Embolization of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices: timing, management and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder embolization is an infrequent but serious complication. OBJECTIVES: We aim to describe timing, management and clinical outcomes of device embolization in a multi-center registry. METHODS: Patient characteristics, imaging findings and procedure and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Device embolizations were categorized according to 1) timing 2) management and 3) clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-seven centers contributed data. Device embolization occurred in 108 patients. In 70.4 % of cases, it happened within the first 24 h of the procedure. The device was purposefully left in the LA and the aorta in two (1.9 %) patients, an initial percutaneous retrieval was attempted in 81 (75.0 %) and surgery without prior percutaneous retrieval attempt was performed in 23 (21.3 %) patients. Two patients died before a retrieval attempt could be made. In 28/81 (34.6 %) patients with an initial percutaneous retrieval attempt a second, additional attempt was performed, which was associated with a high mortality (death in patients with one attempt: 2.9 % vs. second attempt: 21.4 %, p < 0.001). The primary outcome (bailout surgery, cardiogenic shock, stroke, TIA, and/or death) occurred in 47 (43.5 %) patients. Other major complications related to device embolization occurred in 21 (19.4 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of device embolizations after LAA closure occurs early. A percutaneous approach is often the preferred method for a first rescue attempt. Major adverse event rates, including death, are high particularly if the first retrieval attempt was unsuccessful. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: This dedicated multicenter registry examined timing, management, and clinical outcome of device embolization. Early embolization (70.4 %) was most frequent. As a first rescue attempt, percutaneous retrieval was preferred in 75.0 %, followed by surgical removal (21.3 %). In patients with a second retrieval attempt a higher mortality (death first attempt: 2.9 % vs. death second attempt: 24.1 %, p < 0.001) was observed. Mortality (10.2 %) and the major complication rate after device embolization were high.

The Prognostic Value of a Liver Function Test Using Indocyanine Green (ICG) Clearance in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS).

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is common in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with high mortality. Although there have been multiple investigations into a multitude of organ dysfunctions, little is known about the role of liver dysfunction. In addition, clinical and laboratory findings of liver dysfunction may occur with a significant delay. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a liver function test, based on indocyanine green (ICG)-clearance, contains prognostic information for patients in the early phase of MODS. METHODS: The data of this analysis were based on the MODIFY study, which included 70 critically ill patients of a tertiary medical ICU in the early phase of MODS (≤24 h after diagnosis by an APACHE II score ≥ 20 and a sinus rhythm ≥ 90 beats per minute, with the following subgroups: cardiogenic (cMODS) and septic MODS (sMODS)) over a period of 18 months. ICG clearance was characterized by plasma disappearance rate = PDR (%/min); it was measured non-invasively by using the LiMON system (PULSION Medical Systems, Feldkirchen, Germany). The PDR was determined on the day of study inclusion (baseline) and after 96 h. The primary endpoint of this analysis was 28-day mortality. RESULTS: ICG clearance was measured in 44 patients of the MODIFY trial cohort, of which 9 patients had cMODS (20%) and 35 patients had sMODS (80%). Mean age: 59.7 ± 16.5 years; 31 patients were men; mean APACHE II score: 33.6 ± 6.3; 28-day mortality was 47.7%. Liver function was reduced in the total cohort as measured by a PDR of 13.4 ± 6.3%/min At baseline, there were no relevant differences between survivors and non-survivors regarding ICG clearance (PDR: 14.6 ± 6.1%/min vs. 12.1 ± 6.5%/min; p = 0.21). However, survivors showed better liver function than non-survivors after 96 h (PDR: 21.9 ± 6.3%/min vs. 9.2 ± 6.3%/min, p < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, survivors but not non-survivors show a significant improvement in the PDR (7.3 ± 6.3%/min vs. -2.9 ± 2.6%/min; p < 0.01) within 96 h. In accordance, receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROCs) at 96 h but not at baseline show a link between the PDR and 28-day mortality (PDR at 96 h: AUC: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98; p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that ICG clearance at baseline did not provide prognostic information in patients in the early stages of MODS despite being reduced in the total cohort. However, improvement of ICG clearance 96 h after ICU admission is associated with reduced 28-day mortality.

[Prevalence, incidence and predictive factors of atrial fibrillation in geriatric patients-A prospective observational study]. / Prävalenz, Inzidenz und prädiktive Faktoren von Vorhofflimmern (VHF) bei geriatrischen Patienten ­ eine prospektive Beobachtungsstudie.

