Thromboembolic Complications Research Articles

ThP6.13 - A closed loop clinical audit on adherence of weight-based and renal function-adjusted venous thromboprophylaxis prescribing to local guidelines in emergency general surgical patients

Abstract Aims to audit adherence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis according to local trust guidelines in a single-centre emergency general surgery department, adjusting doses based on weight and renal function (creatinine clearance). Following initial audit of practice, intervention to improve local practice was implemented with informative posters and teaching sessions, aiming to improve overall adherence to guidelines and limit risk of complications from incorrect dosing. Methods A two-cycle snapshot audit of VTE prophylaxis prescribing was conducted in a district general hospital emergency general surgery department against local guidelines concerning VTE prophylaxis. All current inpatients admitted under general surgery were included in the study reviewing baseline characteristics including age, weight, and creatinine clearance. Results The first cycle audited the adherence of departmental practice against guidelines in 57 inpatients. 49 (86.0%) were prescribed VTE prophylaxis in accordance with local guidelines. Of the 8 patients who did not adhere to guidelines, 5 (62.5%) had no VTE prophylaxis prescribed, while 3 (37.5%) had incorrect doses prescribed for their weight or renal function. The second cycle audited 43 inpatients. 39 (90.7%) adhered to guidelines. All re-audited patients had the correct VTE prophylaxis prescribed, although there was no VTE prophylaxis prescribed in 4 (9.3%) patients. There were no bleeding or thromboembolic complication in any patients over the course of admission in both cycles of this audit. Conclusion Adherence to local guidelines concerning VTE prophylaxis was increased following intervention. This eliminated VTE prophylaxis prescribing errors, although did not improve the amount of VTE prophylaxis prescription omissions.

SP7.1 - Risk Profile of Administration of 3- and 4-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Adult Anticoagulated Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aims To establish thromboembolic complication (TC, primary outcome) and mortality (secondary outcome) Odds Ratios (ORs) following 3-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC3, Comparator Group [CG] 1) and 4-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC4, CG2) administration, compared to Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) alone, in adult Vitamin K antagonist-anticoagulated trauma patients. Methods Systematic database and grey literature searches were performed. Random effects model meta-analyses were undertaken for each of this study’s outcomes, producing ORs and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CIs). The I2 statistic was used to quantify interstudy heterogeneity. Inverse Variance, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine interstudy demographic/treatment differences. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, study quality with the GRADE tool. Results 8 papers met inclusion criteria (CG1 n=3, CG2 n=3), 2 were excluded due to insufficient reported information. TC incidence was not significantly increased following PCC3 administration (ORcombined effect1.57, 95% CI 0.24-10.51, p=0.64). Meta-analysis was not performed on TC incidence in CG2 owing to only 1 paper reporting this outcome. Mortality risk was not significantly increased following PCC3 (ORcombined effect1.61, 95%CI 0.27-9.51, p=0.60) or PCC4 (ORcombined effect2.19, 95%CI 0.96-4.98, p=0.06) administration. Admission Injury Severity Score (ISS) and age varied significantly between papers included in CG1 (mean­ISS=15.5, 95%CI=12.0-20.1, p<0.05, meanage=75.3years, 95%CI=65.5-86.7, p<0.05) and CG2 (meanISS=15.1, 95%CI=13.4-17.0, p<0.05, meanage=79.2years, 95%CI=74.7-84.1, p<0.05). Conclusion TC risk is not overtly increased following PCC3 administration, compared to FFP. The same is true for mortality risk following PCC3 and PCC4 administration. There is substantial room for bias in the results reported, further research is warranted.

