Shorter Procedure Time Research Articles

Abstract 12639: Comparison of Very High-Power Short-Duration, High-Power Short-Duration, and Low-Power Long-Duration Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The optimal power and duration settings for radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear. We compared low-power long-duration (LPLD), high-power short-duration (HPSD), and very HPSD (vHPSD) settings for AF ablation. Hypothesis: Ablation utilizing HPSD and vHPSD are expected to have shorter procedural times than LPLD and may have improved arrhythmic outcomes. Aims: To compare LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD ablation by network meta-analysis Methods: This network meta-analysis (NMA) was structured according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Observational and randomized studies were included. Eligible studies compared outcomes in AF patients who underwent first-time RF ablation with the following settings: vHPSD (70-90 Watts for 3-10 seconds), HPSD (45-60 W, 5-10 s), or LPLD (20-40 W, 20-60 s). Results: Thirty-six studies comprising 10375 patients were included (33% female). Frequentist NMA showed LPLD tended towards a lower odds of freedom from arrhythmia (FFA) vs. HPSD (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-1.00). There was no difference in FFA between vHPSD vs. HPSD. Splitwise interval estimates showed a lower odds of FFA in LPLD vs. vHPSD on direct (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.93) and network estimates (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98). Frequentist NMA showed less total procedural (TP) time with HPSD vs. LPLD (generic variance 1.06, 95% CI 0.83-1.29) and no difference between HPSD vs. vHPSD. Conclusion: This NMA shows improved procedural times in HPSD and vHPSD vs. LPLD. Although HPSD tended towards improved odds of FFA compared to LPLD, the result was not statistically significant. The odds of FFA in LPLD was lower vs. vHPSD on direct and network estimates on splitwise interval analysis. Randomized clinical trials are needed to validate HPSD and vHPSD settings.

Evaluating endovenous laser and glue ablation in the treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency: A 5-year retrospective comparative study

Aim: The use of endovascular thermal and nonthermal methods in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency has been in practice for over 10 years. The early results of these practices have been published and extensively discussed. Medium and long-term results are now being announced. In our study, we discussed the results of endovenous laser ablation and endovenous glue ablation methods, along with hemodynamic evaluations. Material and Methods: Doppler USG and Digital Photo Plethysmography were used to examine patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the C2-5 group who received endovenous ablation indication. Records of VCSS and CIVIQ-20 were obtained. Measurements were taken at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. Procedural and post-procedural variables were compared, and the results were obtained for a 5-year period. Results: The demographic profiles of the groups were similar. The duration of the procedure was significantly longer in the EVLA group. Similarly, the pain during the procedure was statistically significantly higher in the EVLA group. Venous refill time and venous half-life time showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups. While there were close to 100% closure rates in both groups during the first 6 months, the rates decreased to 95.2% in EVLA and 93.5% in EVGA by the end of the fifth year. Conclusion: With 5 years of objective and subjective findings, both EVLA and EVGA are effective and reliable methods with their advantages and disadvantages. However, EVGA may be more preferred by patients because it does not require tumescent anesthesia, causes less pain, and has a shorter procedure time.

Abstract 054: Transradial Thrombectomy Using "Sheathless PV" Guide Catheter in Armenia: Three‐Year Institutional Experience in 103 Cases