BACKGROUND AND QUESTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the total population, and previous studies have already reported the prevalence of AF; however, AF is of special importance in geriatric patients due to demographic changes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine how many geriatric patients have a history of AF (prevalence) and how often AF can be newly diagnosed during an inpatient stay (incidence). Additionally, predictive factors for the incidence of AF in geriatric patients are described. STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In a monocentric prospective observational study from April 2021 to April 2022, all admissions to a geriatric clinic were included in the study. Data collection was carried out using the patients' digital files. As part of the admission routine, all patients had a 12-lead ECG recorded. Additionally, a 24­h long-term electrocardiogram (LTECG) was used in a subset of patients depending on the clinical need. RESULTS: A total of 1914 participants were included in the study. At the time of admission, 715 (37.4%) patients had a known history of AF. Of the remaining 1199 patients without a history of AF, AF could be newly detected in 73 cases (6.1%). Multivariate regression analysis identified age > 80 years (odds ratio, OR: 2.3) and heart failure (OR: 3.5) as significant risk factors for the incidence of AF (each p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite an already high prevalence, AF was newly diagnosed in 6% of patients during the stay at a geriatric clinic. Heart failure and age above 80 years were significantly associated with the presence of AF. This should be taken into account when screening for AF in this patient population.

[Relationship between cardiac output, heart rate and microcirculation in patients with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome]. / Zusammenhang zwischen Herzzeitvolumen, Herzfrequenz und Mikrozirkulation bei Patienten mit Multiorgandysfunktionssyndrom.

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is one of the main causes of death in intensive care units. There is evidence that microcirculation in sepsis and coronary shock is regulated separately from hemodynamics. This study investigates the relationship between heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and microcirculation in patients with MODS. METHODS: This is a partial analysis of the "MODIFY study" (Reducing Elevated Heart Rate in Patients With Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome [MODS] by Ivabradine). During the period 05/2010-09/2011, the microcirculation of 46 patients with septic and coronary MODS was measured using the sidestream dark field technique on the day of inclusion and 96 h later. Patients were randomized into a control and ivabradine treatment group. RESULTS: Overall, there is a relevant improvement in microcirculation over time small perfused vessels, SPV [%] on day 0, d0:56.5 ± 34.2/d4:73.2 ± 22.1 (p = 0.03); perfused vessel density, PVDsmall [1/mm2] d0:7.5 ± 5.0/d4:9.8 ± 3.4 (p = 0.04); proportion of perfused vessels, PPVsmall [%] d0:51.6 ± 31.6/d4:66.7 ± 21.8 (p = 0.04); microcirculatory flow index, MFI d0:1.7 ± 1.0/d4:2.2 ± 0.7 (p = 0.05). Administration of ivabradine shows no effect. In patients with coronary MODS, there is a relevant correlation between microcirculatory parameters and cardiac output (SPV [%]: r = 0.98, p = 0.004). Patients with coronary MODS show better microcirculation values at high heart rates (> 100 bpm), while patients with septic MODS show an opposite relationship. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that in critically ill patients, depending on the genesis of the MODS, there are different relationships between HF or CO values, on the one hand, and the parameters of the microcirculation, on the other.

Relationship between Pharmacological Treatment Strategy and Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background and question: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the total population. The aim of this study is to determine how geriatric patients with AF are treated in terms of rhythm or rate control and whether a relationship between the type of treatment and Mini Mental Status (MMS) can be identified. METHODS: In this monocentric, prospective, observational study, data including chronic medication as well as demographic parameters were collected from all patients in a geriatric department between April 2021 and April 2022. A 12-lead ECG as well as the Mini Mental Status were recorded for all patients as part of the admission routine, and a 24 h ECG was performed in selected patients on the basis of clinical indication. RESULTS: At baseline, 715 out of 1914 patients (37.4%) had a known history of AF. Of these patients, 43 patients (6%) were on rhythm control therapy (RHY) and 672 (94%) were on rate control therapy (RATE). No difference in respect to MMS could be detected between RHY and RATE. However, linear regression analyses showed that age, HASBLED score, creatinine serum level, and an existing antiplatelet medication were associated with a negative influence on MMS, whereas oral anticoagulation (OAC) was associated with improved MMS, respectively (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The vast majority of geriatric patients with AF are treated with a rate control strategy. Oral anticoagulation is associated with better results in MMS, whereas patients who are treated with antiplatelet medication show worse results in MMS instead.