Clinical application of clinical decision support systems in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation

Cardiology, like other branches of medicine, is increasingly faced with the need not only to optimize patient treatment, reduce financial costs, but also to improve long-term outcomes. The volume of information required for such tasks is significant, and a doctor’s time is severely limited. Additional software capable of processing large amounts of data in a short period can assist doctors. Clinical decision support system (CDSS) is a type of software that, based on numerous clinical characteristics, provides doctors with information on the most likely diagnosis, patient risk profile, most suitable therapy, and more. Nowadays, CDSS finding more and more applications in cardiology and cardiovascular medicine. The experience of its clinical use has also been accumulated in the Russian Federation. The problem of the correct choice of anticoagulant therapy remains relevant in clinical practice. In addition, despite the proven benefit of prescribing anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at a high risk, the frequency of "underprescription" of oral anticoagulants (OACs) remains relatively high. The introduction of a strategy for a personalized approach to the selection of anticoagulants, based on individual patient characteristics, can significantly improve adherence to clinical guidelines and, as a result, reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. This article discusses the positive and negative aspects of using CDSS in the management of patients with AF, highlighting the main limitations when using them in conditions close to real clinical practice.

Association of ACT-guided anticoagulation with complications during ECMO support: A systematic review and meta-analysis: ACT monitoring and haemostatic complications during ECMO

ObjectiveExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires systemic anticoagulation to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. Despite its historic role, activated clotting time (ACT) remains a widely used heparin monitoring method. Systematic evidence on the association of ACT-guided monitoring with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications does not exist. DesignSystematic literature review and meta-analysis (Scopus and PubMed, July 2023) SettingAll cohort studies ParticipantsPatients receiving ECMO support InterventionAnticoagulation monitoring with ACT Measurements and maim resultsWe identified 3177 publications, with eight studies reporting the average ACT values for patients with and without bleeding. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the compared groups (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: −0.05; 1.43, p = 0.069; I2 = 87.4%). Three studies (n = 117 patients) reported on the average ACT values for patients with thrombosis, without significant differences in ACT values between patients with and without thrombosis (SMD = 0.47; 95% CI: −0.50; 1.44, p = 0.342; I2 = 81.1%). ConclusionsEven though ACT is a widely used heparin monitoring tool, the evidence on its association with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events is still controversial and limited. Further studies are essential to elucidate the role of ACT in anticoagulation monitoring during ECMO support.

Evaluation of an Antithrombotic Surface-Coated Flow Diverter in a Rabbit Model without Dual Antiplatelet Drugs

OBJECTIVEFlow diverters (FDs) carry the risk of thromboembolic complications associated with the device and bleeding complications associated with dual antiplatelet therapy. We hypothesize that an antithrombotic surface coated flow diverter(BSCFD) would have less acute thrombus formation and better endothelialization on the device surface compared to uncoated flow diverter. METHODSAn antithrombotic surface coated FD(BSCFD) was developed. Acute clot formation and chronic endothelialization over the device were assessed in 8 rabbit models comparing to its prototype FD(PFD) at 2 hours and 1 month by Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and Histologic images. Nonparametric score data, including thrombus, injury, endothelialization, adventitial inflammation, intramural bleeding and intimal hyperplasia were compared between BSCFD and PFD using Kendall coefficient of rank correlation. RESULTSParent artery and branch artery were patent on DSA in 8 BSCFDs and 6 PFDs. There was 1 intra-stent thrombosis in PFDs at 2 hours and 1 intra-stent stenosis in PFD at 1 month. SEM at 2 hours showed that large amount of blood cells adhered to the surface of all 4 PFDs, and no blood cells were found on the surface of all 4 BSCFDs. At SEM and histological analysis of 1 month, there were less inflammation(Kendall’s Tau-B=-0.818, p＝0.022), less vessel wall injury（Kendall’s Tau-B=-0.764, p＝0.032）and better endothelialization(Kendall’s Tau-B=0.818, p＝0.022) in BSCFDs. CONCLUSIONIn the rabbit model, the BSCFD is associated with less thrombus formation at acute stage, less inflammation, less vessel injury and better endothelialization on the device surface compared to the PFD.

Ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute mechanical prosthetic heart valve thrombosis – A prospective cohort study

BackgroundWhile surgery still remains the gold standard treatment for mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (MPVT) by many guidelines, the ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic regimen has been reported as a promising alternative. MethodsIn this prospective single-center cohort, patients with acute MPVT were treated with an ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic regimen consisting of 25 mg infusion of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) over 25 h. The regimen could be repeated in case of failure until resolution/occurrence of adverse events or a maximum cumulative dose of 150 mg. The primary outcome was the complete MPVT resolution rate; other outcomes included first-dose success rate, major bleeding, thromboembolic events, mortality, and total thrombolytic dose/duration. ResultsBetween April 2018 to January 2024, 135 episodes of acute MPVT were treated with an ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic regimen in 118 patients. In 118/135 (87.4 %) episodes, right-sided prosthetic valve was involved. Complete success was achieved in 88.1 % of cases, with 39.5 % responding after the first dose. The median total dose was 50 mg over a median of 30 h. Only one fatal intracranial hemorrhage occurred (0.7 %), with no other bleeding or thromboembolic complications. ConclusionThe ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic regimen appears to exhibit high efficacy and acceptable safety in treating acute MPVT. Further large clinical trials are essential for validating these preliminary findings.

Evaluation of anti-XA-guided versus APTT-guided management of intravenous unfractionated heparin in patients requiring a durable ventricular assist device

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of anti-Xa-guided management versus aPTT-guided management of intravenous (IV) unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients with a durable ventricular assist device (VAD). Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study conducted at a single academic medical center. Patients were included if they had a durable VAD and were managed using aPTT-guided UFH management from May 2019 to May 2020 or were managed using anti-Xa-guided UFH management from May 2021 to December 2021. The primary outcome of the study was the median time to goal anticoagulation post-initiation of UFH. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of time within the therapeutic range and the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding complications. ResultsThe study included 23 patients, 12 of whom were managed using anti-Xa-guided UFH, and 11 were managed using aPTT-guided UFH. The treatment arm using anti-Xa-guided UFH demonstrated a faster time to therapeutic anticoagulation goal range with a median time of 21.3 h [IQR = 12.2–34.8] compared to 37.3 h [IQR = 41–74] in the aPTT-guided UFH treatment arm (P = 0.03). In addition, the anti-Xa-guided UFH arm had a higher percentage of time within the therapeutic range, 76 % [IQR = 64.25–96.25] compared to 53 % [IQR = 41–74] in the aPTT-guided UFH arm (P = 0.04). Both arms had no significant differences in major bleeding events (P = 0.59) or clinically relevant minor bleeding events (P = 0.60) among patients. There was no incidence of thromboembolic events in either treatment arm. ConclusionBased on this single-center experience, anti-Xa-guided UFH management resulted in a faster time to therapeutic anticoagulation and a longer time within the desired therapeutic range. The results suggest that anti-Xa-guided monitoring may be superior to UFH-guided monitoring in patients with a durable VAD.

Fibrin clot permeability (Ks) in patients on left ventricular assist device

Patients on left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are prone to excessive hemostasis disturbances due to permanent contact of artificial pump surfaces with blood components. We aimed to investigate if fibrin clot permeability is altered in patients on long-term continuous-flow LVAD therapy and if the clot permeability is associated with clinical characteristics and adverse events. We investigated 85 end-stage heart failure patients (90.6% men, age 48.6–63.8 years) scheduled for continuous flow long-term LVAD support according to current clinical indications. The patients were assessed periodically: prior to LVAD implantation (T1), 3–6 months (T2) after LVAD implantation, 6–12 months after (T3) and then every 6 months. We tested the first three blood samples (T1-T3) and the last available blood sample (T4), but no longer than 5 years after LVAD implantation. We assessed hemostasis parameters (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Fibrinogen, d-dimer, Antithrombin, Thrombin Time, Factor VIII, and von Willebrand Factor, aspirin-induced platelet inhibition, adenosine-diphosphate test) changes during the study period. Fibrin Clot Permeability was evaluated using a pressure system and Permeability Coefficient (Ks) was calculated. We observed a decrease in fibrin clot permeability (Ks) between T1, T2, T3 and T4 time periods; P < 0.01 for each comparison. Fibrin clot permeability was negatively correlated with fibrinogen concentration: r = − 0.51, P < 0.001, factor VIII activity r = − 0.42, P < 0.001. There was no association of Ks with age, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and medications P > 0.001, however cumulative measurements in patients on aspirin showed shortening of Ks in this group P = 0.0123. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 36.5% patients, bleeding events in 25.9%, Net Adverse Clinical Events (NACE) in 62.4%; 31.7% patients died, and 17.6% underwent transplantation. The transplantation was considered as the endpoint. Discrepancies in Ks were observed between patients with MACCE, bleeding, and NACE, and patients without adverse events. Ks showed a constant trend towards normalization (P < 0.01) only in patients without adverse events. Patients with advanced heart failure have disturbed clot structure. A trend towards normalization of the Ks values is associated with fewer thromboembolic and bleeding complications in this group of patients.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Risk Factors Associated with Thromboembolic Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 1,129 Pulmonary Emboli.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Risk Factors Associated with Thromboembolic Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 1,129 Pulmonary Emboli.

