Cannula migration through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale and embolic cerebrovascular accident in a patient with femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

We present a case report of a patient with a pulmonary embolus placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who developed venous cannula migration through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale causing an ischemic stroke due to a thrombus and requiring thrombectomy and device closure of the atrial defect.

Emergent percutaneous therapy for left ventricular assist device retrograde flow.

With the number of heart transplants being performed each year stagnating due to lack of donors the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patient population will continue to grow. As more and more patients are living longer with LVADs, either as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy, we will continue to see an increased number of complications related to assist device therapy. One of the common challenges physicians face are patients who suffer from both bleeding and thrombotic complications. When bleeding complications occur anticoagulation is usually reduced or discontinued and then the thrombosis risk increases. Once a pump thrombosis occurs there are limited percutaneous treatment strategies available, especially in the setting of a recent bleeding event. Surgical exchange is the only definitive therapy and that can be a high risk and difficult operation. Turning off an LVAD may become necessary, as it did in our case, but that can lead to significant retrograde flow through the device and rapid patient decline. A prompt percutaneous therapy is needed to stabilize these patients.

Single incision technique for implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) have gained increasing popularity because of certain advantages over transvenous ICDs. However, while conventional ICDs require a single surgical incision to implant, S-ICDS need two or three incisions, making them less appealing. OBJECTIVE: This study sought out to investigate the feasibility of using a single-incision technique to implant S-ICDs. METHODS: Patients qualifying for S-ICDs were considered for a single incision. A single incision is performed by making a left inframammary incision and then the subcutaneous tissue is dissected medially toward the lower sternum. Two sutures are placed in the fascia in the xiphoid area to anchor the lead and a tunneling tool is used to dissect the tissue to place the lead parallel to the sternum. Then subcutaneous tissues are dissected down the lateral chest wall over the muscle fascia to create the pulse generator pocket in the vicinity of the fifth and sixth intercostal spaces and near the mid-axillary line. RESULTS: Eleven patients (six males and five females) successfully underwent S-ICD implantation with a single incision without acute complications (64% for primary prevention). The mean age is 47.4 ± 15.8 years. There were no lead dislodgements, inappropriate shocks, or any other issues during a median follow-up of 10 months (interquartile range 5-17). One patient had a successful appropriate shock for ventricular fibrillation about one year after device implant. CONCLUSIONS: A single incision for subcutaneous ICDs is feasible and safe in our early experience.

Thromboinflammatory response and predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been increasingly used to treat patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. Despite improvements in valve deployment, patients that have undergone TAVR are at high risk for major adverse events following the procedure. Blood cell numbers, platelet function, and biomarkers of systemic inflammation were analyzed in 58 patients undergoing TAVR with the Edward's SAPIEN valve. Following valve deployment, platelet count and agonist-induced platelet activity declined and plasma markers of systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 and S100A8/A9) increased. Baseline platelet activity prior to TAVR correlated with perioperative changes plasma interleukin-6 levels. Moreover, perioperative changes in plasma inflammatory markers predicted the decline in platelet count in the days following the TAVR procedure. Additionally, a significant effect of gender on platelet count following TAVR and was observed. Finally, post-procedural mortality was associated with sustained thrombocytopenia after TAVR. Our findings suggest that TAVR elicits a thromboinflammatory state that may contribute to post-procedural thrombocytopenia. Importantly, our results add to the growing body of literature that suggests the thromboinflammatory changes that occur early after TAVR may predict long-term outcomes.

A retrospective analysis of catheter-based thrombolytic therapy for acute submassive and massive pulmonary embolism.

