Treatment Of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Research Articles

Incidence and predictors of in-stent restenosis following intervention for pulmonary vein stenosis due to fibrosing mediastinitis

Abstract Background Percutaneous transluminal pulmonary venoplasty (PTPV) is an emerging treatment for pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis (PVS-FM). However, the incidence and predictors of in-stent restenosis (ISR) are elusive. Purpose We aim to identify the incidence and predictors of ISR in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) caused by extra-luminal compression due to fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). Methods We enrolled patients with PVS-FM who underwent PTPV between 2018 and 2022. Patients were divided into ISR and non-ISR groups based on the presence of ISR. Baseline characteristics (demographics and lesions) and procedure-related information were abstracted from patient records and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of ISR. Results A total of 109 stents were implanted in 102 PVs of 50 patients with PVS-FM. Over a median follow-up of 4.0 months (interquartile range: 3.0 to 11.0 months), there were 47 of 102 PVs suffered from ISR. The cumulative ISR was 3%, 12%, 42%, and 50% at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significantly lower risk of ISR in PVs with a larger reference vessel diameter (RVD) (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.48-0.86, p = 0.002) and the narrowing severity of the corresponding pulmonary artery (Cor-PA) (severe) independently increased the risk of ISR (OR 6.63, 95%CI 1.82-24.18, p = 0.004), respectively. Conclusions ISR is very high in PVS-FM, which is independently associated with Cor-PA stenosis and RVD.

Abstract 13699: Comparing Patency Benefits of Pulmonary Stent Implantation and Balloon Angioplasty in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) may arise from various conditions and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter approaches, including pulmonary stent implantation (PSI) and pulmonary balloon angioplasty (PBA) are associated with restenosis risks. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing PSI and PBA to understand restenosis risk and complications rate. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception until May 2023. A total of 1233 studies were screened, and 11 studies were included in our analysis. Our primary outcomes of interest were the risk of restenosis requiring reintervention, 5-year freedom from restenosis, and the risk of procedure-related complications. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model and performed a meta-regression analysis. Results: We included a total of eleven observational studies in our meta-analysis, comprising 780 patients with PVS, 335 of whom underwent PBA and 445 underwent PSI. Our analysis showed that PSI was associated with a lower risk of restenosis requiring reintervention compared to PBA (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13, 0.87, P= 0.02). PSI was also associated with a significantly higher 5-year freedom from restenosis (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.11, 17.62, P= 0.04) than PBA. There was no significant difference in the risk of procedure-related complications between PSI and PBA. Our meta-regression analysis revealed that age of patient and stent size did not significantly affect the risk of restenosis requiring intervention. Conclusions: PSI offers superior patency benefits compared to PBA for PVS. PSI was associated with a lower risk of restenosis requiring reintervention and a higher 5-year freedom from restenosis. Bases on these findings, PSI is the preferred strategy for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis

Stiff left atrial syndrome with pulmonary veins occlusion after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation: a life-long complication that can lead to heart transplantation

BackgroundStiff left atrial syndrome (SLAS) and pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion are rare yet potentially major life-long complications after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. While mostly controlled by medical management, SLAS can progress to refractory congestive heart failure. Treatment of PV stenosis and occlusion remains a challenging problem with ongoing risk for recurrence regardless of techniques employed. Herein we present the case of a now 51-year-old male with acquired PV occlusion and SLAS who, over the course of eleven years, despite multiple interventions, ultimately required heart transplantation.Case presentationAfter undergoing three radiofrequency catheter procedures for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), a hybrid ablation was planned due to reappearance of symptomatic AF. Preoperative echocardiography and chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an occlusion of both left PVs. Furthermore, left atrial dysfunction, high pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures were diagnosed as well as an important reduction of the left atrial volume. The diagnosis of stiff left atrial syndrome was made. Primary surgical repair of the left-sided PVs was performed using a pericardial patch as a tubular neo-vein, combined with cryoablation in the left and right atrium to treat the patient’s arrhythmia. Initial results were favorable, however, after two years the patient experienced progressive restenosis with hemoptysis. Therefore, stenting of the common left PV was performed. Over the years, progressive right heart failure with severe tricuspid regurgitation developed, despite maximal medical therapy, which led to the need for heart transplantation.ConclusionThe impact of PV occlusion and SLAS after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be lifelong and devastating for the clinical course of the patient. Since the presence of a small left atrium could be an important predictor for SLAS in case of redo ablation, preprocedural imaging should guide the operator to an algorithm of a decision-making containing lesion set, energy source, and safety of re-ablation.

Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Short-term efficacy and perioperative safety of catheter-based intervention for pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis

Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and perioperative safety of catheter-based intervention in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). Methods: It was a case series study. Consecutive patients with pulmonary vein stenosis caused by FM, who underwent percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty in Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020, were retrospective enrolled. The baseline characteristics, comorbidities, exercise capacity and hemodynamic data before and after treatment were compared, and the procedural related complications were evaluated. Results: A total of 30 patients ((64.3±7.1) years, 15 males) were included. Sixty-three pulmonary vein stenosis were treated by 32 percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty procedures. Forty-four stents were implanted in 41 pulmonary veins after balloon angioplasty, and the diameter of implanted stents was (8.3±1.2)mm. Balloon angioplasty was performed on 22 pulmonary vein stenosis, the mean balloon diameter was (4.2±2.1)mm. The pulmonary vein diameter increased from (2.6±1.3) to (6.6±2.6) mm (P<0.001) and the pressure gradient across the pulmonary vein stenotic segment reduced from 19 (12, 29) to 2 (0, 4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) (P<0.001) immediately post procedure. The pulmonary vein flow grade was significantly improved compared with baseline (P<0.001). The most common operation related complications were lung injury (44.0% (11/25)) and hemoptysis (18.8% (6/32)), which did not need special treatment. During the 2.0 (1.3, 3.2) months follow-up, the WHO functional class was significantly improved (P<0.05), the 6-minute walking distance increased from (254.8±114.5) m to (342.8±72.4)m (P<0.05), the mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from (40.9±8.3) mmHg to (35.4±7.7) mmHg (P<0.01), 17 out of 19 patients with refractory pleural effusion experienced total remission during the follow-up period (P<0.001). CT pulmonary venography was repeated in 17 patients. The incidence of in-stent restenosis of pulmonary vein was 24.0% (6/25). Conclusions: Percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty is effective for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis. However, it's not so safe, procedural related complication should be paid attention to and the rate of in-stent restenosis is relative high during the short-term follow-up.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance pulmonary perfusion for guidance of interventional treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis

BackgroundPulmonary vein (PV) stenosis represents a rare but serious complication following radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with a comprehensive diagnosis including morphological stenosis grading together with the assessment of its functional consequences being imperative within the relatively narrow window for therapeutic intervention. The present study determined the clinical utility of a combined, single-session cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging protocol integrating pulmonary perfusion and PV angiographic assessment for pre-procedural planning and follow-up of patients referred for interventional PV stenosis treatment.MethodsCMR examinations (cine imaging, dynamic pulmonary perfusion, three-dimensional PV angiography) were performed in 32 consecutive patients prior to interventional treatment of PV stenosis and at 1-day and 3-months follow-up. Degree of PV stenosis was visually determined on CMR angiography; visual and quantitative analysis of pulmonary perfusion imaging was done for all five lung lobes.ResultsInterventional treatment of PV stenosis achieved an acute procedural success rate of 90%. Agreement between visually evaluated pulmonary perfusion imaging and the presence or absence of a ≥ 70% PV stenosis was nearly perfect (Cohen’s kappa, 0.96). ROC analysis demonstrated high discriminatory power of quantitative pulmonary perfusion measurements for the detection of ≥ 70% PV stenosis (AUC for time-to-peak enhancement, 0.96; wash-in rate, 0.93; maximum enhancement, 0.90). Quantitative pulmonary perfusion analysis proved a very large treatment effect attributable to successful PV revascularization already after 1 day.ConclusionIntegration of CMR pulmonary perfusion imaging into the clinical work-up of patients with PV stenosis allowed for efficient peri-procedural stratification and follow-up evaluation of revascularization success.

The Real Need for Regenerative Medicine in the Future of Congenital Heart Disease Treatment.

Bioabsorbable materials made from polymeric compounds have been used in many fields of regenerative medicine to promote tissue regeneration. These materials replace autologous tissue and, due to their growth potential, make excellent substitutes for cardiovascular applications in the treatment of congenital heart disease. However, there remains a sizable gap between their theoretical advantages and actual clinical application within pediatric cardiovascular surgery. This review will focus on four areas of regenerative medicine in which bioabsorbable materials have the potential to alleviate the burden where current treatment options have been unable to within the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery. These four areas include tissue-engineered pulmonary valves, tissue-engineered patches, regenerative medicine options for treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis and tissue-engineered vascular grafts. We will discuss the research and development of biocompatible materials reported to date, the evaluation of materials in vitro, and the results of studies that have progressed to clinical trials.