THE ROLE OF PATIENT SCREENING AND RISK STRATIFICATION IN THE PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION OF PATIENTS WITH ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS

Introduction. Lifestyle, poor physical condition, bad habits, malnutrition and adverse psychological factors reduce the body's resistance to overcome the physiological stress of surgery. Abdominal wall hernia repair is one of the most common surgical operations. A high body mass index, smoking, diabetes and immunosuppression are risk factors for the development of postoperative hernia, and in the case of its surgical correction, these factors significantly worsen the perioperative prognosis. Assessing the risk of serious complications and death during the perioperative period is crucial for the patient. Aim. To assess the role and necessity of patient screening and risk stratification in the complex of preoperative preparation of patients with anterior abdominal wall hernias. Materials and methods. In the research took part 91 patients who underwent surgical treatment of abdominal wall hernias. They were divided into 3 groups according to the type of anesthesia (general, neuraxial and fascial blocks of the abdominal wall). The analysis was carried out according to comorbidity, the presence of lifestyle risks, the risk of cardiovascular complications (LI index), the risk of anesthesia according to the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist's) scale and the risk of thromboembolic complications according to the Caprini scale, factors that affect the frequency postoperative nausea, vomiting and their prevention. Results and discussions. It was determined that the most common concomitant pathology in patients of 1, 2 and 3 study groups was arterial hypertension. Ischemic heart disease was most often observed in patients of group 3. Patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome dominated in the 3rd observation group. Patients were also noted to have diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a history of impaired cerebral circulation. It was determined that many patients in the studied groups did not have additional risk factors, but all of them smoked and were overweight. Many patients had anesthetic risk according to ASA II or III. Patients received combined prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Conclusions. All groups were dominated by patients with an average and high risk of developing perioperative complications. Careful examination, identification of potential risk factors related to comorbidities and lifestyle are important to reduce the risk of complications in patients with abdominal wall hernias in the complex of preoperative preparation. Patients with a high risk of developing perioperative complications are recommended to choose neuraxial or regional anesthesia to prevent the development of postoperative complications.

Association between Inflammation and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex clinical syndrome that encompasses acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina (UA). Its underlying mechanism refers to coronary plaque disruption, with consequent platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Inflammation plays an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis by mediating the removal of necrotic tissue following myocardial infarction and shaping the repair processes that are essential for the recovery process after ACS. As a chronic inflammatory disorder, atherosclerosis is characterized by dysfunctional immune inflammation involving interactions between immune (macrophages, T lymphocytes, and monocytes) and vascular cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells). New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is one of the most common arrhythmic complications in the setting of acute coronary syndromes, especially in the early stages, when the myocardial inflammatory reaction is at its maximum. The main changes in the atrial substrate are due to atrial ischemia and acute infarcts that can be attributed to neurohormonal factors. The high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) post-myocardial infarction may be secondary to inflammation. Inflammatory response and immune system cells have been involved in the initiation and development of atrial fibrillation. Several inflammatory indexes, such as C-reactive protein and interleukins, have been demonstrated to be predictive of prognosis in patients with ACS. The cell signaling activation patterns associated with fibrosis, apoptosis, and hypertrophy are forms of cardiac remodeling that occur at the atrial level, predisposing to AF. According to a recent study, the presence of fibrosis and lymphomononuclear infiltration in the atrial tissue was associated with a prior history of AF. However, inflammation may contribute to both the occurrence/maintenance of AF and its thromboembolic complications.

