Computer Simulation of Catheter Cryoablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

Cryoablation is a well-established medical procedure for surgically treating atrial fibrillation. Cryothermal catheter therapy induces cellular necrosis by freezing the insides of pulmonary veins, with the goal of disrupting abnormal electrical heart signals. Nevertheless, tissue damage induced by cold temperatures may also lead to other complications after cardiac surgery. In this sense, the simulation of catheter ablation can provide safer environments for training and the performance of cryotherapy interventions. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel approach to help better understand how temperature rates can affect this procedure by using computer tools to develop a simulation framework to predict lesion size and determine optimal temperature conditions for reducing the risk of major complications. The results showed that a temperature profile of around -40 °C caused less penetration, reduced necrotic damage, and smaller lesion size in the tissue. Instead, cryotherapy close to -60 °C achieved a greater depth of temperature flow inside the tissue and a larger cross-section area of the lesion. With further development and validation, the framework could represent a cost-effective strategy for providing personalized modeling, better planning of cryocatheter-based treatment, and preventing surgical complications.

Isolated Apical Hypoplasia of the Left and Right Ventricle.

Isolated apical ventricular hypoplasia is an extremely rare congenital heart disease. We describe 2 cases, each affecting a different side, presenting with unique clinical and imaging characteristics not hitherto delineated in the literature.

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty.

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) negatively impact the cardiovascular prognosis of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty due to coronary ischemic injury. The extent of coronary damage and the mechanisms of vascular repair are factors influencing the future development of MACEs. Intrinsic vascular features like the plaque characteristics and coronary artery complexity have demonstrated prognostic information for MACEs. However, the use of intracoronary circulating biomarkers has been postulated as a convenient method for the early identification and prognosis of MACEs, as they more closely reflect dynamic mechanisms involving coronary damage and repair. Determination of coronary circulating biomarkers during angioplasty, such as the number of subpopulations of mononuclear progenitor cells (MPCs) as well as the concentration of soluble molecules reflecting inflammation, cell adhesion, and repair, allows for assessment of future developments and the prognosis of MACEs 6 months post coronary angioplasty. This method is highlighted by its translational nature and better performance than peripheral blood circulating biomarkers regarding prediction of MACEs and its effect on the cardiovascular prognosis, which may be applied for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing angioplasty.

Coronary circulating mononuclear progenitor cells and soluble biomarkers in the cardiovascular prognosis after coronary angioplasty.

Currently, there are no confident prognostic markers in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing angioplasty. The present study aimed to explore whether basal coronary circulating Mononuclear Progenitor Cells (MPCs) and vascular injury biomarkers were related to development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and may impact clinical prognosis. METHODS: The number of MPCs and soluble mediators such as IL-1ß, sICAM-1, MMP-9, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide were determined in coronary and peripheral circulation. Prognostic ability for MACEs occurring at 6 months follow up was assessed by time-to-event and event free survival estimations. RESULTS: Lower coronary circulating MPCs subpopulations CD45+ CD34+ , CD45+ CD34+ CD133+ CD184+ , lower MMP-9 and higher sICAM-1 significantly associated with MACEs presentation and showed prognostic ability; while peripheral blood increase in malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase were observed in patients with MACEs. CONCLUSION: Coronary concentration of biomarkers related with vascular repair, such as MPCs subpopulations and adhesion molecules, may predict MACEs and impact prognosis in patients with CAD undergoing angioplasty; whereas peripheral pro-oxidative condition may be also associated.

Echocardiographic measurements of epicardial adipose tissue and comparative ability to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease.

