Anesthetic management of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and purpura for interventional thrombectomy of both femoral artery: Case report.

RATIONALE: Anesthesia management of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has always been a challenge for anesthesiologists. Eighty percent of patients with DCM have heart failure as the first symptom, which may be accompanied by arrhythmias, thromboembolism, etc. Thrombosis is a significant contributing factor to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and its risk is severely underestimated in the anesthetic management of DCM. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of a 54-year-old hypersensitive female patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and purpura who underwent an interventional thrombectomy under general anesthesia following a lower limb thromboembolism. DIAGNOSIS: Patient underwent an interventional thrombectomy under general anesthesia, with in situ thrombosis occurring during the surgery. INTERVENTIONS: After maintaining stable hemodynamics, proceed with the intervention to retrieve the embolus. OUTCOME: Patients in the advanced DCM developed acute thrombosis twice during embolization. LESSONS: This case discusses the causes of intraoperative thrombosis and summarizes and reflects on the anesthesia management of this case, which has always been one of the difficult points for anesthesiologists to master. In the anesthesia management of DCM patients, it is also necessary to maintain hemodynamic stability, enhance perioperative coagulation management, use anticoagulants rationally, and avoid the occurrence of thrombotic events.

A systematic review of thromboembolic complications and outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Thromboembolic (TE) complications [myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE)] are common causes of mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Therefore, this review was undertaken to explore the incidence of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications in hospitalised COVID-19 patients from different studies. A literature search was performed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases using the MeSH term search strategy of "COVID-19", "thromboembolic complication", "venous thromboembolism", "arterial thromboembolism", "deep vein thrombosis", "pulmonary embolism", "myocardial infarction", "stroke", and "mortality". There were 33 studies included in this review. Studies have revealed that COVID-19 patients tend to develop venous thromboembolism (PE:1.0-40.0% and DVT:0.4-84%) compared to arterial thromboembolism (stroke:0.5-15.2% and MI:0.8-8.7%). Lastly, the all-cause mortality of COVID-19 patients ranged from 4.8 to 63%, whereas the incidence of mortality associated with TE complications was between 5% and 48%. A wide range of incidences of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications can be seen among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Therefore, every patient should be assessed for the risk of thromboembolic complications and provided with an appropriate thromboprophylaxis management plan tailored to their individual needs.

Reports on vascular catheter-associated thromboembolic events in a burn unit - a gap in the literature?

Indwelling intravascular catheters are important tools in the care of critically ill patients; however, they have an inherent risk of infection or thromboembolic events. Reports on catheter associated thromboembolic events in burn units are rare, despite being well recognized that burn patients bear an increased baseline risk for thromboembolic events. We describe two catheter-associated thromboembolic complications in burn patients in a burn unit and the morbidity associated with these events. Patients with endovascular catheters in burn units may be at increased risk for severe thromboembolic events associated with intravascular catheters, but specific guidelines for prevention and management of these patients are still missing.

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients on peritoneal dialysis, prevalence, treatment and professionals involved.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and now direct oral anticoagulants have been and are the fundamental pillars for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there are no randomized clinical trials on the risk-benefit profile of oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on peritoneal dialysis and there is little evidence in the literature in this population. The objective of our study was to know the prevalence, treatment and professionals involved in the management of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients. For this purpose, we performed a descriptive analysis through a survey sent to different peritoneal dialysis units in Spain. A total of 1,403 patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in the study, of whom 186 (13.2%) had non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In addition, the assessment of the scores of thromboembolic and bleeding risks for the indication of oral anticoagulation was mainly carried out by the cardiologist (60% of the units), as well as its prescription (cardiologist 47% or in consensus with the nephrologist 43%). In summary, patients on peritoneal dialysis have a remarkable prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients frequently receive oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct oral anticoagulants. The data obtained regarding the scores used for the assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, treatment and involvement by Nephrology indicates that there is a need for training and involvement of the nephrologist in this pathology.