Timing of Anticoagulation Resumption and Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Complications in Patients With ICH and Mechanical Heart Valves.

In patients with mechanical heart valves and recent intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), clinicians need to balance the risk of thromboembolism during the period off anticoagulation and the risk of hematoma expansion on anticoagulation. The optimal timing of anticoagulation resumption is unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between reversal therapy and ischemic stroke, between duration off anticoagulation and risk of ischemic strokes or systemic embolism and between timing of anticoagulation resumption and risk of rebleeding and ICH expansion. We conducted a retrospective cohort observational study in 3 tertiary hospitals. Consecutive adult patients with mechanical heart valves admitted for ICH between January 1, 2000, and July 13, 2022, were included. The primary end points of our study were thromboembolic events (cerebral, retinal, or systemic) while off anticoagulation and ICH expansion after anticoagulation resumption (defined by the following criteria: increase by one-third in intracerebral hematoma volume, increase by one-third in convexity subdural hemorrhage diameter, or visually unequivocal expansion of other ICH locations to the naked eye). A total of 171 patients with mechanical heart valves who experienced ICH were included in the final analysis. Most of the patients (79.5%) received reversal therapy for anticoagulation. Patients who received anticoagulation reversal therapy did not have increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Time off anticoagulation was not associated with risk of ischemic stroke; only 2 patients had a stroke within 7 days of the ICH, and both had additional major risk factors of thromboembolism. The rate of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack while off anticoagulation was lower than the rate of ICH expansion once anticoagulation was resumed (6.4% vs 9.9%). Furthermore, patients who developed ICH expansion had higher mortality compared with patients who had ischemic stroke while being off anticoagulation (41% vs 9%). Use of intravenous heparin bridging upon resumption of warfarin was strongly associated with increased risk of ICH expansion as compared with restarting warfarin without a heparin bridge. Withholding anticoagulation for at least 7 days after ICH may be safe in patients with mechanical heart valves. Heparin bridging during anticoagulation resumption may be associated with increased risk of bleeding.

Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypass Activity use in cardiac surgery: A propensity matched analysis of safety outcomes.

Bleeding during cardiac surgery may be refractory to standard interventions. Off-label use of Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypass Activity (FEIBA) has been described to treat such bleeding. However, reports of safety, particularly thromboembolic outcomes, show mixed results and reported cohorts have been small. Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2023 at Stanford Hospital were reviewed (n=3335). Patients who received FEIBA to treat post-cardiopulmonary bypass bleeding were matched with those who did not by propensity scores in a 1:1 ratio using nearest neighbor matching (n= 352 per group). The primary outcome was a composite outcome of thromboembolic complications including any one of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), unplanned coronary artery intervention, ischemic stroke, and acute limb ischemia, in the postoperative period. Secondary outcomes included renal failure, reoperation, postoperative transfusion, ICU length of stay (LOS), and 30-day mortality. 704 encounters were included in our propensity matched analysis. The mean dose of FEIBA administered was 7.3 ±5.5 units/kg. In propensity matched multivariate logistic regression models there was no statistically significant difference in odds ratios for thromboembolic outcomes, ICU LOS, or mortality. Patients who received >750 units of FEIBA had an increased odds ratio for acute renal failure (OR 4.14; 95% CI 1.61 to 10.36, p <0.001). In multivariate linear regression, patients receiving FEIBA were transfused more plasma and cryoprecipitate postoperatively. However, only the dose range of 501-750 units was associated with an increase in transfusion of RBCs (β 2.73; 95% CI 0.68 to 4.78; p=0.009), and platelets (β 1.74; 95% CI 0.85 to 2.63; p <0.001). Low dose FEIBA administration during cardiac surgery does not increase risk of thromboembolic events, ICU LOS, or mortality in a propensity matched cohort. Higher doses were associated with increased acute renal failure and postoperative transfusion. Further studies are required to establish the efficacy of activated factor concentrates to treat refractory bleeding during cardiac surgery.