CT-Based Preplanning Allows Abstaining from Intraprocedural TEE during Interventional Closure of the LAA in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the application of a CT-based preplanning algorithm might allow abstaining from TEE during LAAC. BACKGROUND: LAAC is an established treatment alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation. Today, most LAAC procedures are guided by TEE, which, however, leads to the need for patient sedation and might even cause direct harm to the patient. CT-based preplanning of the LAAC procedure, in combination with technical improvements in device design and interventional experience, might allow abstaining from TEE. METHODS: Fluoro-FLX is a prospective single-center study to evaluate how often TEE leads to a procedural change during interventional LAAC if a dedicated CT planning algorithm is applied. The study hypothesis is that under these circumstances, a sole fluoroscopy-guided LAAC is an alternative to a TEE-guided approach. All procedures are preplanned by cardiac CT and, finally, guided by fluoroscopy only, while TEE is carried out in the background during the intervention for safety reasons. RESULTS: In none of the 31 consecutive patients did TEE lead to a change in the preplanned fluoroscopy-guided LAAC (success ratio: 1.00; CI: 0.94-1.00), thereby meeting the primary endpoint (performance goal: 0.90). There were no procedure-related adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (no pericardial effusion, TIA, stroke, systemic embolism, device embolism, death). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that it is feasible to perform LAAC under sole fluoroscopic guidance if preplanning is performed using cardiac CT. This might be worth considering, especially in patients who are at high risk for TEE-related adverse events.

Effect of Hemolysis Regarding the Characterization and Prognostic Relevance of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Extracorporeal Circulation (eCPR).

BACKGROUND: Hemolysis, a common adverse event associated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), may affect neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and potentially confound its prognostic value in predicting neurological outcomes in resuscitated patients without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) that require extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between hemolysis and NSE levels could help to improve the accuracy of NSE as a prognostic marker in this patient population. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who received a VA-ECMO for eCPR between 2004 and 2021 and were treated in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Jena. The outcome was measured clinically by using the Cerebral Performance Category Scale (CPC) four weeks after eCPR. The serum concentration of NSE (baseline until 96 h) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the ability of individual NSE measurements to discriminate, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. Serum-free hemoglobin (fHb, baseline until 96 h) served as a marker for identifying a confounding effect of parallel hemolysis. RESULTS: 190 patients were included in our study. A total of 86.8% died within 4 weeks after ICU admission or remained unconscious (CPC 3-5), and 13.2% survived with a residual mild to moderate neurological deficit (CPC 1-2). Starting 24h after CPR, NSE was significantly lower and continued to decrease in patients with CPC 1-2 compared to the group with an unfavorable outcome of CPC 3-5. In addition, when evaluating on the basis of receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), relevant and stable area under the curve (AUC) values for NSE could be calculated (48 h: 0.85 // 72 h: 0.84 // 96 h: 0.80; p < 0.01), and on the basis of a binary logistic regression model, relevant odds ratios for the NSE values were found even after adjusting for fHb regarding the prediction of an unfavorable outcome of CPC 3-5. The respective adjusted AUCs of the combined predictive probabilities were significant (48 h: 0.79 // 72 h: 0.76 // 96 h: 0.72; p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms NSE as a reliable prognostic marker for poor neurological outcomes in resuscitated patients receiving VA-ECMO therapy. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that potential hemolysis during VA-ECMO does not significantly impact NSE's prognostic value. These findings are crucial for clinical decision making and prognostic assessment in this patient population.

Transition from WATCHMAN V.2.5 to WATCHMAN FLX for closure of the left atrial appendage: echocardiographic and clinical findings.

