrocardiographic Holter monitoring is often associated with poor adherence and may lead to little to no clinically relevant findings. Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are small, subcutaneous cardiac devices providing semi-continuous electrocardiographic recording. Despite strong evidence supporting their effectiveness, ILRs are yet to be fully reimbursed by the National Health Fund- the public insurer in Poland. Purpose We aimed to investigate the feasibility, as well as the diagnostic yield of ILRs in a real world setting of a tertiary cardiovascular center. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive patients admitted for ILR implantation between March 2013 nad November 2023. Hospitalization and procedural costs were covered by the clinic's statutory and hospital funds and not by the National Health Fund, the public payer. All patients were remotely monitored for device follow-up. Baseline demographic characteristics, as well as data regarding observation period, clinical outcomes and safety were collected. Results Data for 51 ILR implants in 50 patients was assessed. Insertion success rate was 100% on first attempt with no complications. Mean age was 54,43 ±18,56 years old. 52,94% of patients were female. Coronary artery disease was present in 21,57% patients, hypertension in 50,98%, diabetes in 13,73%. The indications for ILR implantation were unexplained syncope (n= 42; 82,35%), palpitations (n= 16; 31,37%), ischemic stroke of unknown origin (n= 6; 11,76%), monitoring of ventricular arrhythmia (n= 2; 3,92%). Mean time between occurrence of first symptoms and ILR implantation was 80,86 ±112,95 months. Mean monitoring period was 1067,62 ±668,89 days. 23 (45,1%) patients had an actionable event detected. Mean time to clinical outcome was 190,34 ±514,85 days. Based on the obtained recordings, in 13 (25,49%) patients a cardiac electronic device was implanted and 6 (11,76%) underwent an electrophysiological procedure. Time to intervention was 435,17 ± 542,9 days and 338,8 ± 273,44 days, respectively. ILR prompted medication modification in 14 (27,45%) patients. Antiarrhythmic drugs were modified in 6 (11,76%) patients. Oral anticoagulation was initiated in 3 (5,88%) patients. Mean time to any pharmacotherapy modification was 654,68 ± 604,32 days. Skin infections occurred in 2 patients, leading to early device removal. Conclusions This is the first study to present a comprehensive evaluation of ILR patients in Poland, along with a substantial observation period. We report a high prevalence of treatable cardiac conditions in patients with previous unsuccessful diagnostic work up. In the light of the upcoming favourable changes in governmental healthcare policy, demonstrating evidence supporting ILR application in everyday clinical practice is crucial for advocating their wider utilization and reimbursement.

Pseudomonas monteilii bacteremia and sepsis following insertable cardiac monitor implantation: a case report

BackgroundInsertable cardiac monitor implantation is a simple and safe procedure commonly performed in patients with embolic stroke with undetermined source. Routine periprocedural antibiotic use is not recommended, because infection rate is very low, although some local infection or gram-positive bacteremia have been reported. We report a case of Pseudomonas monteilii sepsis immediately after insertable cardiac monitor implantation.Case presentationA 55-year-old Korean male with embolic stroke of undetermined source presented with gram-negative sepsis immediately after implantable cardiac monitor implantation as a first reported complication after the procedure. Pseudomonas monteilii was identified in the blood culture, and no other infection source was seen. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics without removing the device.ConclusionsPrompt diagnosis and adequate management is required in such a patient with sepsis post-insertable cardiac monitor implantation procedure. It can be managed with adequate antibiotic treatment without device removal if there is no sign of inflammation at the insertion site. Further reports or studies should be investigated to reinforce this finding.Learning objectivesThe infection rate after insertable cardiac monitor insertion is extremely low; however, sepsis may occur without pocket infections. Physicians should be aware of signs of systemic infection, particularly when the procedure is performed outside the catheterization room. Sepsis after insertable cardiac monitor implantation can be managed with adequate antibiotic treatment without device removal if there is no sign of inflammation at the insertion site.

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae).

Among the different micro- and nanostructures located on cuticular surfaces, grooming devices represent fundamental tools for insect survival. The present study describes the grooming microstructures of the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae) at the adult stage. These structures, situated on the foreleg tibiae, were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle flexibility, were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Eye and antennal grooming behavior were analyzed to evaluate the particle removal efficiency in intact insects and in insects with ablated grooming devices. The grooming devices are constituted of long setae from which a concave cuticular lamina develops towards the medial side of the leg. Each seta shows a material gradient of resilin from its basal to the distal portion and from the seta to the cuticular lamina. The removal of the grooming devices induces a strong increase in the contaminated areas on the eyes after grooming. Further studies on insect grooming can provide valuable data on the functional morphology of insect micro- and nanostructures and can represent a starting point to develop advanced biomimetic cleaning tools.