Catheter-based thrombolysis (CBT) is emerging as an option for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Although prior studies have demonstrated improvement in right ventricular function, little data is available regarding clinical patient outcomes. Our institution adopted CBT as an option for patients with submassive and massive PE and we evaluated its effect on patient outcomes. Two hundred and twenty-one patients who presented to our institution with submassive and massive PE were analyzed over three years by time period; 102 prior to the use of CBT and 119 during the time CBT was performed. The primary outcome was in-hospital major adverse clinical events (a composite of death, recurrent embolism, major bleeding, or stroke). Secondary outcomes were overall and ICU length of stay and individual components of the composite outcome. Mean age was 56.3±16 years with high rates of central PE (57.9%), RV dysfunction (37%), and myocardial necrosis (26%). Mean RV/LV ratio was 1.2. Thirty-two patients were treated with CBT. The composite endpoint occurred more frequently in the CBT era vs the pre-CBT era (21.0% vs 14.7%, p=0.23). After multivariate adjustment, CBT treatment demonstrated no effect on major adverse clinical events (OR 0.84, CI 0.22-3.22, p=0.80). CBT era patients had an unadjusted 37% increase in ICU days and 54% increase in total length of stay (p<0.001). Within the CBT era, CBT treatment resulted in an adjusted 190% increase in overall length of stay (p<0.001). CBT did not demonstrate improvement in hospital outcomes, despite adjustments of PE severity, and was associated with a significant increase in overall and ICU length of stay.

Septal perforator anatomy and variability of perfusion bed by myocardial contrast echocardiography: a study of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing alcohol septal ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the perfusion bed of the first septal perforator by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA). BACKGROUND: MCE is used to define the septal perforator anatomy prior to ASA. Occasionally, ASA cannot be performed due to unfavorable septal anatomy or perfusion outside the interventricular septum. Despite the standard use of MCE for septal mapping, there are no reports describing the territory of septal perforator perfusion. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive patients underwent ASA between 1/1/2004 and 12/30/2012. Blinded individuals retrospectively evaluated patients for septal perforator anatomic findings. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on presence or absence of extra-septal perfusion (ESP) as visualized by apical views after intracoronary contrast injection. The groups' procedural outcomes were compared, including infarct size, new conduction abnormalities, and major adverse events. RESULTS: Over 25% demonstrated ESP, of which 83% predominantly involved the right ventricular (RV) moderator band. The first septal perforator (FSP) was statistically larger in ostial diameter (1.69 mm vs. 1.23 mm, P = 0.04) and numerically more likely dominant in patients with ESP (63.6% vs. 47.2%, P = 0.22). In those with ESP, the odds ratio comparing FSP diameter of 2.0 mm to the mean was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.01-3.80). CONCLUSIONS: Downstream capillary perfusion may be discordant from epicardial territory and this study emphasizes the importance of MCE prior to ASA. Over 25% of our patients demonstrated ESP, most commonly involving the RV moderator band. The size of the FSP was the strongest predictor of ESP.

Balloon-facilitated delivery of a left ventricular pacing lead.

While modern implant tools have contributed greatly to the success of cardiac resynchronization therapy, technical challenges remain. A common problem is the inability to advance left ventricular pacing leads into branch veins that are tortuous or arise at steep angles. In these cases, advancement of the lead causes it to buckle and prolapse into the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. Lead prolapsed can be avoided by employing a balloon to temporarily obstruct the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein just upstream from the branch vein. The balloon redirects the force of advancement laterally into the branch vein, facilitating delivery.