Introduction Transradial access (TRA) in neuroendovascular procedures has gained popularity in recent years (1). It offers numerous advantages and stimulated development of long flexible large lumen guiding catheters as well as adoption of existing cost‐efficient alternatives used in cardiac and peripheral interventions (2,3). We report our three‐year experience using the Sheathless PV guide catheter (Asahi Intecc, Japan) in a consecutive series of acute stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (ET) at a Comprehensive Stroke Center in Yerevan, Armenia. The interest in its use specifically for TRA stemmed from competitive price (∼ $100 per catheter vs ), hydrophilic coating of the outer shaft, as well as lack of femoral closure devices in the country. Methods We retrospectively identified all consecutive acute stroke patients who had undergone ET via TRA from a prospectively maintained institutional stroke database between June 2020 and June 2023. Data were collected on determinants of decision to proceed with TRA‐first approach, baseline patient imaging and clinical characteristics, location of the occlusion, puncture‐to‐reperfusion time (PT‐RT), conversion to transfemoral access (TFA), periprocedural complications, and procedural/clinical outcomes. Results were compared to patients who underwent TFA‐first ET over the same time period. The Mann‐Whitney U‐test was used to analyze the continuous variables and chi‐square test was used for categorical variables. Standardized TRA technique involved exchanging the puncture needle to a short 6Fr introducer first, then over a J‐wire, to a 90cm (0.090" ID/0.110" OD) Sheathless PV guide catheter over a dilator. The dilator was then removed, and a long JR4 diagnostic catheter was used to select cervical vessels over a 0.035 wire and advance the guide over in a triaxial fashion. Results A total of 538 patients underwent ET during the analyzed 3‐year period, of which access was either not recorded, or was other than TRA/TFA in 23 patients (excluded from analysis). Of the remaining 515 patients, 103 had TRA‐first (all using Sheathless PV guide catheter) and 412 had TFA‐first (various guide catheters). The decision to proceed with TRA was at the discretion of the operator and was influenced by presence of bovine arch on CTA (for left anterior occlusions), favorable angle between the right subclavian and the right common carotid arteries (for right anterior occlusions), dominant right vertebral artery or favorable angle of V1 origin (for posterior circulation occlusions). Of 103 TRA cases, 71 (68.9%) were in the right carotid circulation, 18 (17.5%) ‐ in the left carotid circulation, and 14 (13.6%) in posterior circulation. TRA‐>TFA conversion occurred in 5 patients (4.8%), TFA‐>TRA ‐ in 1 patient (0.24%) all of which were due to prohibitive anatomy, rather than guide catheter limitations. There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics between the TRA and TFA groups. Angiographic outcomes (TICI 2B or greater) were similar for TRA vs TFA (96.1% vs 93.9%, p=0.39), as were good clinical outcome (discharge mRS 0‐2) rates (58% vs 55.4%, p=0.63). There was a trend towards shorter PT‐RT with TRA (29.5 min vs 38.3 min) although it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.11). No access‐related complications were noted with TRA. Conclusion Transradial thrombectomy using Sheathless PV Guide catheter is safe, effective, and offers substantial cost‐savings and shorter procedural times with low rate of access conversions, similar to other reported TRA thrombectomy series. Randomized trials are needed to validate its rates of technical success and complications against other frequently‐used TRA guide catheters.

A comparative study between surgical cut down and percutaneous closure devices in management of large bore arterial access

BackgroundCompared to conventional open surgery, minimally invasive catheter-based procedures have less post procedural complications. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) require large bore arterial access. Optimal site management of large bore arterial access is pivotal to reduce the hospital-acquired complications associated with large bore arterial access. We wanted to compare surgical cutdown versus percutaneous closure devices in site management of large bore arterial access.MethodsParticipants planned for TAVI or EVAR with large bore arterial access more than 10 French were included, while participants with history of bypass surgery, malignancies, thrombophilia, or sepsis were excluded. A consecutive sample of 100 participants (mean age 74.66 ± 2.65 years, 61% males) was selected, underwent TAVI or EVAR with surgical cutdown (group 1) versus TAVI or EVAR with Proglide™ percutaneous closure device (group 2).ResultsThe incidence rate of hematoma was significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (p = 0.014), the mean procedure time (minutes) and the median hospital stay (days) were significantly higher in group 1 versus group 2 (t(98) = − 2.631, p = 0.01, and U = 2.403, p = 0.018, respectively), and the c-reactive protein pre-procedure and the c-reactive protein post-procedure were significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (U = -2.969, p = 0.003, and U = -2.674, p = 0.007, respectively).ConclusionsOur study showed a lower incidence rate of large bore arterial access complications as hematoma, a shorter procedure time, and a shorter hospital stay with percutaneous closure devices compared to surgical cutdown.

