Vascular Access Site Research Articles

TAVI, multidimensional early benefits in elderly patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in Europe and in symptomatic patients, when untreated presents a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is estimated to grow even more, given the aging of the population. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) emerged as a safe and efficient procedure in patients with high or prohibitive surgical risk or in older patients, who are much often frailty, with impaired cognitive function and have poor quality of life. Aim To assess the acute benefits (in 1 moth) of TAVI on cognitive function, anxiety and depression and independence in activities of daily living. Methods Single center prospective study of patients submitted to TAVi between April 2021 and September 2021. Patients were evaluated at baseline (before TAVI) and one month after the procedure. To assess cognitive function, anxiety and depression and independence in activities of daily living we used the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living; and Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, respectively. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to statistical analysis. Results We included 20 patients, with a mean age of 85±5,86 years, 40% (8) male. 19 patients undergone TAVI due severe native aortic stenosis and 1 due to bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. The vascular access site was transfemoral in 19 patients and transapical in 1 patient. The median MMSE results were higher 1 month after TAVI (21,3 versus 23,5, p=0,012), essentially due to a better results in the temporal orientation and evocation domains (p=0,011 and p=0,022, respectively). Patients experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression after TAVI, mean score 5,4 versus 3,9 (p=NS) and 7 versus 4,25 (p=0,002) respectively for anxiety and depression, as assessed by HADS scale. No statistical difference was observed on the results of basal and post TAVI evaluation of Katz and Lawton-Brody scales. Conclusion In an elderly population, TAVI appears to have an early and beneficial effect on cognitive function and depression, but no benefits were observed on independence in activities of daily living.

Very acute benefits on physical performance in elderly patients who undergone TAVI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) emerged as a safe and efficient procedure in patients with high or prohibitive surgical risk or in older patients. The prevalence of severe aortic stenosis is growing up, given de aging of population. These patients are much often frailty and experience low levels of physical activity and functional capacity as a result of their aortic valve disease and comorbidities. When untreated severe aortic stenosis has a poor prognosis so it is of utmost importance to restore the normal hemodynamic condition and consequently to improve functional capacity. Aim To assess the acute benefits (in 1 moth) of TAVI on functional capacity and physical performance. Methods Single center prospective study of patients submitted to TAVi between April 2021 and September 2021. Patients were evaluated at baseline (before TAVI) and one month after the procedure. To assess physical activity and functional capacity it was used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) which is a group of measures that combines the results of the gait speed (two timed trials of a 4-m walk – fastest recorded), chair stand (time to raise for a chair 5 times) and balance tests (ability to stand for 10 seconds with feet in 3 different positions). Additionally, patients were submitted to handgrip strength test. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to statistical analysis. Results We included 20 patients, with a mean age of 85±5,86 years, 40% (8) male. 19 patients undergone TAVI due severe native aortic stenosis and 1 due to bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. The vascular access site was transfemoral in 19 patients and transapical in 1 patient. No patient had vigorous physical activity either before or after TAVI, but the daily sitting time was lower after the procedure (mean time: 634 versus 570 minutes), however not statistically significant. Regarding the results of SPPB patients experience improvements in balance (p=0,035) and chair stand (time to raise for a chair 5 times: 19,04 versus 17,05 seconds), p=0,01. Patients tended to be faster in 4m velocity test, however with no statistical difference (8,49 versus 6,6 seconds). No statistical differences were also observed in handgrip strength test. Conclusion In an elderly population, TAVI appears to have an early and beneficial effect (in 1 moth) on some domains oh physical activity and functional capacity.

Superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion crossing strategies

Objectives: Superficial femoral artery (SFA) endovascular intervention procedures are one of the most common peripheral artery interventions (PAI) in the lower extremities around the world. Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are extremely common in this vascular bed, accounting for approximately 40–50% of all lesions treated. One of the most crucial decisions an operator must make for a good chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization is selecting the right catheter vascular access site. Methods: A prospective, cohort, study conducted on 30 patients to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different strategies for crossing the chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral artery. Results: There was statistically significant difference found between crossing techniques regarding DM and combined DM and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Correlation of CTOP classification with larger sample size may show importance and improve crossing strategies.