Stent implantation for severe pulmonary vein stenosis or occlusion secondary to atrial fibrillation ablation

BackgroundCatheter interventional treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis or occlusion (PVS/O) following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a challenging field due to lacking randomized data and there are limited data about stenting. MethodsAll patients at our center who underwent pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) stenting for PVS/O induced by RFA were retrospectively assessed. Clinical presentation, anatomic site of stenosis and hemodynamic information, as well as follow-up data, were collected and analyzed. ResultsFrom January 2010 to June 2018, 56 patients with PVS/O secondary to RFA were treated with 113 stents. Procedural success rate was 95.8%. Pressure gradients significantly reduced (p < 0.001) and vessel caliber markedly increased (p < 0.001) in all the stenotic sites, with immediate symptoms significantly improved. The overall in-stent restenosis (ISR) rate was 21.8% after a median follow-up period of 26 months (interquartile range: 16 to 35.5 months). The incidence of ISR was higher in patients treated with stent diameter ≤ 8 mm than those with stent diameter >8 mm (HR: 3.91; 95% CI 1.74–8.81; p = 0.001). ConclusionsPVS stenting is a safe and effective procedure for PVS/O secondary to RFA. Long-term patency and good clinical outcomes are gained after bigger-diameter stent implantation.

Incidence and treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Between December 2010 and December 2016, a total of 40 patients (25 males, 15 females; mean age 45±41 days; range, 2 days to 6 months) who underwent total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair were retrospectively analyzed. Eighteen (45%) of the patients were supracardiac, seven (17.5%) were cardiac, eight (20%) were infracardiac, and seven (17.5%) were mixed-type anomaly. Twelve patients (30%) had obstruction of the pulmonary venous pathways. Hospital mortality was seen in three patients (7.5%). All of non-survivors received emergent surgery and the causes of death were sepsis and multiple organ failure. A total of 23 complications were seen in 20 patients (50%) mainly delayed sternal closure (n=11; 27.5%) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (n=6; 15%). The mean follow-up was 12.2±9.6 (range, 1 to 36) months in all patients, except one. Pulmonary vein stenosis developed in three patients (8.3%) after repair. All of them underwent sutureless repair. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection can be repaired with low mortality and morbidity rates and favorable mid-term outcomes. Close follow-up is necessary due to the risk of development of pulmonary vein stenosis. Sutureless repair may provide relief in such cases.

Complex cases of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation: is surgical repair an option?

Results of catheter based interventional treatment for pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation remain suboptimal. Surgical repair may represent an alternative therapy, though long-term results have not been thoroughly investigated. We retrospectively assessed all patients in our centre undergoing surgical repair for radiofrequency-induced PVS. Data regarding surgical technique, clinical outcome, and rate of pulmonary vein (PV) restenosis were collected and analysed. Between 2004 and 2016, the rate for PVS resulting from RFA for atrial fibrillation in our institution was 0.79% (76/9633). During this period, five male patients with multiple PVS (3 ± 1) underwent surgical repair of a total of 13 symptomatic PVS. Surgery was performed in a standard setting under cardiopulmonary bypass. Stenotic veins were incised longitudinally followed by a patch augmentation plasty using either bovine pericard (n = 7) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches (n = 5). Localization of incision was on the anterior side of the PV only (n = 8) or on both the anterior and posterior sides (n = 4). In one PVS lesion, mechanical dilatation was sufficient. Long-term follow-up after 60 ± 69 months revealed an average restenosis rate of 38%. Restenosis was defined as narrowing >70%. All patients reported clinical improvement of symptoms at follow-up. Even in the era of wide circumferential lesions, PVS still occurs. While surgical PV patch plasty represents a valuable treatment option, restenosis remains an issue during follow-up. Nevertheless, surgical repair achieves highly acceptable long-term results for RFA-acquired PVS. Hence, it should be routinely discussed as a therapeutic option in cases with multiple PVS.

TCT-809 Stenting for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis after atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation: initial experience with peripheral stents plus drug-coated balloons and coronary drug-eluting stents

TCT-809 Stenting for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis after atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation: initial experience with peripheral stents plus drug-coated balloons and coronary drug-eluting stents

17-04: Long-term outcome of interventional treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

17-04: Long-term outcome of interventional treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Surgical Repair of Pulmonary Venous Stenosis: A Word of Caution