Comparison of Transradial Access and Transfemoral Access for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography in the Elderly Population

Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of transradial access (TRA) compared with conventional transfemoral access (TFA) for diagnostic cerebral angiography in elderly patients (≥65 years of age). We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving cerebral angiography via TRA or TFA between October 2020 and December 2021 at 3 institutions. Basic patient characteristics, angiographic data, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were collected for analysis. Of the 357 enrolled elderly patients, 175 were performed through TRA and 182 were performed through TFA. There was no significant difference in mean fluoroscopy time (8.6 ± 3.8 minutes vs. 9.1 ± 3.1 minutes; P= 0.103) and radiation exposure (47.7 ± 10.8 Gy-cm2 vs. 49.8 ± 11.3 Gy-cm2; P= 0.068) between the TRA and TFA groups. However, the TRA group had a shorter procedural time (54.7 ± 6.2 minutes vs. 61.1 ± 5.6 minutes; P < 0.001) and less contrast agent (83.2 ± 28.1 mL vs. 100.1 ± 26.2 mL; P < 0.001) than the TFA group. In terms of safety, the incidence of minor vascular access complications in the TRA group was lower than that in the TFA group (1.7% vs. 8.8%; P= 0.003). The incidence of serious complications and neurologic complications in the TRA group was also lower, although the difference was not statistically significant. Overall patient satisfaction was higher in the TRA group than that in the TFA group. TRA was an efficient and safe alternative to conventional TFA in elderly patients who underwent diagnostic cerebral angiography and who underwent TRA were more satisfied. Findings supported the radial-first strategy for cerebral angiography in elderly populations.

Direct cost variance analysis of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs heller myotomy for management of achalasia: A tertiary referral center experience.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times. Studies comparing the direct cost-effectiveness of POEM vs LHM are limited. To compare costs of POEM vs LHM. This retrospective chart review aimed to compare the outcomes and cost of clinical care between patients who underwent POEM and LHM procedures for achalasia. The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center from January 2019 to December 2020. Clinical outcomes, including post-operative Eckardt scores and adverse events, were assessed and compared between the two groups. Direct cost variance analysis was utilized to evaluate the cost of clinical care incurred by patients undergoing POEM in the year preceding the procedure, during the index admission, and one year post-procedure, in comparison to patients undergoing LHM. Of 30 patients were included (15 POEM and 15 LHM) in the study. Patients in the POEM group had a mean Eckardt score of 0.5 ± 0.5 post-procedure, which was no different from patients in the LHM group (0.7 ± 0.6, P = 0.17) indicating comparative efficacy. However, the total costs of the admission for the procedure in the LHM group were on average $1827 more expensive than in the POEM group (P < 0.01). Total healthcare costs one year prior to index procedure were $7777 higher in the LHM group, but not statistically different (P = 0.34). The patients in the LHM group one year after the index procedure had accrued $19730.24 larger total cost, although this was not statistically different from POEM group (P = 0.68). Despite similar clinical outcomes, the cost of the index procedure admission for POEM was significantly lower than for LHM. The difference was primarily related to shorter time increments utilized in the operating room during the index procedure, and shorter length of hospital stay following POEM.

Distal placement of balloon guide catheter facilitates stent-retriever mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation.