Strategies for Facilitating Totally Percutaneous Transfemoral TAVR Procedures.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has transformed the treatment of aortic stenosis and should ideally be performed as a totally percutaneous procedure via the transfemoral (TF) approach. Peripheral vascular disease may impede valve delivery, and vascular access site complications are associated with adverse clinical outcome and increased mortality. We review strategies aimed to facilitate TF valve delivery in patients with hostile vascular anatomy and achieve percutaneous management of vascular complications.

Save the radial: go distally

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most widely performed medical procedures used to save lives, currently over 3 million annually worldwide. The femoral artery has been the preferred vascular access site. However, radial access is gaining extensive popularity due to the benefits of earlier ambulation, fewer access site complications, and decreased rates of bleeding. Improvements in technology and understanding of the anatomic features of the vascular system have led to new insights into coronary angiography procedures. Distal radial access, which was first used in 2017, shows a higher success rate and fewer complications than previous sites; therefore, it might be the future for cardiovascular intervention. For this purpose, we conducted this prospective study at Beirut Cardiac Institute (BCI) comparing the two arms: radial vs. distal radial artery techniques through the anatomical snuffbox, in terms of patient’s length of stay, complication rate, and success rate of each procedure.

Contact dermatitis in hemodialysis patients at Al Wakra hospital.

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are exposed to various potential allergens from medication, dialysis catheters, topical antiseptics, and different adhesive dressings. Many patients develop a local allergic reaction and get itchy rashes, which may get infected, leading to significant morbidity and preventable health cost. In this study, we aimed to report the incidence of contact dermatitis (CD) and its potential complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients at the Al Wakra Hospital Dialysis unit.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of documented local allergic reactions at vascular access sites for the HD patients at the Al Wakra Hospital.Results: Currently, 102 patients are getting maintenance HD through catheters or arteriovenous (AV) fistula. Twelve (14.4%) patients developed CD (7 [58%] had cuffed jugular dialysis catheter, and 5 [42%] had an AV fistula). Most patients (75%) developed CD in the early period of dialysis initiation, and 25% developed it later in the course. Most patients responded to removing adhesive plasters and dressing the vascular access site using gauze only and topical steroids (hydrocortisone 1% cream/mometasone 0.1% cream). Two (16.6%) of the 12 patients developed vascular access site infection, of whom 1 had an AV fistula and developed a severe rash with cellulitis leading to sepsis and 2 admissions, although blood cultures remained negative. The patient responded to IV antibiotics and local mometasone 0.1% cream. Complete removal of all adhesive tapes helped prevent recurrence of the rash. Later, dressing of the AV fistula site was performed only with a cotton gauze. The second patient had a jugular catheter and developed an allergic rash leading to cellulitis and tunnel infection. Swab culture showed Staphylococcus aureus from the exit site sensitive to cloxacillin/cefazolin. The patient improved after local and oral antibiotics and removal of adhesive tapes. The catheter was not removed, and the patient did well.Conclusion: The incidence of CD at our dialysis unit is 14.4%. Previously published reports from other dialysis units showed a lower incidence of 1.25%. Early identification and diagnosis of allergic rash at the vascular access site and avoidance of adhesive plasters and other potential allergens prevent complications like infection and loss of precious vascular accesses in these patients.

Vascular access complications in patients undergoing veno-arterial ecmo and their impact on survival in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock: A retrospective 8-year study.

Introduction:Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is well-recognized treatment modality for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Uncomplicated cannulation is a prerequisite and basis for achieving a successful outcome in ECMO. Vascular access is obtained either by surgical cut-down. Common vascular access complications are bleeding and limb ischemia.Objective:To evaluate cannulation technique, the incidence of vascular complications, and their impact on the outcome.Methods:A retrospective data analysis conducted on 95 patients receiving ECMO from 2013 to 2020 was done. The patients were divided into two groups: no vascular access complications (non-VAC group) and vascular access complications (VAC group). The groups were compared related to the hospital and ICU stays and blood transfusion.Results:The patients in both groups were demographically and clinically comparable. The Non-VAC group had 75 patients, whereas the VAC group had a total of 20 patients. The main complication observed in the VAC group was bleeding from the cannulation site which required more blood transfusion than the non-VAC group (6.8 ± 1.02 vs 4.2 ± 1.26). Limb ischemia was another complication seen in the VAC group (4.2%, n = 4). Two patients had delayed bleeding after decannulation. The overall average length of stay in the hospital was statistically similar in both the groups (22 days in the VAC group vs 18 days in the non-VAC group), but the average ICU stay was more in the VAC group compared to the non-VAC group (18 days vs 12.06 days).Conclusion:Bleeding and limb ischemia are the important vascular access site complications, which increase blood transfusion requirements, ICU stay, and overall hospital stay.