Atrial fibrillation ablation compared to pacemaker therapy in patients with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (TBS) is a subtype of sick sinus syndrome characterized by prolonged sinus pause (≥3 s) following termination of tachyarrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation (AF). There is controversy regarding whether the long-term prognosis of AF ablation is superior to pacemaker implantation. This study aimed to compare the effects of AF ablation and pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, EmBase, Web of Science, and Chinese BioMedical, up until December 1, 2023. We included studies that reported the effects of AF ablation vs pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. From this search, we identified 5 studies comprising 843 participants with TBS who underwent catheter AF ablation or pacemaker therapy. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis revealed that AF ablation and pacemaker therapy had similar effects on cardiovascular death (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-2.65), procedural complications (OR = 1.53 and 95% CI: 0.67-3.48), and cardiovascular rehospitalization (OR = 0.57 and 95% CI: 0.26-1.22). However, AF ablation provided greater benefits than pacemaker therapy in terms of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.37 and 95% CI: 0.17-0.82), thromboembolism (OR = 0.25 and 95% CI: 0.12-0.49), stroke (OR = 0.28 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.57), heart failure (OR = 0.27 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.56), freedom from AF (OR = 23.32 and 95% CI: 7.46-72.92), and prevention of progression to persistent AF (OR = 0.12 and 95% CI: 0.06-0.24). Furthermore, AF ablation resulted in a reduced need for antiarrhythmic agents (OR = 0.21 and 95% CI: 0.08-0.59). CONCLUSION: AF ablation can effectively reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, stroke, heart failure, and progression to persistent AF in patients with TBS. Additionally, it may eliminate the need for further pacemaker therapy in most cases after ablation. Therefore, AF ablation is considered superior to pacemaker therapy in the management of patients with TBS.

Use of apixaban in adults with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias: The PROTECT-AR study.

BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and atrial arrhythmias (AA) face an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Limited data exist on the use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis in ACHD. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of apixaban in ACHD patients with AA. METHODS: PROTECT-AR (NCT03854149) was a prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted from 2019 to 2023. ACHD patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia on routine apixaban treatment were included. The historical control group consisted of patients previously on vitamin K antagonist (VKA), who were analyzed prior to their transition to apixaban. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the composite of stroke or thromboembolism. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. RESULTS: The study enrolled 218 ACHD patients with AA on apixaban, of which 73 were previous VKA users. The analysis covered 527 patient-years of prospective exposure to apixaban and 169 patient-years of retrospective exposure to VKA. The annualized rate of stroke or thromboembolism was 0.6% in the apixaban group and 1.8% in the VKA group (absolute difference - 1.2%; upper limit of one-sided 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9%, lower than the predefined non-inferiority margin of +1.8%, Pnon-inferiority < 0.001). The annualized rate of major bleeding was 1.5% in the apixaban group and 2.4% in the VKA group (hazard ratio 0.64; 95% CI 0.19-2.10, P = 0.48). CONCLUSION: In ACHD patients with AA, routine apixaban use exhibited a non-inferior rate of stroke or thromboembolism compared to historical VKA use, alongside a similar rate of major bleeding.

Incidence of thromboembolic events in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: The incidence of thromboembolic events (TEs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has rarely been reported. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. The primary outcome was the incidence of TEs, and the secondary outcome was the relationship between TEs and overall survival (OS) following ICI therapy. A subgroup analysis of TE incidents was performed according to the TE type and combination regimens. The I2 statistic was used to determine the heterogeneity, and funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. A total of 16,602 patients with NSCLC in 63 experimental arms were included in the analysis. The rate of TEs ranged from 0.1% to 13.8%, and the pooled overall incidence of all-grade TEs was 3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2%-4%). The pooled rate of high-grade TEs was 1% (95% CI, 1%-2%). The venous and arterial TE rates were 3% (95% CI, 2%-4%) and 1% (95% CI, 1%-2%), respectively. Patients who received immunotherapy + chemoradiotherapy had the highest incidence of TEs (7%). The TE pooled rate was higher in patients treated with combined ICIs than in those treated with mono ICIs (4% vs. 2%). The OS was lower in patients with TEs than in those without TEs (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.02%-1.92%). The incidence of TEs in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs was reasonable. Nonetheless, clinicians must be aware of potential thrombotic complications and treat them promptly.