INTRODUCTION: Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAC) has been established as an alternative treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of stroke. The WATCHMAN FLX (WM FLX) as the newest WATCHMAN LAAC device differs in several technical characteristics from its precursor, the WATCHMAN V.2.5 (WM V.2.5). METHODS: The data presented here are derived from a retrospective single-centre study. All patients in which an LAAC was performed between February 2017 and March 2021 with either a WM V.2.5 or WM FLX device were included. RESULTS: 169 patients were included in this study, of whom 95 had been treated with WM V.2.5 and 74 with WM FLX, respectively. Directly after implantation, only minor differences regarding membrane thickness and connector protrusion were noted, whereas no relevant differences were found regarding device sizing, device compression or peridevice leakage, respectively. However, at 3-month follow-up, device compression was significantly reduced in WM FLX indicating a continued device expansion which was paralleled by a reduced number of peridevice leakage in comparison to WM V.2.5. Additionally, the combined clinical endpoint of death, stroke/transistoric ischaemic attack, tamponade, device embolisation, device-related thrombosis or peridevice leakage was reduced in WM FLX. CONCLUSION: LAAC using the WM FLX device results in a continued device expansion over the first 3 months based on differences in radial force in comparison to WM V.2.5. This is accompanied by a reduction in adverse clinical endpoints.

Short-term dual antiplatelet therapy in diabetic patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome treated with a new-generation drug-eluting stent.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and treated with a drug-eluting stent (DES) remains unclear. This is a prespecified sub-study from the Randomised Evaluation of short-term DUal antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute Coronary syndromE treated with a new generation DES (REDUCE) trial that was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of short-term versus standard 12 months DAPT in diabetic patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the COMBO stent. METHODS: In this study we included ACS diabetic patients enroled in the REDUCE trial treated with the COMBO stent and randomly assigned to either 3 or 12 months of DAPT. The primary study endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), stroke, target vessel revascularisation (TVR), and bleeding complications at 12 and 24 months follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 307 diabetic patients were included, of which 162 (52.8%) in the 3 months DAPT group and 145 (47.2%) in the 12 months DAPT group. Patient characteristics, PCI success, and number of stents used were similar in the 3 and 12 months DAPT groups. Occurrence of the primary study endpoint at 12 and 24 months follow-up was comparable between the two groups (3.1 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.865, and 15.8 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.824, respectively). Moreover, the prevalence of the specific clinical outcome parameters (all-cause mortality), MI, ST, stroke, TVR, and bleeding was similar in both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: This sub-analysis shows similar clinical outcomes following 3 months DAPT as compared to 12 months DAPT in diabetic patients undergoing PCI for ACS using the COMBO stent. These results suggest that, even in this particular subset of patients, short duration of DAPT might be considered safe. Future larger studies are warranted to provide more precise estimations in terms of safety and efficacy of short term DAPT in these high-risk patients.

Predicting the Need for Renal Replacement Therapy Using a Vascular Occlusion Test and Tissue Oxygen Saturation in Patients in the Early Phase of Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with an increased mortality in critically ill patients, especially in patients with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In daily clinical practice, the grading of AKI follows the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. In most cases, a relevant delay occurs frequently between the onset of AKI and detectable changes in creatinine levels as well as clinical symptoms. The aim of the present study was to examine whether a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based, non-invasive ischemia-reperfusion test (vascular occlusion test (VOT)) together with unprovoked (under resting conditions) tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) measurements, contain prognostic information in the early stage of MODS regarding the developing need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: Within a period of 18 months, patients at the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary university hospital with newly developed MODS (≤24 h after diagnosis, APACHE II score ≥20) were included in our study. The VOT occlusion slope (OS) and recovery slope (RS) were recorded in addition to unprovoked StO2. StO2 was determined non-invasively in the area of the thenar muscles using a bedside NIRS device. The VOT was carried out by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm. AKI stages were determined by the changes in creatinine levels, urinary output, and/or the need for RRT according to KDIGO. RESULTS: 56 patients with MODS were included in the study (aged 62.5 ± 14.4 years, 40 men and 16 women, APACHE II score 34.5 ± 6.4). Incidences of the different AKI stages were: no AKI, 16.1% (n = 9); AKI stage I, 19.6% (n = 11); AKI stage II, 25% (n = 14); AKI stage III, 39.3% (n = 22). Thus, 39.3% of the patients (n = 22) developed the need for renal replacement therapy (AKI stage III). These patients had a significantly higher mortality over 28 days (RRT, 72% (n = 16/22) vs. no RRT, 44% (n = 15/34); p = 0.03). The mean unprovoked StO2 of all patients at baseline was 81.7 ± 11.1%, and did not differ between patients with or without the need for RRT. Patients with RRT showed significantly weaker negative values of the OS (-9.1 ± 3.7 vs. -11.7 ± 4.1%/min, p = 0.01) and lower values for the RS (1.7 ± 0.9 vs. 2.3 ± 1.6%/s, p = 0.02) compared to non-dialysis patients. Consistent with these results, weaker negative values of the OS were found in higher AKI stages (no AKI, -12.7 ± 4.1%/min; AKI stage I, -11.5 ± 3.0%/min; AKI stage II, -11.1 ± 3.3%/min; AKI stage III, -9.1 ± 3.7%/min; p = 0.021). Unprovoked StO2 did not contain prognostic information regarding the AKI stages. CONCLUSIONS: The weaker negative values of the VOT parameter OS are associated with an increased risk of developing AKI and RRT, and increased mortality in the early phase of MODS, while unprovoked StO2 does not contain prognostic information in that regard.