Feasibility of electroanatomic mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation in Boxer dogs with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia.

BackgroundTreatment for Boxers with ventricular tachycardia (VT) is limited. Electroanatomic mapping (EAM) facilitates identification of arrhythmogenic substrate for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).ObjectiveDescribe the use of EAM to guide RFCA in Boxers with VT.AnimalsFive client‐owned Boxers with symptomatic VT or persistent VT despite antiarrhythmic medications.MethodsCase series evaluating clinical, EAM, and before and after RFCA Holter data.ResultsSustained VT was inducible in 3 dogs, but required aggressive stimulation protocols. Low‐voltage areas consistent with electroanatomic scar were found in 2 dogs, located at the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract and cranial RV. Two dogs had a focal activation pattern of VT and 1 dog had a reentrant mechanism. After RFCA, all dogs no longer collapsed and had fewer runs of VT, 3 of which had 0 runs of VT. Number of ventricular premature beats increased in 3 dogs and decreased in 2 dogs, 1 of which had nearly complete resolution of all arrhythmias. Procedural complications included ventricular fibrillation (n = 2) with successful defibrillation, bruising or hemorrhage at the vascular access site (n = 4), retroperitoneal hemorrhage (n = 1), aortic and mitral regurgitation (n = 1), onset of frequent supraventricular tachycardia (n = 1), and persistent right pelvic limb lameness (n = 1).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceElectroanatomic mapping and RFCA are feasible in Boxers with VT. Based on this small cohort, RFCA may help decrease runs of VT and improve clinical signs. The anatomic substrate and electrophysiologic mechanisms are variable and require further study.

Fundamentals of Endovascular Surgery

Endovascular techniques are an important part of vascular surgery. The initial step in endovascular surgery is selection of the vascular access site and how to choose the ideal access site is described. Thereafter, the general technical principles of artery puncture (femoral, brachial, and axillary artery puncture as well as translumbar puncture) are described along with troubleshooting principles for each procedure. Once vascular access has been obtained through arterial puncture, it is maintained through placement of a guide wire. The placement of a sheath or guide is typically placed over the guide wire to maintain a stable pathway for catheter exchange or for placement of a device. Insertion of catheters and placement of vascular stents are discussed in detail, including troubleshooting techniques. Type of stents are discussed and include balloon expandable, self-expanding, and covered stents. Postprocedural management of the arterial access site is described. The need for large sheath access during aortic interventions is also presented. The review concludes with a numerical listing of the more than two dozen steps of the basic steps in endovascular procedures, and more than a dozen figures represent the aforementioned procedures. This review contains 21 references.

Benefit of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with Impella (ECpella) therapy in acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock

BackgroundPatients with acute coronary syndrome complicated with cardiogenic shock (ACS-CS) frequently require mechanical circulatory support. In addition to veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), use of the Impella® (ECpella) (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) heart pump may improve the prognosis of such patients. In this study, we compared the efficacy of VA-ECMO plus intra-aortic balloon pumping (ECMO-IABP) with that of the ECpella for add-on circulatory support of VA-ECMO. MethodsClinical outcomes of 64 patients with ACS-CS treated with ECMO-IABP (n = 41) or ECpella (n = 23) between January 2013 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 365-day mortality. In addition, patients resuscitated after cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) were evaluated separately. ResultsThe ECpella group showed significantly lower mid-term mortality than the ECMO-IABP group [30-day mortality (39.1% vs 56.1%, respectively; p = 0.193) and 365-day mortality (43.5% vs 75.6%, respectively; p = 0.010)], with significantly higher rates of new hemodialysis and bleeding at the vascular access site. Also, among the limited number of patients resuscitated from CPA, mortality was significantly lower in the ECpella group than the ECMO-IABP group [30-day mortality (28.6% vs 65.4%, respectively; p = 0.026) and 365-day mortality (28.6% vs 84.6%, respectively; p < 0.001)]. Among the resuscitated patients, ECMO weaning period and the incidence of neurological complications were related to 30-day mortality; The incidence of neurological complications was related to 365-day mortality. The use of ECpella was strongly associated with both 30-day and 365-day survival. ConclusionsThe ECpella heart pump may provide a survival advantage over ECMO-IABP in patients with ACS-CS.