Thromboembolic risk of carfilzomib or bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis.

Thrombosis represents a frequent and potentially severe complication in individuals diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). These events can be driven by both the disease as well as the therapies themselves. Overall, available evidence is inconclusive about the differential thrombogenicity of carfilzomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (KRd) and bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (VRd). This meta-analysis compares the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE; including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE; including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke) with KRd versus VRd as primary therapy for newly diagnosed MM (NDMM). Out of 510 studies identified after deduplication, one randomized controlled trial and five retrospective cohort studies were included. We analyzed 2304 patients (VRd: 1380; KRd: 924) for VTE events and 2179 patients (VRd: 1316; KRd: 863) for ATE events. Lower rates of VTE were observed in the VRd group when compared with the KRd group (6.16% vs. 8.87%; odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.88; p = .01). Both treatment groups exhibited minimal ATE incidence, with no significant difference between them (0.91% vs. 1.16%; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.24-4.20; p = .99). In view of potential biases from retrospective studies, heterogeneity of baseline population characteristics, and limited access to patient-level data (e.g., VTE risk stratification and type of thromboprophylaxis regimen used) inherent to this meta-analysis, additional research is warranted to further validate our findings and refine strategies for thrombosis prevention in MM.

ABO blood type and thromboembolic complications after intracerebral hemorrhage: An exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-O blood types are known to be associated with thromboembolic complications (TECs) in population-based studies. TECs are known drivers of morbidity and mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, yet the relationships of blood type on TECs in this patient population are unknown. We sought to explore the relationships between ABO blood type and TECs in ICH patients. METHODS: Consecutive adult ICH patients enrolled into a prospective observational cohort study with available ABO blood type data were analyzed. Patients with cancer history, prior thromboembolism, and baseline laboratory evidence of coagulopathy were excluded. The primary exposure variable was blood type (non-O versus O). The primary outcome was composite TEC, defined as pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction, during the hospital stay. Relationships between blood type, TECs and clinical outcomes were separately assessed using logistic regression models after adjusting for sex, ethnicity and ICH score. RESULTS: Of 301 ICH patients included for analysis, 44% were non-O blood type. Non-O blood type was associated with higher admission GCS and lower ICH score on baseline comparisons. We identified TECs in 11.6% of our overall patient cohort. . Although TECs were identified in 9.9% of non-O blood type patients compared to 13.0% in O blood type patients, we did not identify a significant relationship of non-O blood type with TECs (adjusted OR=0.776, 95%CI: 0.348-1.733, p=0.537). The prevalence of specific TECs were also comparable in unadjusted and adjusted analyses between the two cohorts. In additional analyses, we identified that TECs were associated with poor 90-day mRS (adjusted OR=3.452, 95% CI: 1.001-11.903, p=0.050). We did not identify relationships between ABO blood type and poor 90-day mRS (adjusted OR=0.994, 95% CI:0.465-2.128, p=0.988). CONCLUSIONS: We identified that TECs were associated with worse ICH outcomes. However, we did not identify relationships in ABO blood type and TECs. Further work is required to assess best diagnostic and prophylactic and treatment strategies for TECs to improve ICH outcomes.