Although balloon guide catheters (BGCs) have been demonstrated to improve recanalization and functional outcomes by enabling proximal flow control and forced aspiration during mechanical thrombectomy (MT), the significance of the BGC location has been overlooked. We evaluated the impact of BGC location during MT for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients were divided into the proximal and distal BGC groups according to the BGC tip location relative to the lower margin of the C1 vertebral body. Endovascular and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups, including subgroup analyses of the two types of extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) anatomy, categorized based on cerebral angiography. A total of 124 patients were analyzed, with 62 each in the proximal and distal BGC placement groups. The distal BGC group had higher rates of first-pass recanalization (FPR) (38.7% vs. 17.7%, P = 0.009) and favorable outcomes (64.5% vs. 46.8%, P = 0.047) with shorter procedure time (47.5min vs. 65min, P = 0.001) and fewer distal embolization (3.2% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.048) than the proximal BGC group. FPR was also more frequently achieved in the distal BGC group of patients with tortuous ICA (37.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis showed that distal BGC placement was an independent predictor of FPR (odds ratio, 3.092; 95% confidence interval, 1.326-7.210; P = 0.009). Distal BGC placement facilitates MT for AIS in the anterior circulation. Therefore, we suggest distal BGC placement to maximize the effect of thrombectomy, even for tortuous extracranial ICA.

50-W vs 40-W During High-Power Short-Duration Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Multicenter Prospective Study

BackgroundHigh-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases first-pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and freedom from atrial arrhythmias while decreasing procedural time. However, the optimal power setting in terms of safety and efficacy has not been determined. ObjectivesThis study compared the procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of 50-W vs 40-W during HPSD ablation of paroxysmal AF. MethodsPatients from the REAL-AF prospective multicenter registry (Real-World Experience of Catheter Ablation for Treatment of Symptomatic Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) undergoing HPSD ablation of paroxysmal AF, either using 50-W or 40-W, were included. The primary efficacy outcome was freedom from all-atrial arrhythmias. The primary safety outcome was the occurrence of any procedural complication at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included procedural characteristics, AF-related symptoms, and the occurrence of transient ischemic attack or stroke at 12 months. ResultsA total of 383 patients were included. Freedom from all-atrial arrhythmias at 12 months was 80.7% in the 50-W group and 77.3% in the 40-W group (Log-rank P = 0.387). The primary safety outcome occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 50-W group vs 2.8% in the 40-W group (P = 0.646). The 50-W group had a higher rate of first-pass PVI (82.3% vs 76.2%; P = 0.040) as well as shorter procedural (67 minutes [IQR: 54-87.5 minutes] vs 93 minutes [IQR: 80.5-111 minutes]; P < 0.001) and radiofrequency ablation times (15 minutes [IQR: 11.4-20 minutes] vs 27 minutes [IQR: 21.5-34.6 minutes]; P < 0.001) than the 40-W group. ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in freedom from all-atrial arrhythmias or procedural safety outcomes between 50-W and 40-W during HPSD ablation of paroxysmal AF. The use of 50-W was associated with a higher rate of first-pass PVI as well as shorter procedural times.

Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Versus Conventional Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Superficial Non-ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors ≤20mm: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is increasingly applied in the treatment of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of UEMR for SNADETs ≤20mm in comparison with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR). The following electronic databases were searched from 2012 until November 20, 2021: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science databases, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were the rates of en bloc resection and complete (R0) resection, and the secondary outcomes were procedure time, adverse events (delayed bleeding and delayed perforation), and recurrence rate. A total of 6 studies with 679 lesions (331 underwent UEMR and 348 CEMR) were included in this study. The pooled analysis showed that UMER achieves a similar en bloc resection rate (87.6 vs. 89.9%; odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 3.73; P =0.64; I2 =74%), a similar R0 resection rate (67.3 vs. 73.6%; OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.55 to 2.23; P =0.78; I2 =59%), a shorter procedure time (min) (mean difference [MD], -4.05, 95% CI: -6.40 to -1.71; P =0.0007; I2 =70%) compared with CEMR. There were no significant differences in the rates of delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, and recurrence (2.4 vs. 1.7%, 0 vs. 0.6%, 2.2 vs. 4.4%, respectively). This meta-analysis demonstrated that UEMR appears to be an effective and safe alternative to CEMR for SNADETs ≤20mm.

Intracardiac Echocardiography Guidance Improves Procedural Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cavotricuspidal Isthmus Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter.