Feasibility of single antiplatelet therapy after stent assisted coiling for ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) after stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. In total, 176 stent-assisted coil embolization procedures were investigated. Among them, 77 ruptured and 99 unruptured aneurysms were grouped and compared respectively. In the ruptured group, only SAPT (aspirin) was administered after the procedure. Meanwhile, in the unruptured group, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (aspirin and clopidogrel) was administered before and after the procedure following standard guidelines. We compared both groups in regards to thromboembolic complications by analyzing post procedural diffusion-weighted images (DWI), hyperacute thrombosis during the procedure, and post-procedural symptoms. The single antiplatelet therapy ruptured intracranial aneurysm (SAPT-RIA) group had 77 saccular aneurysms (62 ICA, 3 MCA, 4 ACA, 8 posterior circulation) with a mean diameter of 8.07 mm. The dual antiplatelet therapy unruptured intracranial aneurysm (DAPT-UIA) group had 99 aneurysms (81 ICA, 5 MCA, 3 ACA, 10 posterior circulation) with a mean diameter of 6.32 mm. DWI positivity rates were similar between groups, but hyperacute thrombosis was higher in the SAPT-RIA group (10.4%) compared to none in the DAPT-UIA group. Each group had one symptomatic complication. SAPT could be a viable option for the peri-procedural management of SAC in acutely ruptured cases.

Central retinal vein occlusion after infliximab therapy in a young patient with ulcerative colitis

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition, characterized by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While the primary focus of IBD management consists in controlling gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD also presents an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors, namely infliximab, have become increasingly common in the management of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases such as IBD. However, recent studies have shown an association between treatment with infliximab and an increased thrombotic risk. We report an unusual case of retinal vein thrombosis in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) that occurred during infliximab infusion. This case highlights the need to remain vigilant when administering infliximab to individuals with IBD, particularly those with additional risk factors for thrombosis.

Perioperative Elective Management in Patients Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants - Practical Guide.

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Despite clear, relatively easy-to-use guidance, many clinicians find the perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) challenging. Inappropriate antithrombotic management can delay procedures and lead to bleeding or thromboembolic complications.&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; We aimed to describe perioperative management practices related to planned procedures regarding DOACs in accordance with the applicable guidelines of cardiological and surgical societies.&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Perioperative management of DOAC therapy depends on many factors, and recommendations in the guidelines are not consistent.&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; The best approach to managing these patients is therefore to strike a balance between the risks of bleeding and thromboembolism.

Clinical and subclinical microemboli following neuroangiography in children

BackgroundTo assess the frequency, imaging appearances, and risk factors of brain microemboli following pediatric neuroangiography, as assessed by early diffusion-weighted MRI imaging (DWI).MethodsThis single-center, retrospective analysis investigated early DWI post-pediatric...

La fibrillation atriale à l'Hôpital Principal de Dakar au Sénégal : résultats et limites de la prise en charge