[Influence of therapeutic temperature management on the clinical course in patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest : A retrospective analysis]. / Einfluss des therapeutischen Temperaturmanagements auf den klinischen Verlauf bei intrahospital reanimierten Patienten : Eine retrospektive Analyse.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the ICU of the cardiologic department of the University Hospital of Halle (Saale) between 1999 and 2009. RESULTS: During the observation period, 169 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest and information regarding temperature measurements were treated. Invasive therapeutic temperature management (TTM+) was applied in 64 patients (37.9%), while 105 patients (62.1%) underwent no therapeutic temperature management (TTM-). TTM+ and TTM- showed no relevant differences regarding patient age (TTM+: 67.6 ± 12.6 years; TTM-: 69.8 ± 12.6 years; p = 0.257), comorbidities and the initial rhythm; however, there were more men in the TTM+ group (76.6% vs. 58.1%; p = 0.015). All patients had been intubated. Time until ROSC in TTM+ was significantly longer (25.9 ± 25.8 min vs. 15.0 ± 12.4 min; p < 0.005). TTM+ resulted in a lower 30-day survival and an unfavourable neurologic outcome (Glasgow outcome scale I or II: 75% TTM+ vs. 55.2% TTM-). This negative effect persisted after adjustment for age of the patients, but not after adjustment for age and duration of reanimation (nonadjusted odds ratio for adverse neurologic outcome under TTM+: 0.411 (p = 0.011); odds ratio after adjusting for age: 0.361 (p = 0.09); odds ratio after adjusting for age and duration of the reanimation: 0.505 (p = 0.121)).

Impact of an In-Hospital Endocarditis Team and a State-Wide Endocarditis Network on Perioperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) requires multidisciplinary management. We established an endocarditis team within our hospital in 2011 and a state-wide endocarditis network with referring hospitals in 2015. We aimed to investigate their impact on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients operated on for IE in our center between 01/2007 and 03/2018. To investigate the impact of the endocarditis network on referral latency and pre-operative complications we divided patients into two eras: before (n = 409) and after (n = 221) 01/2015. To investigate the impact of the endocarditis team on post-operative outcomes we conducted multivariate binary logistic regression analyses for the whole population. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year survival were reported. RESULTS: In the second era, after establishing the endocarditis network, the median time from symptoms to referral was halved (7 days (interquartile range: 2-19) vs. 15 days (interquartile range: 6-35)), and pre-operative endocarditis-related complications were reduced, i.e., stroke (14% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), heart failure (45% vs. 69%, p < 0.001), cardiac abscesses (24% vs. 34%, p = 0.018), and acute requirement of hemodialysis (8% vs. 14%, p = 0.026). In both eras, a lack of recommendations from the endocarditis team was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.27-3.53, p = 0.004) and post-operative stroke (adjusted odds ratio: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.12-4.39, p = 0.02), and was associated with worse 5-year survival (59% vs. 40%, log-rank < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The establishment of an endocarditis network led to the earlier referral of patients with fewer pre-operative endocarditis-related complications. Adhering to endocarditis team recommendations was an independent predictor for lower post-operative stroke and in-hospital mortality, and was associated with better 5-year survival.

Impact of ultrasound contrast agent during transoesophageal echocardiography on the sizing of the left atrial appendage.