Transradial versus Transfemoral Access and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Propensity-Score-Matched Studies.

Objectives The aim of this study is to examine the association between vascular access sites and the incidence of AKI in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Background Emerging evidence has suggested that transradial access (TRA) may be associated with lower rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) as compared with transfemoral access (TFA). However, most of these studies have included a nonselected study population undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data on the association between TRA and AKI in this setting of STEMI are limited and with conflicting results. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for abstracts and full-text articles from inception to July 13th of 2021. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score-matched (PSM) studies evaluating the association of TRA versus TFA access with AKI in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Data were integrated using the random effects model and generic inverse‐variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results A total of 10,093 studies were found. After applying our inclusion criteria, 5 studies from 2014 to 2021 with a total of 8,536 STEMI patients were included. TRA was not significantly associated with a reduced risk for AKI compared with TFA (odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.71–1.01, p 0.07, I2 = 40%). Conclusions Transradial access was not significantly associated with lower risk of AKI in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI compared with TFA. Larger studies are needed to clarify this outcome.

143 Intestinal Failure: Epidemiology, Catheter Related Sepsis and Challenges

Abstract Background The aforementioned service provides specialist intestinal failure care to patients in Leicestershire and surrounding counties. Aim To study the epidemiology of IF cases referred to the service &amp; review outcomes particularly the indications and delivery of parenteral nutrition (PN). To review catheter-related sepsis (CRS) rates and identify areas for improvement. Method Service data from January 2016 to November 2017 was analysed retrospectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. Chi-square/ Fisher Exact tests were used to identify significance on categorical data and non-parametric settling was used for qualitative data analysis. Results 365 patients were referred to the service from January 2016 to November 2017. 58% patients had grade I intestinal failure. 34% and 24% referrals were made by the colorectal and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) units respectively. Gut rest (27%) and bowel obstruction (25%) were the most common indications for nutritional support. Duration of PN requirements varied greatly, but most patients (39%) patients required it for up to 7 days. Single lumen PICC line (64%) and cephalic vein (54%) were the most commonly used catheter and site of vascular access respectively. Chronicity of IF and number of vascular catheters required to provide PN were significantly associated with rates of CRS. Conclusions CRS was found to be statistically significantly associated with chronic IF and number of vascular access catheters required to provide PN. Cost implication and morbidity of CRS could be analysed further to identify other ways to provide safer and cost-efficient parental nutrition for patients with intestinal failure.

Trans-radial cerebral angiography-safety, efficacy and patient comfort: review of literature

A diagnostic cerebral angiography is a vital tool in the planning and management of various cerebrovascular conditions. Newer angiographic modalities, such as digital subtraction angiography offers dynamic imaging of the cerebral blood flow and is the preferred diagnostic modality of choice when a subsequent intervention is contemplated. Traditionally, the transfemoral route at the groin was used as the site for vascular access. However, landmark randomised controlled trials in the field of interventional cardiology have demonstrated the safety, efficacy and patient comfort attained by employing a trans-radial access for angiography and interventions. This has spawned numerous studies which were directed explicitly towards cerebral angiography and neuro-intervention. We present this review of literature to consolidate the current practices and to encourage the neuro-interventionalists to shift to a radial first approach.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement – 10 years experience at Gottsegen György National Cardiovascular Center in Hungary