Atrial flutter (AFL) represents a prevalent variant of supraventricular tachycardia, distinguished by a macro-reentrant pathway encompassing the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI). Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation stands as the favored therapeutic modality for managing recurring CTI-dependent AFL. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been proposed as a method to reduce radiation exposure during CTI ablation. This study aims to comprehensively compare procedural parameters between ICE-guided CTI ablation and fluoroscopy-only procedures. A total of 370 consecutive patients were enrolled in our single-center retrospective study. In 151 patients, procedures were performed using fluoroscopy guidance only, while 219 patients underwent ICE-guided CTI ablation. ICE guidance significantly reduced fluoroscopy time (73 (36; 175) s vs. 900 (566; 1179) s; p < 0.001), fluoroscopy dose (2.45 (0.6; 5.1) mGy vs. 40.5 (25.7; 62.9) mGy; p < 0.001), and total procedure time (70 (52; 90) min vs. 87.5 (60; 102.5) min; p < 0.001). Total ablation time (657 (412; 981) s vs. 910 (616; 1367) s; p < 0.001) and the time from the first to last ablation (20 (11; 36) min vs. 40 (25; 55) min; p < 0.01) were also significantly shorter in the ICE-guided group. Acute success rate was 100% in both groups, and no major complications occurred in either group. ICE-guided CTI ablation in patients with AFL resulted in shorter procedure times, reduced fluoroscopy exposure, and decreased ablation times, compared to the standard fluoroscopy-only approach.

Image-guided preplanning workflow for high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for gynecological malignancies

PurposeTo demonstrate image-guided preplan workflows for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for advanced gynecological malignancies. METHODS AND MATERIALSTwo different preplanning scenarios are presented: (1) CT- or MRI-based preplan with partial applicator in place; (2) Preplans generated from prior fractions. The first scenario can be applied to Syed-Neblett template-based implants or hybrid brachytherapy applicators, while the second scenario applies to hybrid applicators. Both scenarios use MRI or CT images acquired with the applicator in place to demonstrate tumor and applicator relative locations and therefore, provide the ability to show optimized suggested needle positions including the implant depths before the actual insertion. RESULTSThe preplanning techniques have demonstrated feasibility and shown five areas of potential improvement: (1) shorter procedure time, (2) decreased number of total needles inserted, (3) shorter physician tumor contour time, (4) shorter planning time, and (5) evaluation of appropriateness for brachytherapy. ConclusionsThe use of image-guided brachytherapy preplanning improves clinical efficiency and is recommended for consideration for adaptation into clinical workflows for HDR interstitial and hybrid brachytherapy.

Comparation of the outcomes between ProGlide based post-closure technique and arteriotomy repair for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation

PurposeTo compare outcomes between post-closure technique based on ProGlide and arteriotomy repair for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) decannulation in this study. Materials and methodsPatients who received VA-ECMO treatment and successfully removed from its support in Changhai Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were included in this study. Patients was divided into post-closure group and surgical repair group according to the artery access closure method used. Clinical data of these patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. ResultsA total of 58 patients were eventually enrolled in this study, including 26 (44.83%) patients in post-closure group and 32 (55.17%) patients in surgical repair group. Post-closure group had shorter procedure time, less minor bleeding events, estimated blood loss and packed cells transfused compared with the surgical repair group. The intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay after decannulation and the hospital length of stay after ICU in post-closure group were both shorter than surgical repair group. Nine patients (15.52%) died of multiple system organ failure after decannulation in this cohort and there were no significant differences between two groups. ConclusionsOur study showed the post-closure technique based on ProGlide for VA-ECMO decannulation is feasible, safe and effective.

Which Laser System is Optimal for Cystolithotripsy of Large Bladder Calculi?