Prevention of radial artery occlusion after transradial angiography and intervention: a best practice implementation project.

Among the complications associated with transradial artery access, radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most frequent and serious, limiting the reuse of the same radial artery for subsequent procedures and as a graft for coronary artery bypass grafting. The objective of this project was to implement best practices to reduce the incidence of RAO, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care after transradial coronary angiography or intervention. The project was conducted in cardiology department of the Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China. The seven-phase JBI Evidence Implementation Framework was used to guide the project. Eight audit criteria were developed and a baseline audit was conducted to compare current practice with best practices for RAO prevention. Following the implementation of improvement strategies, a follow-up audit was conducted to evaluate the success of the strategies. The implementation of best practices led to significant improvements in reducing the sheath/catheter size and systematically assessing radial artery patency before discharge, with both criteria reaching 100% compliance. The use of prophylactic ulnar compression increased from 0% to 90%, and the adoption of a minimal pressure strategy improved from 0% to 70%. The use of pre-puncture and post-procedural pre-hemostasis nitrates also increased from 23% to 93%. Barriers to implementation included the lack of dedicated devices for prophylactic ulnar artery compression, the possibility of bleeding after removal of the compression device, absence of an evidence-based care workflow, and absence of nursing assessment record forms for RAO prevention. This project promoted evidence-based practices among nurses for the care of RAO patients following transradial angiography and intervention. Efforts should be made to sustain the best practices in the future. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A261.

Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) Technique: A Case Report Demonstrating Its Cost-Effectiveness in a Resource-Limited Setting

Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) offers a cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia (GA) for wound debridement, improving patient safety, surgical accessibility, and cost-efficiency. This study explores WALANT’s cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes in a resource-limited setting. The patient, E.M., a 27-year-old woman, presented with left upper limb swelling, which began a week after Implanon device removal at another facility. Upon admission, she displayed severe sepsis symptoms, including a blood pressure of 100/58 mmHg, a heart rate of 144 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 39.2℃. Her left upper limb showed swelling, redness, and shininess, leading to a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis with septic shock. Initially, wound debridement was conducted under GA. However, the patient’ s choice to undergo WALANT for her second debridement saved her 89.1% of the cost of performing debridement under GA. This cost reduction significantly benefited the uninsured patient, alleviating the financial burden and also achieved a favorable patient outcome within the constraints of a resource-limited setting.

Single-component artificial urinary sphincter: Outcomes from one centre in Portugal.

Radical prostate cancer treatment is the predominant cause of iatrogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men, significantly impacting their quality of life (QoL). This prospective single-center study in Portugal aimed to evaluate the outcomes of men with moderate-to-severe SUI treated with a single-component artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Male patients with iatrogenic moderate-to-severe SUI, determined by a 24-hour pad weight test, were included. The single-component device comprises a cuff linked to a pump unit through a kink-resistant tube. The implantation involved perineal incision for cuff placement and an inguinal incision for pump and tank positioning within the scrotum. Complications, pad usage, perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), and quality of life assessment using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire were documented. Between May 2021 and March 2023, 20 consecutive single-component AUS insertions were conducted at a Portuguese urology department. Follow-up concluded in July 2023, with a mean follow-up duration of 15 months (range: 5-27). Four patients experienced complications necessitating device revision or removal (erosion = 2, infection = 1, mechanical failure = 1). Social continence (0/1 pad/day) was achieved in 70% (14/20 patients), while 30% (6/20 patients) experienced incontinence. Perioperatively, one patient was classified as grade 2, while the remaining were grade 0/1 in the Clavien-Dindo classification. The mean ICIQ-SF score reduction was 10.5 points. The single-component AUS shows promising efficacy in managing moderate-to-severe male SUI, offering a good success rate, acceptable complications, improved QoL, and a straightforward surgical procedure.

Dutch Nationwide Multicenter Prospective Cohort of Essure-related Symptomatology after Removal Surgery