The present study aimed to compare echocardiography measurements of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and other risk factors regarding their ability to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Outcomes of 107 patients (86 males, 21 females, mean age 63.6 years old) submitted to diagnostic echocardiography and coronary angiography were prospectively analyzed. EAT (measures over the right ventricle, interventricular groove and complete bulk of EAT) and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were performed by echocardiography. Coronary complexity was evaluated by Syntax score. Primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE's), composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, intra-stent re-stenosis and episodes of decompensate heart failure requiring hospital attention during a mean follow up of 15.94 ± 3.6 months. Mean EAT thickness was 4.6 ± 1.9 mm; and correlated with Syntax score and body mass index; negatively correlated with LVEF. Twenty-three cases of MACE's were recorded during follow up, who showed higher EAT. Diagnostic ability of EAT to discriminate MACE's was comparable to LVEF (AUROC > 0.5); but higher than Syntax score. Quartile comparison of EAT revealed that measurement of the complete bulk of EAT provided a better discrimination range for MACE's, and higher, more significant adjusted risk (cutoff 4.6 mm, RR = 3.91; 95% CI 1.01-15.08; p = 0.04) than the other risk factors. We concluded that echocardiographic measurement of EAT showed higher predicting ability for MACE's than the other markers tested, in patients with CAD. Whether location for echocardiographic measurement of EAT impacts the diagnostic performance of this method deserves further study.

Distal left main trifurcation disease in a patient with porcelain aorta.

Coronary trifurcation lesions are a complex subset of lesions and are substantially more complex than bifurcations when treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of higher rates of acute periprocedural complications (dissection, myocardial infarction, acute vessel closure) and less effective long-term outcomes (stent thrombosis, restenosis) as compared to non-bifurcation lesions. We present the case of a 73-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who was found to have a distal left main trifurcation disease as well as porcelain aorta on work-up. Given the high risk of stroke during surgical aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting, the patient was accepted by the heart team to proceed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We describe a successful double mini-crush stenting technique approach for this case.

Efficacy of Change to New P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists in Patients High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Selective intensification of platelet inhibition may improve high on treatment platelet reactivity (HPR). We evaluated the efficacy of dual-antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel (CPG), compared to new P2Y12-receptor antagonists in patients with HPR undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, regarding the outcome of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, including death, acute coronary syndrome [ACS], and stent restenosis). The presence of HPR (71 of 181 patients) almost doubled the risk of MACEs. The new antiplatelet agent reduced MACEs (45.8%, 26%, and 16.7% for CPG, prasugrel, and ticagrelor [TGL]; RR 0.36; 0.13-0.98, P = .03, TGL), specifically in patients with ACS. Failure to reduce HPR after the antiplatelet change and diabetes were independent predictors for MACEs. The HPR was early and effectively reduced after changing the antiplatelet therapy, but the intensity of this reduction did not significantly decrease the risk of MACEs. These findings support the benefit of HPR-guided intensification of platelet inhibition. Whether the intensity of this reduction improves the patient's clinical outcomes deserves further investigation.

[Bronchial artery embolization with vascular ocluder device in a patient with hemoptysis]. / Embolización de una arteria bronquial con oclusor vascular en un paciente con hemoptisis.

BACKGROUND: Hemoptysis is a sign that can be secondary to various clinical entities. Depending on the amount of bleeding, it may even endanger the patient's life. The presence of a dilated and tortuous bronchial artery may explain the hemoptysis, whose treatment consists in closing the vessel. Our objective is to demonstrate the percutaneous closure of a disrupt of the bronchial artery which causes hemoptysis. CLINICAL CASE: A 49-years old woman with mild hemoptysis and the presence of an abnormal bronchial artery bleeding that underwent percutaneous closure device plug. The device was implanted without complications and it was not observed passage of dye into the bronchial artery occluded through the pigtail catheter angiography control. The patient had no further episodes of hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can be treated successfully by the percutaneous route.

Catheter ablation of accessory pathway in the treatment of pacemaker-mediated tachycardia.

Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) remains a clinical problem in patients with dual-chamber pacemaker despite technological advances. The onset mechanism of this tachycardia is sensing of retrograde atrial activation after ventricular stimulation. Repeated retrograde conduction perpetuates tachycardia. Postventricular atrial refractory period prolongation has been used for prevention of PMT, but this is not the solution in all cases. We present a case with PMT where the retrograde limb is a left accessory pathway, which is treated with radiofrequency ablation successfully.