A variety of laser sources are available to treat bladder stones. The aim of this study was to compare time and cost efficiency of the thulium fiber laser (TFL) to four holmium lasers (HLs) with different powers or technologies, including MOSES™ during simulated cystolithotripsy. In a benchtop simulation of laser cystolithotripsy, 25 identical 4-cm BegoStones (calcium oxalate monohydrate consistency) were placed on a grid within a 3D-printed bladder model. Lasers were operated at maximal energy, using a 550 µm fiber. Lasers compared were: 60W TFL, 120W HL with MOSES™, conventional 120W, 100W, and 30W HLs. Five trials were performed for each laser with endpoints of laser time, total time, number of fiber strippings, and total energy. Cost effectiveness was modelled using laser purchase price, fiber, and OR time cost. ANOVA with Tukey's B post hoc was performed to compare outcomes. Spearman's test was used to assess correlation between laser power and procedure time. The laser and total operating times were significantly different between the five systems (p<0.001). The 120W HL with MOSES™ was the fastest with 60.9 min laser and 68.3 min procedure times, while the 30W HL was the slowest with 281.2 min laser and 297.5 min procedure times. The 60W TFL was faster than the 30W HL, but slower than the higher power HLs. Higher laser power was associated with shorter procedure time (Rs=-0.98; p=0.002). When estimating cost per procedure, the MOSES™ HL was the cheapest, but had the highest purchase cost. The TFL was not cost-effective for large bladder stones compared to the 100W HL. When treating large bladder stones, total laser power was highly correlated with laser and procedure times and the TFL was limited by its total power. The most cost-effective laser for use will depend on the case volume.

Guiding ablation strategies for ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease by analyzing links and conversion patterns of traceable abnormal late potential zone.

Substrate-based ablation can treat uninducible or hemodynamically instability scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, whether a correlation exists between the critical VT isthmus and late activation zone (LAZ) during sinus rhythm (SR) is unknown. To demonstrate the structural and functional properties of abnormal substrates and analyze the link between the VT circuit and abnormal activity during SR. Thirty-six patients with scar-related VT (age, 50.0 ± 13.7 years and 86.1% men) who underwent VT ablation were reviewed. The automatic rhythmia ultrahigh resolution mapping system was used for electroanatomic substrate mapping. The clinical characteristics and mapping findings, particularly the LAZ characteristics during SR and VT, were analyzed. To determine the association between the LAZ during the SR and VT circuits, the LAZ was defined as five activation patterns: entrance, exit, core, blind alley, and conduction barrier. Forty-five VTs were induced in 36 patients, 91.1% of which were monomorphic. The LAZ of all patients was mapped during the SR and VT circuits, and the consistency of the anatomical locations of the LAZ and VT circuits was analyzed. Using the ultrahigh resolution mapping system, interconversion patterns, including the bridge, T, puzzle, maze, and multilayer types, were identified. VT ablation enabled precise ablation of abnormal late potential conduction channels. Five interconversion patterns of the LAZ during the SR and VT circuits were summarized. These findings may help formulate more precise substrate-based ablation strategies for scar-related VT and shorter procedure times.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Postoperative Outcomes Between Peroral Esophageal Myotomy and Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy With Fundoplication: A Systematic Review.

Achalasia, a neurodegenerative disease caused by the progressive destruction of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus, is accompanied by incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) coupled with fundoplication has been the gold standard procedure for achalasia. Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) has recently gained popularity as it is minimally invasive, has fewer adverse events, and has excellent short-term outcomes. So, we aimed to compare the clinical efficacy, safety, and postoperative outcomes between LHM and POEM. We did a systematic review by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)guidelines for 2020 and exploring research databases such as PUBMED and PMC Central, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. After appropriate screenings, articles relevant to the review were scrutinized based on the eligibility criteria. Quality assessment tools such as the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and theassessment of multiple systematic reviews(AMSTAR) were used to finalize the articles. A total of 11 articles (seven observational studies, two RCTs, and two systematic reviews) were included in the review after a quality check. The study included 2127 patients, classified into 981 for POEM and 1146 for LHM, who had undergone treatment for achalasia. Most of the studies had a follow-up of ≤ two years. Comparing efficacy, POEM had similar results to LHM in terms of Eckardt scores. However, abnormal DeMeester scores were found in POEM. Adverse events were significantly higher in LHM when compared to POEM in terms of safety. Peroral esophageal myotomy also stood out as having a shorter procedure time, a shorter hospital stay, and lesser odds of being a clinical failure. As for postoperative outcomes, despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, LHM was more effective in preventing the development of esophagitis compared to POEM due to partial fundoplication.Postoperative reflux and the development of esophagitis remain certain with POEM and need to be followed up with more studies with longer follow-ups. However, POEM still stands as a better choice compared to LHM in terms of efficacy and safety.