The inside-out technique is safe and effective for thoracic central venous obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic central venous obstruction (TCVO) presents a challenging scenario for patients requiring central venous access. The inside-out technique for crossing occluded veins has been described; however, to date, case series have reported on a limited number of patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the indications for, efficacy of, and outcomes with the inside-out technique at a single tertiary academic center, with close attention to the severity of TCVO using the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) TCVO classification. METHODS: Patients who had undergone central venous access using the inside-out technique were identified from August 2007 to May 2021. The patient demographics, procedure indication, procedural details, SIR TCVO classification, outcomes, and procedure-related complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients (109 men [49.3%] and 112 women [50.6%]) had undergone 338 inside-out procedures. Of the 221 patients, 49 had undergone the procedure multiple times (25 two times, 11 three times, 13 more than three times). The average patient age was 54.7 ± 14.8 years. The indications (n = 362) for the procedure included dialysis access (n = 230; 63.5%), infusion of parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other medication (n = 81; 22.3%), cardiac access (n = 39; 10.8%), and other (n = 12; 3.3%); more than one indication for 20 procedures. Type 1 SIR TCVO was found during 147 procedures (43.5%), followed by type 4 for 142 (42.0%), type 2 for 36 (10.7%), type 3 for 6 (1.8%), and unable to determine for 7 (2.0%). The access site was the right femoral vein for 322 procedures (95.3%), left femoral vein for 14 (4.1%), and transhepatically for 2 (0.6%). The exit site location was the right supraclavicular region for 274 (81.3%), right subclavicular for 52 (15.4%), left supraclavicular for 3 (0.9%), left subclavicular for 6 (1.8%), and not defined for 2 (0.6%). Types 3 and 4 were associated with longer fluoroscopy times and more contrast compared with types 1 and 2. The median follow-up and device duration was 56.0 days and 76.5 days, respectively. No differences were found in device duration between the SIR TCVO types. Removal of a catheter was documented for 166 patients. The indications for removal included infectious causes (non-catheter-related bacteremia, catheter-related infection or bacteremia) for 70 (42.1%), catheter malfunction for 34 (20.5%), new hemodialysis access for 19 (11.5%), no longer needed for 19 (11.5%), patient removal of the catheter by 13 (7.8%), and replacement of a temporary catheter with a tunneled device for 11 (6.6%). No procedural complications were associated with the inside-out technique or catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS: For a variety of indications, we have shown that the inside-out technique is safe and effective for establishing central venous access in patients with TCVO and can be performed repeatedly. More complex obstructive patterns were associated with longer fluoroscopy times and greater contrast administration. Durability was primarily limited by infectious complications.

Ratio of Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation-to-Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic values from right heart catheterization aid diagnosis and clinical decision-making but may not predict outcomes. Mixed venous oxygen saturation percentage and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure relate to cardiac output and congestion, respectively. We theorized that a novel, simple ratio of these measurements could estimate cardiovascular prognosis. METHODS: We queried Veterans Affairs' databases for clinical, hemodynamic, and outcome data. Using the index right heart catheterization between 2010 and 2016, we calculated the ratio of mixed venous oxygen saturation-to-pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, termed ratio of saturation-to-wedge (RSW). The primary outcome was time to all-cause mortality; secondary outcome was 1-year urgent heart failure presentation. Patients were stratified into quartiles of RSW, Fick cardiac index (CI), thermodilution CI, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure alone. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models related comparators with outcomes. RESULTS: Of 12 019 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 9826 had values to calculate RSW (median 4.00, interquartile range, 2.67-6.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed early, sustained separation by RSW strata. Cox modeling estimated that increasing RSW by 50% decreases mortality hazard by 19% (estimated hazard ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.79-0.83], P<0.001) and secondary outcome hazard by 28% (hazard ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.70-0.74], P<0.001). Among the 3793 patients with data for all comparators, Cox models showed RSW best associated with outcomes (by both C statistics and Bayes factors). Furthermore, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was superior to thermodilution CI and Fick CI. Multivariable adjustment attenuated without eliminating the association of RSW with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In a large national database, RSW was superior to conventional right heart catheterization indices at assessing risk of mortality and urgent heart failure presentation. This simple calculation with routine data may contribute to clinical decision-making in this population.

Double atrial septal defect: diagnosis and closure guidance with 3D transesophageal echocardiography.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common form of congenital heart disease that often persists well into adulthood before discovery or intervention. The authors report the case of a patient referred for routine percutaneous ASD closure that was found on three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography to have two large separate ostium secundum defects which were subsequently closed under 3D echocardiographic guidance.

Extracorporeal Life Support and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Refractory Cardiogenic Shock.

The prevalence of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is increasing worldwide as more health care centers develop the necessary infrastructure, protocols, and technical expertise required to provide mobile extracorporeal life support with short notice. Strict adherence to patient selection guidelines in the setting of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, as well as in-hospital cardiac arrest, allows for improved survival with neurologically favorable outcomes in a larger patient population. This review discusses the preferred approaches, cannulation techniques, and available support devices ideal for the various clinical situations encountered during the treatment of cardiac arrest and refractory cardiogenic shock.

Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Graft Obstruction: A Complication Specific to Polytetrafluoroethylene Covering. A Word of Caution!

Pump thrombosis is an established complication of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Outflow graft obstruction has been previously described as one cause of LVAD thrombosis. We identified four cases of outflow graft obstruction that were attributed to a commonly applied polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) covering of the outflow graft. In this set of patients, the outflow graft was obstructed by a thrombus which formed between the outflow graft and its external PTFE covering, leading to impingement of the outflow graft. Patients typically presented after a median duration of 26 months (range 23-41 months) of support with gradual increase of heart failure symptoms and low pump flows. Computed tomography angiography was found to be the best diagnostic modality. Treatments included surgical LVAD replacement as well as percutaneous intraluminal stenting of the outflow graft. Our findings indicate that PTFE graft covering of the LVAD outflow graft can lead to graft occlusion and should be reconsidered as a potentially harmful modification to the approved device implant technique.

Pericardial Tamponade Caused by Perforation of Marshall Vein During Left Jugular Central Venous Catheterization.

BACKGROUND The persistence of a vein of Marshall (VoM) from the left subclavian vein to the coronary sinus is a rare cardiac anomaly known as a persistent left superior vena cava (PLVC). This anatomical variant is usually asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications during catheterization via the left subclavian or internal jugular vein, as described here. In our case, the patent vein of Marshall directly connected the coronary sinus with the left subclavian vein discovered in a cardiac arrest patient because of pericardial effusion during the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC). CASE REPORT A 62-year-old patient required a central line insertion through a left internal jugular vein. The patient immediately went into cardiac arrest after CVC insertion with a pericardial effusion. The patient was successfully resuscitated with the drainage of a pericardial effusion. A chest X-ray revealed that the central venous catheter (CVC) was located along the left border of the mediastinum rather than the right border. It was evident that the central venous catheter was inadvertently placed into the pericardial space, resulting in tamponade. This complication occurred through inadvertent access of a small persistent vein of Marshall. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the importance of knowledge of anatomical variants of the persistent vein of Marshall to prevent or correctly interpret and manage procedural complications.

Snaring of the right ventricular lead during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.

The presence of a right ventricular (RV) lead may interfere with cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation. We present a new option of lifting the RV lead from the CTI allowing a successful ablation of a CTI-dependent flutter without compromising lead integrity and functionality.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Migraine: The PREMIUM Trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a prevalent and disabling disorder. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with migraine, but its role in the disorder remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure as a therapy for migraine with or without aura. METHODS: The PREMIUM (Prospective, Randomized Investigation to Evaluate Incidence of Headache Reduction in Subjects With Migraine and PFO Using the AMPLATZER PFO Occluder to Medical Management) was a double-blind study investigating migraine characteristics over 1 year in subjects randomized to medical therapy with a sham procedure (right heart catheterization) versus medical therapy and PFO closure with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder device (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minnesota). Subjects had 6 to 14 days of migraine per month, had failed at least 3 migraine preventive medications, and had significant right-to-left shunt defined by transcranial Doppler. Primary endpoints were responder rate defined as 50% reduction in migraine attacks and adverse events. Secondary endpoints included reduction in migraine days and efficacy in patients with versus without aura. RESULTS: Of 1,653 subjects consented, 230 were enrolled. There was no difference in responder rate in the PFO closure (45 of 117) versus control (33 of 103) groups. One serious adverse event (transient atrial fibrillation) occurred in 205 subjects who underwent PFO closure. Subjects in the PFO closure group had a significantly greater reduction in headache days (-3.4 vs. -2.0 days/month, p = 0.025). Complete migraine remission for 1 year occurred in 10 patients (8.5%) in the treatment group versus 1 (1%) in the control group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PFO closure did not meet the primary endpoint of reduction in responder rate in patients with frequent migraine. (Prospective, Randomized Investigation to Evaluate Incidence of Headache Reduction in Subjects With Migraine and PFO Using the AMPLATZER PFO Occluder to Medical Management [PREMIUM]; NCT00355056).