Hybrid Interventions for Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Leveraging Intraoperative Endovascular Adjuncts in Challenging Clinical Scenarios.

Background: Pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is often progressive and treatment-refractory, requiring multiple interventions. Hybrid pulmonary vein interventions (HPVIs), involving intraoperative balloon angioplasty or stent placement, leverage surgical access and customization to optimize patency while facilitating future transcatheter procedures. We review our experience with HPVI and explore potential applications of this collaborative approach. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all HPVI cases between 2009 to 2023. Results: Ten patients with primary (n = 5) or post-repair (n = 5) PVS underwent HPVI at median age of 12.7 months (range 6.6 months-9.5 years). Concurrent surgical PVS repair was performed in 7/10 cases. Hybrid pulmonary vein intervention was performed on 17 veins, 13 (76%) with prior surgical or transcatheter intervention(s). One patient underwent intraoperative balloon angioplasty of an existing stent. In total, 18 stents (9 bare metal [5-10 mm diameter], 9 drug eluting [3.5-5 mm diameter]) were placed in 16 veins. At first angiography (median 48 days [range 7 days-2.8 years] postoperatively), 8 of 16 (50%) HPVI-stented veins developed in-stent stenosis. Two patients died from progressive PVS early in the study, one prior to planned reintervention. Median time to first pulmonary vein reintervention was 86 days (10 days-2.8 years; 8/10 patients, 13/17 veins). At median survivor follow-up of 2.2 years (2.3 months-13.1 years), 1 of 11 surviving HPVI veins were completely occluded. Conclusions: Hybrid pulmonary vein intervention represents a viable adjunct to existing PVS therapies, with promising flexibility to address limitations of surgical and transcatheter modalities. Reintervention is anticipated, necessitating evaluation of long-term benefits and durability as utilization increases.

Pre-Fontan Assessment Utilizing Combined Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac MRI: Comparison to the Pre-Fontan Catheterization.

Single ventricle patients eligible for Fontan completion undergo pre-Fontan catheterization for hemodynamic and anatomic assessment prior to surgery. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be used to evaluate pre-Fontan anatomy, physiology, and collateral burden. We describe our center's outcomes in patients undergoing pre-Fontan catheterization combined with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A retrospective review of patients undergoing pre-Fontan catheterization from 10/2018 to 04/2022 at Texas Children's Hospital was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and catheterization (combined group) and those who underwent catheterization only (catheterization only group). There were 37 patients in the combined group and 40 in the catheterization only group. Both groups were similar in age and weight. Patients undergoing combined procedures received less contrast, and experienced less in-lab time, fluoroscopy time and catheterization procedure time. Median radiation exposure was lower in the combined procedure group but was not statistically significant. Intubation and total anesthesia times were higher in the combined procedure group. Patients undergoing a combined procedure were less likely to have collateral occlusion performed than in the catheterization only group. Bypass time, intensive care unit length of stay, and chest tube duration were similar in both groups at the time of Fontan completion. Combined pre-Fontan assessment decreases catheterization procedure and fluoroscopy time associated with cardiac catheterization at the expense of longer anesthetic times, and results in similar Fontan outcomes compared to when cardiac catheterization alone is utilized.

Extra-cardiac and complex Fontan baffle fenestration using radio frequency current via surgical electrocautery.

BACKGROUND: Fontan baffle punctures and creation of Fontan fenestration for cardiac catheterisation procedures remain challenging especially due to the heavy calcification of prosthetic material and complex anatomy. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency current via surgical electrocautery needle for Fontan baffle puncture to facilitate diagnostic, electrophysiology, and interventional procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all Fontan patients (pts) who underwent Fontan baffle puncture using radiofrequency energy via surgical electrocautery from three centres were performed from January 2011 to July 2021. RESULTS: A total of 19 pts underwent 22 successful Fontan baffle puncture. The median age and weight were 17 (3-36 years) and 55 (14-88) kg, respectively. The procedural indications for Fontan fenestration creation included: diagnostic study (n = 1), atrial septostomy and stenting (n = 1), electrophysiology study and ablation procedures (n = 8), Fontan baffle stenting for Fontan failure including protein-losing enteropathy (n = 7), and occlusion of veno-venous collaterals (n = 2) for cyanosis. The type of Fontan baffles included: extra-cardiac conduits (n = 12), lateral tunnel (n = 5), classic atrio-pulmonary connection (n = 1), and intra-cardiac baffle (n = 1). A Fontan baffle puncture was initially attempted using traditional method in 6 pts and Baylis radiofrequency trans-septal system in 2 pts unsuccessfully. In all pts, Fontan baffle puncture using radiofrequency energy via electrocautery needle was successful. The radiofrequency energy utilised was (10-50 W) and required 1-5 attempts for 2-5 seconds. There were no vascular or neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency current delivery using surgical electrocautery facilitates Fontan baffle puncture in patients with complex and calcified Fontan baffles for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.