Three Ablation Techniques for Atrial Fibrillation during Concomitant Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a frequent procedure used in concomitant cardiac surgery. However, uncertainty still exists concerning the optimal extent of lesion sets. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the results of various ablation techniques, aiming to offer a reference for clinical decision making. This review is listed in the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under ID CRD42023412785. A comprehensive search was conducted across eight databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, EBSCOHost, PubMed, Medline, Wiley, ProQuest, and Embase) up to 18 April 2023. Studies were critically appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 for randomized control trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale adapted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for cohort studies. Forest plots of pooled effect estimates and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) were used for the analysis. Our analysis included 39 studies and a total of 7207 patients. Both bi-atrial ablation (BAA) and left atrial ablation (LAA) showed similar efficacy in restoring sinus rhythm (SR; BAA (77.9%) > LAA (76.2%) > pulmonary vein isolation (PVI; 66.5%); LAA: OR = 1.08 (CI 0.94-1.23); PVI: OR = 1.36 (CI 1.08-1.70)). However, BAA had higher pacemaker implantation (LAA: OR = 0.51 (CI 0.37-0.71); PVI: OR = 0.52 (CI 0.31-0.86)) and reoperation rates (LAA: OR = 0.71 (CI 0.28-1.45); PVI: OR = 0.31 (CI 0.1-0.64)). PVI had the lowest efficacy in restoring SR and a similar complication rate to LAA, but had the shortest procedure time (Cross-clamp (Xc): PVI (93.38) > LAA (37.36) > BAA (13.89)); Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): PVI (93.93) > LAA (56.04) > BAA (0.03)). We suggest that LAA is the best surgical technique for AF ablation due to its comparable effectiveness in restoring SR, its lower rate of pacemaker requirement, and its lower reoperation rate compared to BAA. Furthermore, LAA ranks as the second-fastest procedure after PVI, with a similar CPB time.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnostic and staging purposes: a narrative review.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) is a feasible and well-tolerated modality that is increasingly used to diagnose intrathoracic lesions. This narrative review summarizes the current application of EUS-B-FNA for diagnosing lung cancer, thoracic sarcoidosis, and metastases from extrathoracic malignancies. A comprehensive and systematic online literature search via Medline/PubMed for the period January 2005 to December 2022 was conducted for articles published using the keywords "EUS-B-FNA", "endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)", "endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)", "lung cancer", "staging", and "sarcoidosis". Recent data prove the efficacy and safety of EUS-B-FNA for providing complete lung cancer staging, when combined with EBUS-TBNA, and in the evaluation of para-esophageal lesions. EUS-B-FNA allows access to inferior mediastinal lymph nodes and para-esophageal masses that are not accessible by EBUS-TBNA. Additional advantages of using EUS-B-FNA include significantly lower doses of anesthetics and sedatives, a shorter procedural time, fewer incidents of oxygen desaturation due to a poor respiratory reserve, significantly less cough, and higher operator satisfaction. Moreover, this procedure can be performed sequentially in the same setting with EBUS-TBNA by one operator. Other benefits include a lower cost, a single setting, and scope use. As EUS-B-FNA and EBUS-TBNA have complementary access to the mediastinum, the diagnostic yield of EUS-B-FNA combined with EBUS-TBNA is higher than that of endosonographic techniques alone in the diagnostic workup of intrathoracic lesions.