Transvenous pacing in children weighing less than 10 kilograms.

Pacemakers are used in small children with increasing frequency for the treatment of life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. The epicardial approach is generally preferred in these patients, to avoid the risks of vessel thrombosis. We examined the feasibility and safety of transvenous pacemaker implantation in children weighing <10 kg, via subclavian puncture, using a 4 Fr sheath introduced after a venogram was performed to evaluate the vein diameter. Progressive dilation with 5, 6, and 7 Fr sheaths preceded the insertion and placement of the endocardial lead. A subaponeurotic pocket was created in the abdominal or pectoral regions, depending upon the patient's size. Between 2001 and 2007, we treated 12 patients (median age = 16 months; range 1-32; median weight = 7.9 kg; range 2.3-10.0; 7 males), of whom four weighed <5 kg. Indications for permanent pacing included postsurgical complete atrioventricular block (n = 8), sinus node dysfunction (n = 2), congenital atrioventricular block (n = 1), and long QT syndrome (n = 1). Single-chamber pacemakers were implanted in 10, and dual-chamber pacemakers in two patients. The patients were evaluated at 48 hours, 10 days, and at 3 and 6 months. The mean follow-up was 31.8 +/- 23.5 months. There were no procedural complications. Lead dislodgment occurred in one patient and required replacement of the ventricular lead. One patient died from septicemia. Endocardial pacemaker implantation was feasible and safe in children weighing <10 kg. This procedure is less invasive than the standard epicardial approach.

[Association of biventricular resynchronizer and implantable cardioverter defibrillator]. / Asociación de resincronizador biventricular y desfibrilador cardioverter automático implantable.

Congestive heart failure (HF) remains a major and growing public health problem despite recent therapeutical developments. Thirty to sixty percent of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) die suddenly from cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy are effective treatments for HF with a wide QRS and for ventricular arrhythmias respectively. Several trials are currently being performer to evaluate the cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy with good results. The objective of this paper is to report the first three patients, in Mexico, that have received this combined therapy. In one patient, a three cameral pacemaker was associated with a unicameral ICD and the other two received a device with both functions. Patients were men, aged 63, 65, and 54 years, two of them with previous myocardial infarct and functional class II to IV of the NYHA. Left ventricular ejection fraction was of 25% in two patients and of 35% in the other. All patients improved their functional class and LVFE, two patients presented discharges of the ICD.

[Ambulatory pacemaker surgery]. / Implantación de marcapasos definitivos en programa de cirugía ambulatoria.

The chronic cardiac stimulation is know since 1958, pacemaker implant was considered a difficult procedure that was performed through cardiovascular surgery and the patient required several in hospital days. On the grounds of new surgical techniques and development of new materials for pacemakers, as well as the rise of Ambulatory Surgery and its application in pacemaker implants, the hospital stay and consequently, costs have decreased significantly. In 1986, Zegelman reported 583 patients subjected to ambulatory pacemaker surgery without mortality. The purpose of this report it to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ambulatory pacemaker surgery. One hundred seventy seven patients from an ambulatory program and 95 from a traditional program were included. Hospitalization time was 15.7 +/- 15.1 hours in the first group and 238 +/- 188 hours for the second, prevalence of complications was 2.2% in the 272 patients. Complications for both groups were similar and were solved, without mortality. We conclude that the ambulatory pacemaker surgery is effective and safe for patients and is cheaper for hospitals. The success of this program depends on the number of implants in each hospital and the operator's experience.