Pulmonary embolism in pediatric and adolescent patients with COVID-19 infection during the SARS-CoV-2 delta wave.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in children has been associated with thrombosis, though few cases of COVID-associated pulmonary embolism (PE) have been described. We performed a retrospective review of the nine cases of COVID-19-associated PE during the B.1617.2 variant surge at Texas Children's Hospital. The patient cohort largely contained unvaccinated obese adolescents. All patients were critically ill with two requiring catheter-directed thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation. Eight of the nine patients had COVID pneumonia along with PE. This report stresses the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for PE in pediatric COVID-19 infection and vaccinating obese adolescent patients.

Cardiovascular recurrence of high-grade osteosarcoma presenting as atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: A case report and review of the pediatric literature.

In the era of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, extrapulmonary involvement by high-grade osteosarcoma (HGOS) is rare. Importantly however, HGOS metastasis in the form of cardiovascular tumor thrombus portends a dismal prognosis. Thus, prompt and accurate identification of tumor thrombus is crucial. We report here two unique cases of recurrent HGOS, presenting as thrombotic events, in order to increase awareness and index of suspicion among practitioners regarding this presentation. Additionally, we review 14 previously reported pediatric cases of cardiovascular metastatic HGOS.

Transseptal puncture using surgical electrocautery in children and adults with and without complex congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial transseptal puncture (TSP) for cardiac catheterization procedures remain challenging in children and adults with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency (RF) current via surgical electrocautery needle for TSP to facilitate diagnostic and interventional procedures. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients (pts) who underwent TSP using RF energy (10-25 W) via surgical electrocautery from three centers from January 2011 to January 2017 were evaluated. Echocardiograms were reviewed to define the atrial septum as normal and complex (thin aneurysmal, thick/fibrotic, synthetic patch material, and extra cardiac conduit). RESULTS: A total of 54 pts underwent 55 successful TSP. Median age was 12.5 years (1 day-54 years) and weight was 52.7 kg (2-162). Indications for TSP included; EP study and ablation procedures in structurally normal hearts (n = 24) and in complex atrial septum/CHD and structural heart disease pts (n = 30): Electrophysiology study and ablation in 4, diagnostic catheterization in 9, and interventional procedures in 17 pts were performed. Atrial TSP was successful in 54/55 (98%). Atrial perforation with tiny-small pericardial effusion not requiring intervention was noted in 2 pts. TSP was unsuccessful in one critically ill neonate with unobstructed TAPVR and restricted atrial septum who experienced cardiac arrest requiring CPR, ECMO, and emergent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: RF current delivery using surgical electrocautery for TSP is a feasible and an effective option in patients with complex CHD for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.

Intravascular stent therapy for coarctation of the aorta.

Intravascular stent therapy is considered a primary therapeutic option for most adults and adolescents with coarctation of the aorta. This review highlights the indications, technical considerations, procedural aspects, and limited long-term outcome data when using this intervention. Stent technology has continued to evolve with potential for further modifications since its inception in the early 1990s. The best therapeutic approach, e.g., stenting versus surgery, in the treatment of native coarctation continues to be debated due to the paucity of long-term clinical and imaging data in both groups.

Retrieval of endobronchial foreign bodies in children: involving the cardiac catheterization lab.

Endobronchial foreign body impaction is a common occurrence, especially in the pediatric population. Bronchoscopic techniques are the standard of care for their retrieval. However, the most distally located foreign bodies are often difficult to retrieve using these techniques. A novel approach using biplane fluoroscopy, with tools usually used for intravascular foreign body retrieval, has been recently described in adults by interventional radiologists. We are the first to report 2 cases in children using this approach for distally impacted endobronchial foreign body retrieval in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. We used a collaborative approach, using flexible bronchoscopy and fluoroscopically guided catheters to reach the foreign body. The first case involved a 16-year-old girl who presented with a 4-day history of aspiration of a staple pin, which we successfully retrieved. The second case involved a 10-year-old boy who presented with a 2-month history of aspiration of the plastic eraser cap of a mechanical pencil. We were successful in reaching the distal lobule where it was lodged. However, we were unable to grasp the foreign body because of the presence of a chronic inflammatory exudate around it owing to the subacute to chronic presentation. There were no complications in either case. Thus, a collaboration of the pulmonology and interventional cardiology teams in the cardiac catheterization laboratory represents a safe and effective alternative to bronchoscopy in the management of distally placed endobronchial foreign bodies in children. Early recognition and intervention is imperative for the successful retrieval of an endobronchial foreign body.