Application of image overlapping in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

To investigate the application of ultrasound and CT image overlap in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A total of 140 patients with complicated kidney stones requiring PCNL were prospectively enrolled, from January 2020 to December 2022. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, with 70 patients each in the research group and the control group. All participants underwent dual-source, non-contrast CT scan of both kidneys and pelvis before surgery. Preoperative three-dimensional CT reconstruction and simulated puncture were performed in patients from the research group. The best puncture path was determined through ultrasound and CT image overlap. Puncture guided by regular CT and ultrasound was conducted in patients from the control group. Differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups were compared. Compared to the control group, the research group had higher stone clearance rate in stage I PCNL, success rate of one-time puncture, less percutaneous channels, less reduction of hemoglobin and shorter procedure time. Complications in stage I PCNL were comparable in the two groups, and there was no significant change in the final stone clearance rates between the two groups. An optimal puncture channel can be chosen using ultrasound and CT image overlap. PCNL can be achieved with precise puncturing, thus achieving coincidence between imaging and anatomy and reducing the amount of blood loss during stage I of PCNL. It also shortens the procedure time and improves stone clearance rate of PCNL.

Comparison of Fine-Needle Biopsy (FNB) versus Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Combined with Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Deep-Seated Lymphoma.

Evidence comparing ultrasound endoscopy-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in deep-seated lymphoma tissue sampling is insufficient. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of immunohistochemistry (IHC) or flow cytometry (FCM) on specimens obtained from EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA in the diagnosis and staging of deep-seated lymphomas. This real-world, dual-center study prospectively evaluated all eligible specimens from patients who underwent EUS-FNB/FNA over an 8-year period. 53 patients were enrolled, with 23 patients in the EUS-FNB group and 30 patients in the EUS-FNA group. FNB yielded specimens with longer core tissues (0.80 mm [0.55, 1.00] vs. 0.45 mm [0.30, 0.50], p = 0.009) and higher scores of specimen adequacy [4 (3.75, 4.00) vs. 3 (1.00, 4.00), p = 0.025]. Overall analysis revealed that the diagnostic accuracy of IHC based on specimens acquired from EUS-FNB was significantly higher than that of EUS-FNA (91.30% vs. 60.00%, p = 0.013). After controlling confounding factors including lesion size and endoscopists, EUS-FNB with IHC maintained a higher-level diagnostic accuracy compared to EUS-FNA (OR = 1.292 [1.037-1.609], p = 0.023). When FCM was additionally used to analyze the specimen acquired from EUS-FNA, the diagnostic yield was significantly improved (ROC AUC: 0.733 vs. 0.550, p = 0.015), and the AUC of FNB alone or combined with FCM was 0.739 and 0.761. Conclusions: FNB needles generate higher histopathological diagnostic accuracy and specimen quality than FNA for the deep-seated lymphoma. Though the application of FCM significantly improves the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA, FNB was still the preferred diagnostic modality with a shorter procedure time, comparable diagnostic accuracy, and better cost-effectiveness.

Outpatient percutaneous image-guided microwave ablation with monitored anesthesia care: An exploratory study

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility, safety, and periprocedural perception of pain for a combination approach of moderate and deep sedation for image-guided percutaneous microwave ablation of both primary and secondary malignant lesions. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 33 image-guided percutaneous microwave ablation procedures performed on 33 patients in an outpatient-based interventional radiology center. We used a combination of midazolam, fentanyl, propofol, and/or ketamine to achieve mild to moderate sedation for the procedure, and also to achieve deeper sedation as needed for the ablation portion. ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all image-guided percutaneous microwave ablation procedures. Mean procedural time was 49.4 min. There were no major complications. Intraprocedural pain was absent in all patients. All 33 patients were deemed fit for discharge within 30 min following the procedure. ConclusionThe combination approach of moderate and deep sedation for anesthesia during image-guided percutaneous microwave ablation is an advantageous option. This approach has a strong safety profile, good technical success, short procedure times, low levels of intraprocedural and post-procedural pain, and short recovery from anesthesia.