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment to surgical aortic valve replacement for elderly, high surgical risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of those 463 patients who underwent TAVI during the first 10 years in our TAVI program. We compare the first 200 patients' results with the further 263 patients' results. Between 11th November 2008 and 31st December 2018, 463 patients underwent TAVI. The average age of the patients was 79.6 years, the average logistic EuroSCORE was 19.0%, the average STS score was 5.2%. 72% of the patients were in NYHA III or IV stage before TAVI. 92% of TAVIs were performed from femoral arteries. Average mean gradient was 50.0 mmHg and aortic valve area was 0.55 cm2, respectively. In 2% of the cases, "valve-in-valve" intervention was performed because of the restenosis of former aortic valve prosthesis. 30-day mortality was 5.2% and the 1-year mortality was 16.4% after TAVI. Post-TAVI complications were evaluated according to the VARC-2 definitions. Major stroke occurred in 2.2% after TAVI. The most common complication was pacemaker implantation (19.9%), but their incidence was significantly reduced between the 2 groups (26.5% vs. 14.8% [p = 0.002]). The incidence of vascular access site complications was significantly higher between the 2 groups (10% vs. 20.2% [p = 0.016]), but it did not affect the mortality. Based on our results, TAVI is a safe alternative treatment for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis in our institute as well. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(6): 229-235.

Anatomical obstacles and their impact on the sheath to balloon time while intervening through a trans-radial approach in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Trans-radial approach has been considered a safe and useful vascular access site for cardiac catheterization in comparison with the conventional trans-femoral approach. However, radial access has many challenges, such as access difficulty related to anatomical variations, radial artery spasm, occlusion, loops, tortuosities, and aberrant origin of radial and subclavian arteries. These factors were ignored in the large randomized trials that might have a significant impact on the outcome. Purpose To determine the predictors of anatomical obstacles and their impact on the sheath to balloon time while intervening through a trans-radial approach in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods This was a case-control study comprised of 466 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention to determine the predictors of anatomical obstacles including radial artery spasm, radioulnar loops, aberrant radial artery, tortuous configuration, and subclavian tortuosity. Sheath to balloon time was determined in both the groups with and without anatomical obstacles. Results Patients with and without anatomical obstacles were recruited in a 1:3 ratio. Female gender was found to be associated with anatomical obstacles with the distribution of 28.6% (32/112) vs. 19.2% (68/354); p = 0.035 for the patients with and without anatomical obstacles. Patients with obstacles were comparatively older than patients without obstacles with the mean age of 59.11 ± 8.86 vs. 55.6 ± 9.45 years; p &amp;lt; 0.001. Diabetes as co-morbid was another clinical factor observed to be associated with the presence of anatomical obstacles with the distribution of 50.9% (57/112) vs. 40.1% (142/354); p = 0.044 for with and without obstacles cohort respectively. Among patients with anatomical obstacles, the most common type of obstacle was observed to be subclavian tortuosity (40.2%) followed by radial artery spasm (25.9%), tortuous configuration (17.0%), radioulnar loop (12.5%), and abnormal origin of the RA (4.5%). A significantly higher sheath to balloon time was observed for the patients with anatomical obstacles as compared to those without with a mean duration of 30.92 ± 13.25 vs. 19.42 ± 6.2 minutes; p &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusion Older age, female gender, and diabetes were found to be the major predictors for anatomical obstacles and hence significantly increasing the sheath to balloon time. Moreover, Subclavian tortuosity was the most common obstacle followed by the radial artery spasm. Therefore, predicting the factors prolonging the procedure time could be beneficial to select the access site and can improve the overall outcome.

Propensity matched analysis of vascular complications using integrated or expandable sheaths for TAVR.

Vascular access site complications increase morbidity and mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Medtronic's EnVeo PRO® low-profile sheath concept and Edwards'expandable eSheath® aim to lower vascular trauma and access site complications. This study aims to compare Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 defined access-related vascular complications using the two different transcatheter heart valve (THV) delivery concepts. We performed a retrospective, propensity-matched study to compare access site vascular complications in 756 consecutive patients who underwent a transfemoral TAVR using a Medtronic Evolut-R®/Evolut-PRO® or an Edwards Sapien3®/Sapien3ultra® THV. Propensity score matching resulted in 275 patient pairs. The primary endpoint of major VARC-3 vascular complication was 7.6% in the Medtronic group and 12.7% in the Edwards group (p = 0.066). Minor VARC-3 vascular complications were 9.1% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.76). VARC-3 bleeding complications (8.4% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.129) length of hospital stay (7.6 + 5.4vs. 7.5 + 3.7 days, p = 0.783) and in-hospital mortality (1.1% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.624) were comparable between both groups. In a propensity-matched TAVR population, patients treated with the integrated sheath showed a trend towards fewer major vascular complications than patients treated with an expandable sheath, however, the difference was not statistically significant.