INTRODUCTION: Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been established as an alternative treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an increased risk of stroke. So far it is unknown whether the use of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) would influence the correct sizing of the LAA and thereby have an impact on device selection during interventional LAAC. METHODS: Between January 2017 and April 2018, 223 transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) examinations were prospectively performed in adult patients with non-valvular AF (Impact of the use of ultrasound contrast agent on the detection of thrombi in the left atrial appendage during transesophageal echocardiography (CONDOR) study). LAA was examined both with and without the use of UCA. The following measurements were taken at 0o, 45o, 90o and 135o: diameter of LAA ostium, maximal depth of the LAA, maximal available depth of the LAA orthogonal to the ostial plane and area of the LAA. RESULTS: The use of UCA had no relevant influence on the size determination of the LAA. Additionally, Bland-Altman blots demonstrate a high degree of correlation between the measurements with and without UCA with no evidence for a systematic effect arising from the use of UCA. When comparing the measurements of two independent investigators, the use of UCA rather leads to a higher variability than to an improved precision. DISCUSSION: Despite the fact that the use of UCA during TOE leads to an improved rule out of thrombi, our study shows that there is no advantageous effect of UCA on the size determination of the LAA and should therefore not be used for this purpose.

Correction to: Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

The article "Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure."

Therapy limitation in octogenarians in German intensive care units is associated with a longer length of stay and increased 30 days mortality: A prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The approach to limit therapy in very old intensive care unit patients (VIPs) significantly differs between regions. The focus of this multicenter analysis is to illuminate, whether the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a suitable tool for risk stratification in VIPs admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Germany. Furthermore, this investigation elucidates the impact of therapeutic limitation on the length of stay and mortality in this setting. METHODS: German cohorts' data from two multinational studies (VIP-1, VIP-2) were combined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate associations with mortality. RESULTS: 415 acute VIPs were included. Frail VIPs (CFS > 4) were older (85 [IQR 82-88] vs. 83 [IQR 81-86] years p < .001) and suffered from an increased 30-day-mortality (43.4% versus 23.9%, p < .0001). CFS was an independent predictor of 30-day-mortality in a multivariate logistic regression model (aOR 1.23 95%CI 1.04-1.46 p = .02). Patients with any limitation of life-sustaining therapy had a significantly increased 30-day mortality (86% versus 16%, p < .001) and length of stay (144 [IQR 72-293] versus 96 [IQR 47.25-231.5] hours, p = .026). CONCLUSION: In German ICUs, any limitation of life-sustaining therapy in VIPs is associated with a significantly increased ICU length of stay and mortality. CFS reliably predicts the outcome.

Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for thromboembolic events and considered not suitable for oral anticoagulation (OAC). LAAC is mainly performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. The study presented here should analyze whether fusion imaging (FI) of transesophageal echocardiography and X-ray performed during LAAC is feasible and can improve the results of the procedure. METHODS: The data presented here are from a retrospective single center study. Sample size was defined as 50 patients in which LAAC was performed without fusion imaging (control group) and 25 patients were the LAAC procedure was guided by fusion imaging (treatment group). Inclusion criteria were defined as age > 18 years and completion of an LAAC procedure defined as deployment of a WATCHMAN 2.5 LAA occluder. Study endpoints were procedure time, amount of used contrast medium, radiation dose, final position of the WATCHMAN in TEE (deviation from ideal positioning), and clinical endpoints, respectively. RESULTS: LAA closure was successfully performed in all patients. No case of device embolism was occurring, and none of the patients experienced a periprocedural stroke/TIA nor a systemic embolism, respectively. Mean procedure time was 15 min shorter in the group of patients where fusion imaging was applied (p < 0.001). Additionally, the use of fusion imaging was associated with a significant reduction of contrast medium (20.6 ml less than in control; p < 0.045). Regarding the final position of the WATCHMAN, no relevant differences were found between the groups. The use of fusion imaging significantly reduced procedure time and the amount of contrast medium in patients undergoing LAAC.

Impact of ultrasound contrast agent on the detection of thrombi during transoesophageal echocardiography.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) carries the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium and especially in the left atrial appendage (LAA). A transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is routinely performed in these patients to rule out thrombi before cardioversion or structural interventions like LAA closure or pulmonary vein isolation. However, in a certain number of cases, inconclusive results of the TOE may result. This study was performed to analyse whether the routine use of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) has an influence on the frequency of thrombus detection. Methods: In patients with AF who were scheduled for a subsequent interventional procedure, a TOE was initially performed without contrast agent. Then, the TOE was repeated with the use of UCA. The percentage of diagnostic findings regarding the prevalence of thrombus in the LAA with and without UCA were compared (thrombus present (T+), no thrombus (T-) and inconclusive result (T+/-)). Results: 223 patients were prospectively included into the trial. The numbers of thrombus detection were as follows: without UCA: 17 T+ (7.6%), 154 T- (69.1%), 52 T+/- (23,3%); with UCA: 16 T+ (7.2%), 179 T- (80.3%), 28 T+/- (12.6%; χ2: p<0.01). In 29 examinations (13.0%), the use of UCA had an impact on the subsequent treatment strategy. Conclusions: The use of UCA during TOE in patients with AF has a significant impact on the subsequent patient management especially due to an improved rule out of LAA thrombi.