Study objectiveEssure is a hysteroscopic sterilization device that has been used in the Netherlands since 2003. Essure has received a lot of publicity due to many reported symptoms associated with the device. Because of this, increasing numbers of patients requested surgical removal of Essure devices. There is still limited data available regarding the effect of removal surgery on reported symptoms and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Essure removal surgery on reported symptoms and quality of life. DesignMulticenter prospective study in the Netherlands. SettingSecondary non-teaching hospitals and secondary and tertiary teaching hospitals. PatientsPatients with Essure associated symptoms and a request for surgical removal of devices. InterventionsParticipants were asked to fill out questionnaires at their first clinic visit and 3 and 12 months after removal surgery. Questionnaires included questions regarding patient characteristics, symptoms and quality of life (SF-36). Clinicians also filled in 2 questionnaires, regarding peroperative findings, the removal surgery and post-operative recovery. Measurements and Main Results1248 patients in 32 hospitals were included in the period between May 2016 and April 2019. Mean age was 42.9 years (25-63 years). Most frequent reported symptoms were mood swings (72.4%), fatigue (71.8%), pain in hips, legs or groins (68.3%) and abdominal pain (62.3%). Essure was predominantly removed by laparoscopic salpingectomy (87.3%). Mean follow-up time was 17 months (± 10.8). 3 and 12 months after removal surgery all reported symptoms significantly improved. Quality of life improved significantly on all 9 domains. ConclusionEssure removal surgery was associated with improvement in reported symptoms and quality of life. Patients presenting with Essure related symptoms, should be offered Essure removal surgery, after considering the patient specific risks for surgery.

Effect of the Application of PGF2α Associated With Ovulation Induction in a Fixed-Time Superovulation Programme for Precocious Nellore Heifers.

This study evaluated the effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for ovulation induction in precocious indicus heifers submitted to a fixed-time superovulation (SOV) programme. Precocious Nellore heifers (n = 35), aged 13 months, were subjected to the SOV protocol. On day 0 (D0), all animals received intravaginal insertion of a progesterone (P4) device along with intramuscular administration of 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate, plus 200 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone in decreasing doses, with 12-h intervals between D4 and D7, in addition to 150 μg of D-cloprostenol on D6 and device removal on D7. On D8, the donors received 10.5 μg of buserelin acetate and the treatment group received 300 μg of D-cloprostenol/PGF2α. Artificial insemination was performed 12 h and 24 h after GnRH administration using frozen semen. On D15 of the protocol (i.e., D7 after insemination), the embryos were collected and evaluated. All animals passed through the control and treatment groups. Results were evaluated by analysis of variance using an adjusted mixed-effects model (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the total number of embryos between the control and treatment groups (10.40 ± 1.52 vs. 9.60 ± 1.36; p = 0.63) or viable embryos (6.30 ± 1.22 vs. 4.30 ± 0.71). For precocious indicus heifers, treatment with PGF2α in association with GnRH did not affect embryo production in the fixed-time SOV protocol.

Incidencia de retirada no programada de dispositivos invasivos en enfermos con COVID-19 en cuidados intensivos

IntroductionThe rate of unscheduled removal of invasive devices (ID) is an indicator of quality programmes in the critically ill. Our research group performed prevalence analyses since 2010 and another during the pandemic. The aim was to analyse the rates of use and non-planed removal of endotracheal tubes, catheters (central venous and arterial) and enteral catheters in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic comparing them with previous rates. MethodologyPrevalence study in a polyvalente ICU. After 4 prospective observational analyses (2010, 2011, 2018, 2019) a retrospective analysis was performed (8 March-8 May 2020). Variables: diagnosis, stay and reason for removal of ID (endotracheal tubes (ET), central venous catheters, arterial catheters and enteral catheters) and rate of reintubation after self-removal of ET. Variables analysed and described as accidental removal rates per 1000 device-days and rates of ID use. Results2026 patients were included (631 in 2010, 724 in 2011, 210 in 2018, 361 in 2019 and 100 in 2020). Significant differences, between all periods, in diagnoses (P<.001), ICU stay (P<.001) and mortality (P=.016) and, between 2020 and all other periods, in rates of use per 100 days-stay (P<.010) and per 100 admissions (P<.001) in all devices except arterial catheter. In 2020, there was an increase in ET obstruction (36.0%; rate 20.27 per 1000 intubation/days, P<.010), decrease in ET self-removals (2020 rate: 0.00 per 1000 intubation/days; P<.050) and enteral catheters (14.33 per 1000 catheter/days). Overall reintubation (all periods) after self-extubation: 12.5%. ConclusionsThe rate of devices self-removal in COVID-19 patients in the first wave of the pandemic was lower than that observed in the previous four periods. The high incidence rate of ET obstruction in these patients was significant and relevant.

Incidence and long-term outcomes of upper limb deep vein thrombosis associated with intracardiac devices: analysis of bleeding, recurrence, and sequelae.