Prasugrel Single Antiplatelet Therapy versus Aspirin and Clopidogrel Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Flow Diverter Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimal antiplatelet regimen after flow diverter treatment of cerebral aneurysms is still a matter of debate. A single antiplatelet therapy might be advantageous in determined clinical scenarios. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy versus aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of 4 retrospective multicenter studies including ruptured and unruptured aneurysms treated with flow diversion using either prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy or dual antiplatelet therapy. Primary end points were the occurrence of any kind of procedure- or device-related thromboembolic complications and complete aneurysm occlusion at the latest radiologic follow-up (mean, 18 months). Dichotomized comparisons of outcomes were performed between single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy. Additionally, the influence of various patient- and aneurysm-related variables on the occurrence of thromboembolic complications was investigated using multivariable backward logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients with 251 aneurysms were included, 90 (40.5%) in the single antiplatelet therapy and 132 (59.5%) in the dual antiplatelet therapy group. The primary outcome-procedure- or device-related thromboembolic complications-occurred in 6 patients (6.6%) of the single antiplatelet therapy and in 12 patients (9.0%) of the dual antiplatelet therapy group (P = .62; OR, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.260-1.930). The primary treatment efficacy end point was reached in 82 patients (80.4%) of the single antiplatelet therapy and in 115 patients (78.2%) of the dual antiplatelet therapy group (P = .752; OR, 1.141; 95% CI, 0.599-2.101). Logistic regression showed that non-surface-modified flow diverters (P = .014) and fusiform aneurysm morphology (P = .004) significantly increased the probability of thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy after flow diverter treatment may be as safe and effective as dual antiplatelet therapy and could, therefore, be a valid alternative in selected patients. Further prospective comparative studies are required to validate our findings.

Risk Factors for Thromboembolic Events in Patients With Dialysis-Dependent CKD: Pooled Analysis of Four Global Roxadustat Phase 3 Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors for thromboembolic events in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving roxadustat are unknown. Iron deficiency has been reported as a risk factor for thrombosis in the general population. METHODS: Thromboembolic events with onset before and after week 12 in patients receiving roxadustat were evaluated in this pooled analysis of four global phase 3 trials, PYRENEES, SIERRAS, HIMALAYAS, and ROCKIES. Baseline risk factors for thromboembolic events were investigated by Cox regression analyses. Nested case-control analyses with matched pairs of case-control data explored the relationship between thromboembolic events and last known laboratory parameters before event onset. RESULTS: Of 2354 patients, 1026 thromboembolic events were observed in 568 patients. Baseline risk factors found included hemodialysis (vs peritoneal dialysis), advanced age (≥ 65 years), Black race, high high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and history of thromboembolism, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Univariate case-control analyses revealed that high hemoglobin rate of rise (≥ 0.5 g/dL/week; odds ratio [OR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-4.46) showed a trend towards increased risk of thromboembolic events before week 12, and high rate of hemoglobin decline was associated with events after week 12 (< - 0.5 g/dL/week; OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.68-8.27) as compared to stable hemoglobin levels (≥ - 0.1 to < 0.1 g/dL/week). Multivariate case-control analyses showed that low last known hemoglobin level (< 10 g/dL: adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.04-3.50; vs ≥ 12 g/dL) and low last known transferrin saturation (TSAT < 10%: adjusted OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.71-8.39; vs ≥ 30%) before event onset were associated with events after week 12. In patients with last known TSAT < 30%, higher roxadustat dose was associated with thromboembolic events; however, no association was observed in those with TSAT ≥ 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Among various risk factors for thromboembolic events, it is reasonable to avoid a rapid increase and decline in hemoglobin levels as well as ensure TSAT ≥ 30%, rather than increasing the roxadustat dose. Graphical Abstract available for this article. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02278341, NCT02273726, NCT02052310, NCT02174731.

Roxadustat is an oral treatment for patients with anemia, or low hemoglobin levels, due to chronic kidney disease. Thromboembolic events are caused by a blood clot blocking blood vessels, and they have occurred in clinical trials of roxadustat. This analysis evaluated risk factors for thromboembolic events in patients receiving roxadustat to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. Two different statistical approaches were used to investigate risk factors for thromboembolic events that occurred before and after 12 weeks of roxadustat treatment. We found that rapid improvement of anemia after starting roxadustat treatment may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events occurring in the first 12 weeks of treatment. In contrast, severe anemia or worsening of anemia was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events after week 12. Low iron levels in the blood or greater decline of available iron in the blood from baseline were also detected as risk factors for the events after week 12, suggesting that iron supplementation is important in patients who are iron-deficient. Moreover, thromboembolic events were also associated with older age (≥ 65 years), Black race, high levels of inflammation, and having had a previous thromboembolic event or having a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Some risk factors, such as iron status and hemoglobin levels, can be changed after beginning roxadustat treatment and should be monitored and modified, as needed.