A nasty surprise: cardiogenic shock induced by extensive dissection of the left internal mammary artery graft occurring 3 months after coronary angiography-a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute dissection of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft in patients with previous cardiac bypass surgery is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and bypass surgery 15 years ago presented with acute coronary syndrome (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, NSTEMI). Angiography showed severe three-vessel disease with occlusion of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the first diagonal branch but patents grafts to left artery descendent (LIMA) and SVG to the right coronary artery. No coronary intervention was performed and the patient was treated medically (aspirin and ticagrelor) and discharged home after 6 days. Three months later, the patient again was admitted to the hospital with acute coronary syndrome (NSTEMI) and developing cardiogenic shock. Angiography now showed an extensive flow limiting dissection of his LIMA graft with the dissection starting at the ostium of the LIMA. After implantation of an Impella 2.5, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the graft was performed under guidance by optical coherence tomography (OCT) leading to implantation of a drug-eluting stent into the ostium of the LIMA and repeated balloon dilatations of the medial and distal parts of the graft. Antegrade flow was established and the patient's condition improved so that the Impella was removed in the cath lab. After an uneventful course, the patient was discharged home after 6 days. Elective repeat angiography after 8 weeks showed an excellent functional result without persisting signs of LIMA dissection or stenosis. DISCUSSION: Acute dissection of a LIMA graft is a rare event that may lead to a life-threatening condition. According to the literature, LIMA dissection happens during coronary interventions in approximately half of the cases but it also may evolve spontaneously. However, as seen from our case, there might be a substantial delay between LIMA angiography and the clinical onset of dissection. In the vast majority of cases, dissection of LIMA can be treated by PCI. The use of Impella as reported for the first time in this case may improve the safety of the procedure. In accordance to PCI of the native coronary arteries, it seems possible to leave non-flow limiting dissections in cases of extensive disease in order to avoid the late complications of complete stenting of the graft.

Prognostic Value of Tissue Oxygen Saturation Using a Vascular Occlusion Test in Patients in the Early Phase of Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a common disease pattern in intensive care units which is associated with an increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based noninvasive ischemia-reperfusion test (vascular occlusion test) using the parameter of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) contains prognostic information for patients in the early phase of MODS. METHODS: Within a period of 18 months between 2010 and 2012, 56 patients who newly developed MODS (≤24 h after diagnosis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score ≥20, subgroups: cardiogenic MODS [cMODS] and septic MODS [sMODS]) were included into the study. The StO2 was determined non-invasively in the area of the thenar muscles using a bedside NIRS device, InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650 (Hutchinson Technology Inc., Hutchinson, MN). The VOT was carried out by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm 30 mmHg above systolic blood pressure for 5 min. The parameters occlusion slope (OS) and recovery slope (RS) were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with cMODS and 41 patients with sMODS were included in the study (age: 62.5 ±â€Š14.4 years, 40 men and 16 women, APACHE II score: 34.6 ±â€Š6.4). Twenty-eight-day-mortality was 55.4% (cMODS: 7 out of 15 patients, sMODS: 24 out of 41 patients). The measurement of StO2 while applying the VOT at baseline showed an OS of -11.7 ±â€Š3.7%/min and an RS of 2.2 ±â€Š1.5%/s. Survivors had significantly better values compared with non-survivors at baseline regarding OS (-12.8 ±â€Š3.5%/min vs. -9.8 ±â€Š3.4%/min; P = 0.016) and RS (2.6 ±â€Š1.7%/s vs. 1.6 ±â€Š1.0%/s; P = 0.022). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves show that the area under the curve (AUC) for OS was found to be significantly related to 28-day mortality (AUC: 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.85; P = 0.01). However, using both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models, RS was significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality (OR [univariate model]: 1.21 [95% CI: 1.1-1.8]; OR [multivariate model]: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.1-1.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired values of the VOT-parameters OS and RS are associated with an increased 28-day mortality in patients in the early phase of MODS.