Implantación de marcapasos definitivos en programa de cirugía ambulatoria / Ambulatory pacemaker surgery

Desde 1958 se conoce lo que llamamos estimulación cardíaca crónica, inicialmente ésta se consideraba un procedimiento quirúrgico complejo para el cirujano cardiovascular y exigía hospitalización por varios días. Con el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas y de materiales, así como el surgimiento de la cirugía ambulatoria y su aplicación en la implantación de marcapasos, se abatió la estancia hospitalaria y consecuentemente los costos de este procedimiento. Desde 1986 Zegelman describe una serie de 583 casos en los cuales se colocó en forma ambulatoria un marcapaso definitivo, sin reportarse mortalidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue valorar la eficacia y seguridad de la colocación de marcapasos definitivos en el Programa de Cirugía Ambulatoria. Se incluyeron 177 pacientes en estancia corta y 95 en estancia tradicional; la estancia hospitalaria fue 15.7±15.1 horas para el primer grupo y 238 ±188 horas para el segundo y se presentaron complicaciones en el 2.2% de los 272 pacientes. Las complicaciones fueron similares en ambos grupos y se resolvieron favorablemente, además no hubo mortalidad. Concluimos que la colocación de marcapasos definitivos en Programa de Cirugía Ambulatoria representa una opción segura para el paciente y con menor costo para la institución. Que el éxito de este programa depende del número de implantes de un centro hospitalario y de la experiencia del operador.

The chronic cardiac stimulation is know since 1958, pacemaker implant was considered a difficult procedure that was performed through cardiovascular surgery and the patient required several in hospital days. On the grounds of new surgical techniques and development of new materials for pacemakers, as well as the rise of Ambulatory Surgery and its application in pacemaker implants, the hospital stay and consequently, costs have decreased significantly. In 1986, Zegelman reported 583 patients subjected to ambulatory pacemaker surgery without mortality. The purpose of this report it to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ambulatory pacemaker surgery. One hundred seventy seven patients from an ambulatory program and 95 from a traditional program were included. Hospitalization time was 15.7±15.1 hours in the first group and 238± 188 hours for the second, prevalence of complications was 2.2% in the 272 patients. Complications for both groups were similar and were solved, without mortality. We conclude that the ambulatory pacemaker surgery is effective and safe for patients and is cheaper for hospitals. The success of this program depends on the number of implants in each hospital and the operator's experience.

Asociación de resincronizador biventricular y desfibrilador cardioverter automático implantable / Association of biventricular resynchronizer and implantable cardioverter defibrillator

La insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada es un problema de salud mundial a pesar de la terapéutica actual. Los pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada (MCD) presentan muerte súbita por arritmias ventriculares en el 30% al 60%. Tanto el desflbrilador cardioverter automático implantable (DCAI) como la resincronización biventricular (RBV) en forma independiente han demostrado ser efectivos y seguros para lo que fueron destinados. Actualmente están en proceso varios estudios asociando estos dispositivos y los resultados son alentadores. El propósito del presente trabajo es reportar los primeros tres casos en México con ambos dispositivos, en uno se asoció un marcapaso con un DCAI y los otros dos con dispositivos que tienen ambas funciones. Se incluyeron tres hombres con edades de 63, 65 y 54 años, dos de ellos con historia de infarto, en clase funcional de la NYHA de II a IV, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) de 25, 35 y 25%. Los tres mejoraron su clase funcional y la FEVI y dos han presentado descargas del DCAI.

Congestive heart failure (HF) remains a major and growing public health problem despite recent therapeutical developments. Thirty to sixty percent of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) die suddenly from cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy are effective treatments for HF with a wide QRS and for ventricular arrhythmias respectively. Several trials are currently being performer to evaluate the cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy with good results. The objective of this paper is to report the first three patients, in Mexico, that have received this combined therapy. In one patient, a three cameral pacemaker was associated with a unicameral ICD and the other two received a device with both functions. Patients were men, aged 63, 65, and 54 years, two of them with previous myocardial infarct and functional class II to IV of the NYHA. Left ventricular ejection fraction was of 25% in two patients and of 35% in the other. All patients improved their functional class and LVFE, two patients presented discharges of the ICD.