Association of Impedance Aggregometry-Measured Platelet Aggregation With Thromboembolic Events in Patients Who Undergo Carotid Endarterectomy: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship among thrombin receptor activator peptide 6 (TRAP test), adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP test), arachidonic acid (ASPI test), and stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), using the multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate) in patients undergoing carotid thromboendarterectomy (CEA). DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Vascular surgery operating rooms of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-one out of 474 patients undergoing CEA between November 2020 and October 2022. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A preoperative blood sample of all enrolled patients was analyzed using the Multiplate analyzer. Receiver operating characteristics curves, were generated to test the ability of TRAP, ADP, and ASPI in discriminating perioperative thromboembolic stroke/TIA. A logistic LASSO regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with stroke/TIA. Eight patients experienced a perioperative stroke/TIA. Although all the platelet functional assays showed excellent predictive performance, an ADP value exceeding 72 U showed the highest specificity (87%) and sensitivity (68%) in discriminating patients who had a perioperative thromboembolic stroke/TIA, with a negative predictive value of 99% and a positive predictive value of 15%. After LASSO regression, an ADP >72 U and the need for a shunt during CEA were the only 2 variables independently associated with perioperative stroke/TIA. CONCLUSION: Because the ADP test was independently associated with perioperative stroke/TIA, the assessment of platelet reactivity using Multiplate may offer potential utility in monitoring patients undergoing CEA.

Amplatzer or Figulla Flex II Occluder: a comparative study of outcomes after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) for the prevention of recurrent paradoxical thromboembolic events has been shown to be safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. However, it remains uncertain if differences in the structure and design of the occluder devices impact the outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare results of percutaneous PFO closure using 2 widely used double-disc occluders. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure with the Abbott Amplatzer occluder (APO) or the Occlutech Figulla-Flex-II occluder (OPO) at the Heart Center Lucerne between February 2017 and December 2022 were included in a registry. The primary endpoint was effective closure of the PFO, defined as a residual shunt grade 0 or 1, assessed by contrast echocardiogram at 6-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included procedural efficacy/safety and major adverse cardiovascular events during the hospital stay and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three consecutive patients (mean age 51.7 ± 12.5 years; 39% women; Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score = 7, IQR = 6-8) underwent percutaneous PFO closure with the APO (120 patients, 62.2%) or the OPO (73 patients, 37.8%). Main indications for closure were crypotogenic stroke in 168 patients (87.1%) and peripheral embolism in 13 patients (6.7%). At baseline, right-to-left shunt (RLS) greater than or equal to grade 2 was present in 189 patients (97.9%). Immediate procedural success was 99.5%. In 1 patient, an air embolism occurred during positioning of the APO occluder with transient chest pain and electrocardiogram changes, but without further sequelae to the patient. At 6-month follow-up, effective closure was achieved in 185 patients (95.8%; APO: 96.6% vs OPO: 94.5%, P = .30). Rates of atrial fibrillation and recurrent thromboembolic events were 4.2 and 0.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PFO closure is safe and effective when performed with either the self-expanding Abbott Amplatzer or Occlutech Figulla Flex II PFO occluder.

Thirty-year outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical aortic valve.

The long-term safety, efficacy, and outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation therapy after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mechanical prosthesis. This retrospective cohort study consulted medical records and conducted a questionnaire to investigate 519 patients who underwent single AVR with the St. Jude Medical bileaflet valve and were in sinus rhythm. All patients were followed up with an international normalized ratio (INR) target of 1.6-2.5, and their INR values were checked throughout the follow-up period. The survival rate, incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and risk factors for cardiac death and MACCE were investigated. The total follow-up was 9793 patient-years, and the follow-up periods were 19.9 (standard deviation [SD]: 7.9) years. The mean INR was 2.03 (SD: 0.54). Survival rates from cardiac death were 93.6% in 20 years and 85.2% in 30 years. Advanced age ≥ 70 years was the only significant risk factor for cardiac death and MACCE, and the INR < 2.0 was not significant risk factor for MACCE including thromboembolism or bleeding events. Low-intensity anticoagulation with an INR of 1.6-2.5 for patients with sinus rhythm after AVR with a bileaflet mechanical valve is safe and effective, even over 30 years.