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of AF in the cardiology department of the Hospital Principal of Dakar, then to evaluate the clinical, paraclinical, etiological and evolutionary profiles of AF and finally to identify the limits of its management in our context. Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective, descriptive, analytical, mono-centric study carried out at Hospital Principal of Dakar from January 2019 to August 2021. Were included, all patients admitted for atrial fibrillation, or patients who presented an atrial fibrillation during hospitalization, confirmed by electrocardiogram or long-term electrocardiographic recording during the study period. ResultsThe prevalence of atrial fibrillation during the period of our study compared to the hospital population was 7.71%, with a sex ratio of 1.03. The mean age was 67.88 ± 14.09 years. We noted that 83.64% of patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, with 56.36% suffering from hypertension, 50.91% of sedentary person and 23.64% of diabetics. Clinically, 92.72% of the patients were symptomatic, with dyspnea predominating (70.91%). Cardiac arrhythmia was present in 85.45% of patients, and congestive heart failure in 47.27%. Long-term electrocardiographic recording was performed in 10 patients, showing 50% of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Sixty-three patients (57.27%) had permanent AF, twenty-three patients (20.91%) had persistent AF, fourteen patients (12.73%) had long-term persistent AF and ten patients (9.09%) had paroxysmal AF. Transthoracic echocardiography showed 57.27% of left atrial dilatation and 72.3% of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Etiologies for cardiac causes were dominated by dilated cardiomyopathy (21.82%), followed by ischemic heart disease (17.27%). In terms of treatment, the most commonly used molecule was bisoprolol (38.18%), followed by digoxin (21.81%). Anticoagulants were used in 85.46% of cases. Acenocoumarol alone was used in 69.09% of patients. Drug-induced cardioversion was attempted in 2 patients without success, and 4 patients benefited from external electric shock with 3 successes. Most patients had a favorable outcome, but 34.54% suffered hemodynamic complications (18.18%) and thromboembolic ones as well (16.36%). In-hospital mortality in our series was 20%. It was significantly related to heart failure, with a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% (p < 0.001). ConclusionAtrial fibrillation is serious because of its hemodynamic, thromboembolic and rhythmic complications. The high mortality is explained by the underlying condition, but also by the delay in management with late diagnosis and, above all, the unavailability of ablation procedures in our context.

Perioperative antithrombotic medication: An approach for the primary care clinician.

The primary care clinician faces many challenges and is often left to manage complex pathology because of resource constraints at higher levels of care. One of these complex conditions is the perioperative management of antithrombotic medication. This narrative review is focused on helping the clinician navigate the complex path and multiple guidelines related to the perioperative use of antithrombotic medication. Perioperative antithrombotic guidelines (American College of Chest Physicians, European Society of Regional Anaesthesia, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia) and relevant publications were identified by a PubMed search using the terms perioperative AND anticoagulants OR antithrombotics AND guideline. Issues relevant to clinical practice were identified, and attempts were made to explain any ambiguity that arose. Adhering to basic pharmacological principles and evidence-based guidelines allows for the safe usage of antithrombotics. Knowing when to stop, continue, bridge and restart antithrombotic medication prevents perioperative morbidity and mortality. Stopping antithrombotic medication too early can lead to thromboembolic complications associated with their primary disease process. Not stopping antithrombotic medication or stopping it too late can potentially cause life-threatening bleeding, haematomas and increased transfusion requirements.

Initial Experience with the Derivo 2Heal Flow Diverter under Standard or Reduced-Dose Single Antiplatelet Therapy.

Flow diverters with surface modifications or coatings have been recently introduced to clinical practice with the expectation that they can reduce the rate of thromboembolic complications and residual aneurysms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the Derivo 2Heal (D2H) device, a new fibrin and heparin-coated flow diverter. Patients treated by a single operator by using the D2H were retrospectively evaluated for demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, procedural variables, and follow-up data. All patients were treated by using a single D2H, monitored by platelet function testing and kept under single antiplatelet therapy with regular or half-dose clopidogrel or prasugrel after the procedure. Twenty patients with 26 aneurysms were treated. Three presented acutely with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Adjunctive devices were used in 6 patients. There were no technical failures and 2 periprocedural self-limited nonthrombotic minor adverse events. During follow-up, 1 of the acutely ruptured aneurysms reruptured, and 1 patient had a visual TIA. All patients were doing well clinically (19 with mRS of 0 and 1 with 1) at the last follow-up after discharge. The rates of total occlusion on very early angiographic (MRA/CTA or DSA, mean: 2.4 months), DSA (mean: 5.8 months), and midterm angiographic (mean: 14.5 months) follow-up for all versus uncoiled aneurysms were 68% versus 70%, 77.8% versus 90.0%, and 91.7% versus 90.1%, respectively. The absence of permanent neurologic deficits in the periprocedural period and favorable occlusion rates in this preliminary study suggest that the novel coating comprising fibrin and heparin may have the potential to increase the safety and efficacy of flow diversion and needs to be further studied by comparing the D2H device with its bare counterpart and other coated or surface-modified flow diverters.