A Real World 10-Year Experience With Vascular Closure Devices and Large-Bore Access in Patients Undergoing Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has established itself as a safe and efficient treatment option in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, regardless of the underlying surgical risk. Widespread adoption of transfemoral procedures led to more patients than ever being eligible for TAVR. This increase in procedural volumes has also stimulated the use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for improved access site management. In a single-center examination, we investigated 871 patients that underwent transfemoral TAVR from 2010 to 2020 and assessed vascular complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) III recommendations. Patients were grouped by the VCD and both, vascular closure success and need for intervention were analyzed. In case of a vascular complication, the type of intervention was investigated for all VCDs. The Proglide VCD was the most frequently used device (n = 670), followed by the Prostar device (n = 112). Patients were old (median age 83 years) and patients suffered from high comorbidity burden (60% coronary artery disease, 30% type II diabetes, 40% atrial fibrillation). The overall rate of major complications amounted to 4.6%, it was highest in the Prostar group (9.6%) and lowest in the Manta VCD group (1.1% p = 0.019). The most frequent vascular complications were bleeding and hematoma (n = 110, 13%). In case a complication occurred, 72% of patients did not need any further intervention other than manual compression or pressure bandages. The rate of surgical intervention after complication was highest in the Prostar group (n = 15, 29%, p = 0.001). Temporal trends in VCD usage highlight the rapid adoption of the Proglide system after introduction at our institution. In recent years VCD alternatives, utilizing other closure techniques, such as the Manta device emerged and increased vascular access site management options. This 10-year single-center experience demonstrates high success rates for all VCDs. Despite successful closure, a significant number of patients does experience minor vascular complications, in particular bleeding and hematoma. However, most complications do not require surgical or endovascular intervention. Temporal trends display a marked increase in TAVR procedures and highlight the need for more refined vascular access management strategies.

Assessing safety and efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric patients: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION:Therapeutic plasma exchange has been widely employed by clinicians for removal of the toxic constituents from plasma by filtration of whole blood and subsequent removal of plasma and reinfusion of cellular components along with a replacement fluid. It has become an accepted therapeutic modality in paediatric patients for numerous indications including but not limited to renal transplant, haemolytic uremic syndrome and Guillain Barre Syndrome. But, data on safety and efficacy are mainly derived from studies in the adult population with very limited data available in the paediatric age group. However, it is technically challenging in children due to their small circulating volume. This study discusses the clinical indications, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in paediatric population.METHOD:We retrospectively reviewed the data of children (up to 18 years of age) who underwent TPE between January 2017 and March 2019 at our Hospital. Main features of the TPE procedures i.e. frequency of TPE, site of vascular access, type of replacement fluid used, instrument used, plasma volume processed, priming of the circuit, adverse events if any and outcome of the patients were analysed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 114 procedures were performed on these 24 patients. Fifteen patients with Category I indication showed good clinical outcome in terms of attainment of target ABO titre and/or decrease in the donor specific antibody. TPE is an effective therapeutic option in selected paediatric disorders. Our series of data on TPE procedures from paediatric perspective has shown safety and efficacy of the therapy.

POSC82 Health Economic Model for Estimating the Direct Cost Impact of Adopting an Antimicrobial Vascular Access Site Dressing in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis Via Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter in the UK

To develop a health economic budget impact model estimating the direct medical cost savings and bed day capacity release when replacing a non-antimicrobial intravascular (IV) catheter site dressing with an antimicrobial, chlorhexidine containing IV catheter securement dressing in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) via tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC).

Transposição de veia femoral superficial como solução de acesso vascular para hemodiálise

The significant growth in the number of individuals dependent on hemodialysis for renal replacement therapy and unrestricted use of short and long-term catheters have challenged vascular surgeons in search of solutions for patients whose options for access via the upper limbs have been exhausted and for the increasing rates of central venous stenosis in these patients. When access via the upper limbs is impossible, exceptional techniques can be used and the lower limbs offer feasible alternative vascular access sites for hemodialysis. This article reports a case of superficial femoral vein transposition to make a loop arteriovenous fistula in a patient with no possibility of access via the upper limbs and presents a literature review on this technique that remains little used.