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS), both congenital and acquired, is challenging to treat surgically with uncertain long-term results. We reviewed an 11-year surgical experience in 52 children. From 2002 to 2012, 52 children age 0 days to 13 years (mean 1.9 years, median 11.7 months) weighing 2.2 to 32.5 kg (mean 9.3 kg, median 7.6 kg) had surgical relief of PVS. Based on clinical characteristics or complexity, 33 (63%) had a sutureless pericardial well repair and 19 (37%) had a more standard patch repair. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the 2 techniques. Twenty children (38%) had prior anomalous pulmonary vein repair and 8 had primary pulmonary vein stenosis; 26 (50%) had other operations at the time of PVS relief. There were 2 hospital deaths (10.5%) in the "standard" group and 5 (15.2%) in the sutureless group (p>0.99). Despite postoperative evidence of PVS relief by echocardiogram or cardiac cath in all patients, at 5 years, actuarial freedom from PVS recurrence or death in the hospital survivors was 67% in the standard group and 58% in the sutureless group. Most recurrences or deaths occurred within 6 months of operation. Heterotaxy, single ventricle anatomy, bilateral disease, and previous anomalous pulmonary vein repair were not predictors of failure. Surgical treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis remains a challenging problem with nontrivial early mortality and ongoing risk for recurrence or death regardless of surgical technique employed. Clearly, development of methods for earlier intervention or detection and improved surgical techniques are warranted.

Drug-eluting stents for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis after atrial fibrillation ablation

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis (PVS) is a complication of radiofrequency PV isolation (PVI). Reported restenosis rates after balloon dilatation and bare-metal stent implantation are high. Drug-eluting stent implantation (DES) has not been reported in the setting of PVS. Patients suspected of having PVS after PVI based on clinical symptoms and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) follow-up (FU) were referred for PV DES. One or more branches of the affected PV as documented by angiography were stented (paclitaxel or zotarolimus DES). Follow-up consisted of repeat PV angiography and TEE. Over a period of 2 years, five patients were treated with a total of eight DES. A paclitaxel DES was used in seven of eight implants. Mean FU was 12 ± 14 months during which all patients remained asymptomatic. Transesophageal echocardiography Doppler maximal flow velocity (V(max)) of the affected PVs rose from 58 ± 6 cm/s pre-PVI to 207 ± 20 cm/s pre-DES (+358%, P < 0.0001). After DES, V(max) decreased acutely with 86 ± 15 cm/s (-58%, P < 0.01). During FU, V(max) remained stable in three patients and increased moderately in one. Angiography at 3 months confirmed absence of restenosis in the first three patients and moderate (40%) restenosis in one patient. In one patient, an increase of V(max) back to pre-DES values correlated with a 65% peri-stent stenosis, treated with a redo DES. In total, after seven primary DES only one (asymptomatic) proximal margin restenosis required re-stenting. Initial experience with DES for PV stenosis suggests an excellent stent patency rate. Transesophageal echocardiography Doppler measurements provide a viable way of monitoring stent patency.

Treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents

Atrium expanded polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents were implanted in the stenotic pulmonary veins (n = 5) of three patients. Use of this device was feasible in infants and the procedure was well-tolerated without major complications. The majority (4/5) of covered stents remained patent for at least 3 months after implantation. Stents remain patent in the two surviving patients 6 months after deployment.

Successful Angioplasty and Stent Treatment of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Single-lung Transplantation

In this report we describe a 42-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with a progressive course who underwent right single-lung transplantation in November 2007. The post-operative course showed a decline of gas exchange, and chest X-ray revealed pneumonic infiltrates. Computerized tomography (CT) scans showed high-grade stenosis of the right superior pulmonary vein. The pulmonary vein stenosis was treated with percutaneous transseptal stent implantation leading to rapid improvement of gas exchange and clinical condition, and a retransplantation could be avoided.

Percutaneous Pulmonary Vein Angioplasty for the Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the frequent complications. Percutaneous PV angioplasty and stent implantation have been used as an effective therapy for this condition, yet the in-stent restenosis rate tends to increase after stent implantation at the stenotic PVs. This seems to be caused by neointimal hyperplasia within the stent. This is the first case report on using drug-eluting stent for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis that developed after RFCA of AF. (Korean Circ J 2008;38:170-173)

Treatment of recurrent pulmonary vein stenoses with endovascular stenting and adjuvant oral sirolimus

The increasing use of radiofrequency catheter ablation for the cure of atrial fibrillation has led to iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis as a new clinical entity. The optimal diagnostic modality and treatment for pulmonary vein stenosis and restenosis remain unclear. We report the successful treatment of pulmonary vein restenosis following percutaneous balloon angioplasty, and for the first time, following surgical bovine pericardial patch angioplasty, with endovascular stenting and adjuvant oral sirolimus. Both patients remain asymptomatic at 1 year follow-up without evidence of restenosis.