Catheterization-based intervention in low birth weight infants less than 2.5 kg with acute and long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: The number of low birth weight infants with congenital heart disease is increasing and catheterizations may have an increased risk for mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: We investigate the outcome and complications of cardiac catheterizations in infants weighing < 2.5 kg. METHODS: Retrospective review of catheterization records from 1995 to 2010 in infants weighing < 2.5 kg. The demographics, procedure, outcome, and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: Of 101 catheterizations performed in 88 patients, 45 (45%) catheterizations were interventional. Balloon atrial septostomy (n = 23), pulmonary valvuloplasty (14), aortic valvuloplasty (4), stent placement (3), balloon angioplasty (2), and temporary pacemaker insertion (1) were successfully performed. Balloon atrial septostomy was performed with pulmonary or aortic valvuloplasty in two catheterizations. Infants < 2.5 kg had higher significant adverse event rate that those 2.5-3.5 kg (13% versus 6.6%, P < 0.05). No procedural death was noted. Significant adverse events (n = 13) included cardiopulmonary resuscitation three, vascular six, arrhythmia three, and apnea requiring intubation one. On median follow-up of 3 years (0.03 to 14), n = 69, mortality rate was 36%. In six patients with valvar pulmonary stenosis with median follow-up of 6 years (0.75-13), four (67%) did not require re-intervention. Of two patients with aortic stenosis, one did not require repeat intervention for 6 years (last follow-up). CONCLUSION: Interventional catheterization is feasible with low procedural morbidity and mortality in high risk infants < 2.5 kg. Catheterization primarily serves as a palliative procedure to stabilize infants for definitive treatment. Balloon valvuloplasty may be effective for isolated valvar pulmonary stenosis in infants < 2.5 kg.

Transcatheter retrieval and repositioning of embolized stent from the right ventricle in an infant.

Intracardiac stent embolization is a challenging complication in a small infant. A Palmaz stent was placed across the atrial septum in a 3-month-old boy to relieve symptoms of right-side heart failure. On routine chest radiography one week later, the stent was found to have embolized into the right ventricle. The stent was retrieved and repositioned by means of transcatheter technique, without subsequent complications. We found this method to be a viable alternative to surgery in a high-risk infant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful transcatheter retrieval and repositioning of an expandable intravascular stent from an intraventricular position in an infant.

Intermediate to long-term outcome following congenital coronary artery fistulae closure with focus on thrombus formation.

We sought to evaluate intermediate to long-term follow-up after coronary artery fistula (CAF) closure with emphasis on thrombotic complications. Transcatheter closure (TCC) or surgical closure (SC) is the current standard of treatment for significant CAF. Incidence and risk factors of coronary thrombosis after CAF closure have not been well described. Patients with CAF were identified from a departmental database and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. CAFs were classified as proximal or distal based on origin and size as small, medium, or large. Of 16 patients, 12 underwent TCC and 4 SC. Median follow-up was 2.3 years (0.1 to 41.6). Myocardial infarction (MI) related to coronary thrombosis occurred in 3 patients; immediately, 0.9 year, and 42 years after closure. Ages at MI were 9.2, 57, and 49 years. All 3 had distal, large CAFs and underwent SC. Anticoagulation was used in 2 of 3 patients. In the remaining 13 patients, TCC was performed in 12 and SC in 1; mean age was 13.8 years (0.1 to 38.9). CAFs were proximal in 10 and distal in 3 and large in 10 and medium in 3. On follow-up, these patients were asymptomatic without MI. Anticoagulation was used in 9 of 13 after closure. In conclusion, patients with CAF are at risk for coronary artery thrombosis and MI after closure. Patients with distal type, large CAF, and older age at presentation may be at higher risk for coronary thrombosis. Close follow-up with anatomic and functional coronary evaluation is warranted in all patients after CAF closure.