Pacemakers (PM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are vital devices in contemporary clinical practice, but their growing adoption poses challenges. Complications, including lead migration, infections, and post-implantation venous thrombosis, underscore the importance of comprehensive investigation. This retrospective observational study enrolled patients diagnosed with upper limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) secondary to intracardiac devices at a tertiary hospital from 2015 to 2022. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and long-term outcomes (bleeding, DVT recurrence and sequelae) in these patients. Across the study period, 2681 intracardiac devices were implanted, with 12 cases of upper limb DVT documented. The majority of patients were male (91.7%), with a mean age of 63.92 years. DVT occurred in patients with PM (50%), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (25%) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (25%). Treatment encompassed low-molecular-weight heparin (91.7%) during the acute episode and long-term anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants (75%) or vitamin K antagonists (25%). Over a mean follow-up period of 33.17 months, half of the patients exhibited long-term sequelae, notably collateral circulation (66.7%). Remarkably, no thrombosis recurrences were observed during follow-up. However, one patient (8.3%) experienced a major bleeding event during treatment, and one patient (8.3%) required device removal (PM) due to persistent symptoms. This study revealed upper limb DVT occurred in 0.45% of patients after intracardiac device implantation. Rate of thrombosis recurrence was low during follow-up. Although half of the patients developed long-term sequelae, the need for prolonged anticoagulant therapy in these cases remains uncertain.

Use of a Schelin catheter for transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) prior to iTIND procedure.

Endorsing the principles of minimal invasiveness in benign-prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery, we conducted the first evaluation of transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using Schelin catheter® (SC) prior to iTIND positioning. Of 23 patients enrolled, 11 (48%) received TUIA via SC whereas the remaining underwent standard anesthesia protocol. Pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS). No differences between cohorts were observed for pain during the device implantation and removal. Conversely, significantly lower median VAS scores were reported at 24- (1.0 vs. 3.0) and 48- (1.0 vs. 2.5) hour follow-up favoring TUIA. SC TUIA offers effective pain control during iTIND procedures, supporting its use in outpatient settings.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Device Failure Causing Progressive Cervical Myelopathy and Requiring Revision Cervical Corpectomy.

Cervical disc arthroplasty is a well-established alternative to anterior cervical fusion but requires precise placement for optimal outcomes. We present the case of a 2-level cervical disc arthroplasty with suboptimal implantation of the interbody devices, requiring revision corpectomy. Supplemental video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 (http://links.lww.com/CLINSPINE/A358) content of the revision surgery is also provided. This report highlights the importance of proper implant sizing and position and reviews the nuances of surgical revision. A retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic data was performed from prior to the index operation through the 3-month postoperative period after the surgical revision. The patient presented approximately 2 years post-cervical arthroplasty with increasing neck pain and early cervical myelopathy. An imaging workup revealed severe cervical stenosis at the caudal level with cord compression and concern for device failure. Intraoperatively, the core of the caudal device was found to have ejected into the spinal canal. A cervical corpectomy of the intervening vertebra with the removal of both devices was performed. The patient had a complete neurologic recovery. Although failure of a cervical disc arthroplasty device is rare, the likelihood can be significantly increased with poor sizing (over or under sizing), asymmetric placement, endplate violation, or poor patient selection. In the case presented herein, early device failure was unrecognized, and the patient went on to develop progressive cervical myelopathy requiring revision corpectomy.

Reconstructing Failure: Assessing Surgical and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Loss of Initial Breast Reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction failure, defined as the removal of a prosthetic device or flap without immediate replacement, can be traumatic for patients. We aim to describe the progression of patients who experience tissue expander (TE), implant, or autologous breast reconstructive failure and assess the patient reported outcomes (PROs) among patients who undergo additional reconstruction. Patients undergoing TE, implant, or autologous breast reconstruction between 2017 and 2022 were included, and patients with reconstructive failures were identified. Outcomes of interests included (1) receipt of additional reconstruction and (2) BREAST-Q scores 1-year after reconstructive failure. We also performed a propensity-matched analysis between patients who undergo secondary reconstruction and patients who had an uncomplicated reconstruction. 4,258 TE, 4,420 implant, and 1,545 autologous breast reconstruction patients were included. Of patients who experienced reconstructive failures, 49.5% of TE, 4.8% of implant, and 53.8% of autologous patients underwent secondary reconstruction. Age, psychiatric diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation, and mastectomy type were associated with increased likelihood of secondary reconstruction. Between patients with and without additional reconstruction, higher Psychosocial Well-being trended towards the former cohort (61 [Interquartile Range: 56, 80] vs 50 [46, 65], p=0.085). Propensity-matched analysis demonstrated comparable PROs at 1-year after definite reconstruction. Less than half of reconstructive failure patients undergo an additional reconstruction. Patients with secondary reconstruction may have improved Psychosocial Well-being than those who do not and comparable PROs to those who had uncomplicated initial reconstruction. Surgeons should counsel patients with reconstructive failures that although traumatizing, secondary reconstruction may be beneficial.