Impact of anticoagulation intensity on blood transfusion for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during lung transplantation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used for mechanical circulatory support during lung transplant. Optimal intensity of intraoperative anticoagulation would be expected to mitigate thromboembolism without increasing bleeding and blood product transfusions. Yet, the optimal intensity of intraoperative anticoagulation is unknown. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 163 patients who received a bilateral lung transplant at a single center. We categorized the intensity of anticoagulation into 4 groups (very low to high) based on the bolus dose of unfractionated heparin given during lung transplant and compared the rates of intraoperative blood transfusions and the occurrence of thromboembolism between groups. When compared to the very low-intensity group, each higher intensity group was associated with higher red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet transfusions. The occurrence of thromboembolism was similar across groups. These preliminary data suggest that lower intensity anticoagulation may reduce the rate of intraoperative blood transfusions, although further study is needed.

Thromboembolic events, major bleeding and mortality in essential thrombocythaemia and polycythaemia vera-A matched nationwide population-based study.

Thromboembolic events and bleeding are known complications in essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and polycythaemia vera (PV). Using multiple Swedish health care registers, we assessed the rate of arterial and venous events, major bleeding, all-cause stroke and all-cause mortality in ET and PV compared to matched controls. For each patient with ET (n = 3141) and PV (n = 2604), five matched controls were randomly selected. In total, 327 and 405 arterial or venous events were seen in the group of ET and PV patients respectively. Compared to corresponding controls, the rate of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality per 100 treatment years was significantly increased among both ET (0.63, 0.79 and 3.70) and PV patients (0.94, 1.20 and 4.80). The PV patients also displayed a significantly higher rate of arterial events and all-cause stroke compared to controls. When dividing the cohort into age groups, we found a significantly higher rate of arterial and venous events in all age groups of PV patients, and the rate of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in both ET and PV patients in all ages above the age of 50. This study confirms that PV and ET are diseases truly marked by thromboembolic complications and bleeding.

Characteristics and outcome of patients with left atrial appendage closure in China: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Clinical characteristics and long-term data on the safety and efficacy of LAAC in preventing cerebrovascular accident and thromboembolism among Chinese patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) remain limited. METHODS: Data of consecutive NVAF patients who underwent LAAC at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 1, 2014, to December 31, 2021, were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the composite endpoint of stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, and death from cardiovascular causes. The primary safety endpoint is the severe bleeding defined by the LAAC Munich consensus. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients enrolled, the mean age was 66.90 ± 9.62 years, with a majority being male (77.03%). Many patients are non-paroxysmal AF (71.19%) with a median duration of AF of 4.00 years. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.78 ± 1.49, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 1.68 ± 0.86. Thromboembolic events (76.58%) were the most common indication for LAAC. The device, technical, and procedural success rates were 98.65%, 98.65%, and 93.69%, respectively. The anticoagulation continuation rate was 56.36%, 31.25%, and 22.60% at 3-, 6- and 12 months post-procedure, respectively. Throughout a mean 2.81 years of follow-up, the incidence of the primary efficacy endpoint was 4.27 per 100 patient-years, predominantly attributable to stroke/TIA (3.12 per 100 PYs). Five patients experienced major bleeding during the follow-up period. Post-procedure imaging revealed minimal complications, with only one substantial peri-device leak. Device-related thrombus occurred in 2.33% of patients, resolving with anticoagulation. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that LAAC is a safe and effective alternative option for Chinese patients with AF, with a high success rate, few complications as well as fewer long-term adverse outcome events.