Uncovering a unique pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant: selective induction of cellular senescence.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 variants are constantly emerging with a variety of changes in the conformation of the spike protein, resulting in alterations of virus entry mechanisms. Solely omicron variants use the endosomal clathrin-mediated entry. Here, we investigate the influence of defined altered spike formations to study their impact on premature cellular senescence. METHODS: In our study, in vitro infections of SARS-CoV-2 variants delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) were analyzed by using human primary small alveolar epithelial cells and human ex vivo lung slices. We confirmed cellular senescence in human lungs of COVID-19 patients. Hence, global gene expression patterns of infected human primary alveolar epithelial cells were identified via mRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Solely omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 influenced the expression of cell cycle genes, highlighted by an increased p21 expression in human primary lung cells and human ex vivo lungs. Additionally, an upregulated senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was detected. Transcriptomic data indicate an increased gene expression of p16, and p38 in omicron-infected lung cells. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes due to different SARS-CoV-2 infections in human primary alveolar epithelial cells with an overall impact on premature aging could be identified. A substantially different cellular response with an upregulation of cell cycle, inflammation- and integrin-associated pathways in omicron infected cells indicates premature cellular senescence.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Duration for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Low-Risk Patients.

Introduction and Objective: Postoperative infection and sepsis account for the most common complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), as high as 14% in low-risk patients. Although the American Urological Association (AUA) recommends perioperative antibiotics for 24 hours or less for PCNL, practice patterns vary regarding duration of antibiotic therapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of 24-hour antibiotic coverage vs short-course protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis for PCNL. Materials and Methods: Low-risk patients with a sterile preoperative urine culture undergoing PCNL were prospectively randomized to antibiotics for up to 24 hours after procedure (24Hr) or continued until external urinary catheters were removed (CR) study groups. Patients were given a first generation cephalosporin, or ciprofloxacin in patients with penicillin allergy. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, receiving antibiotics immediately before the procedure, history of urosepsis, presence of indwelling catheter >1 week, multistage procedure, immunosuppression, pregnancy, multiple antibiotic allergies, and patients who are breastfeeding. Results: Ninety-eight patients were randomized to either 24Hr (n = 49) or CR (n = 49). Mean duration of antibiotic administration was 20.6 and 34.0 hours in the 24Hr and CR groups (p = 0.04), respectively. Age, comorbidities, stone size, operative time, number of punctures, dilations, and proportion of "tubeless" procedures were similar between groups. There were no differences in febrile episodes, rates of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, bacteremia, or culture-proven postoperative urinary tract infection between the 24Hr and CR groups. Overall complication rates were similar between groups. In a subgroup analysis which excluded "tubeless" patients (24 and 29 patients in 24Hr and CR groups, respectively), no differences were seen in postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: In a randomized, prospective study, we found that a 24-hour protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis is not associated with increased risk of infection-related events compared to giving antibiotics until external catheters are removed in patients with low infectious risk undergoing PCNL. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02579161.

First Series Using Ultrasonic Propulsion and Burst Wave Lithotripsy to Treat Ureteral Stones.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to test transcutaneous focused ultrasound in the form of ultrasonic propulsion and burst wave lithotripsy to reposition ureteral stones and facilitate passage in awake subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult subjects with a diagnosed proximal or distal ureteral stone were prospectively recruited. Ultrasonic propulsion alone or with burst wave lithotripsy was administered by a handheld transducer to awake, unanesthetized subjects. Efficacy outcomes included stone motion, stone passage, and pain relief. Safety outcome was the reporting of associated anticipated or adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-nine subjects received either ultrasonic propulsion alone (n = 16) or with burst wave lithotripsy bursts (n = 13), and stone motion was observed in 19 (66%). The stone passed in 18 (86%) of the 21 distal ureteral stone cases with at least 2 weeks follow-up in an average of 3.9±4.9 days post-procedure. Fragmentation was observed in 7 of the burst wave lithotripsy cases. All subjects tolerated the procedure with average pain scores (0-10) dropping from 2.1±2.3 to 1.6±2.0 (P = .03). Anticipated events were limited to hematuria on initial urination post-procedure and mild pain. In total, 7 subjects had associated discomfort with only 2.2% (18 of 820) propulsion bursts. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the efficacy and safety of using ultrasonic propulsion and burst wave lithotripsy in awake subjects to reposition and break ureteral stones to relieve pain and facilitate passage.

Frailty as predictor of complications in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE: Surgical complications are difficult to predict, despite existing tools. Frailty phenotype has shown promise estimating postoperative risk among the elderly. We evaluate the use of frailty as a predictive tool on patients undergoing percutaneous renal surgery. METHODS: Frailty was prospectively analyzed using the Hopkins Frailty Index, consisting of 5 components yielding an additive score: patients categorized not frail, intermediate, or severely frail. Primary outcomes were complications during admission and 30-day complication rate. Secondary outcomes included overall hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge location. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients recruited, of whom five excluded as they did not need the procedure. A total of 95 patients analyzed; 69, 10, and 16 patients were not frail, intermediate, and severely frail, respectively. There were no differences in blood loss, number of dilations, presence of a staghorn calculus, laterality, or location of dilation. Severely frail patients were likely to be older and have a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score and Charlson comorbidity index. Patients of intermediate or severe frailty were more likely to exhibit postoperative fevers, bacteremia, sepsis, and require ICU admissions (P < 0.05). Frail patients had a longer LOS (P < 0.001) and tended to require skilled assistance when discharge (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty assessment appears useful stratifying those at risk of extended hospitalization, septic complications, and need for assistance following percutaneous renal surgery. Risks of sepsis, bacteremia, and post-operative hemorrhage may be higher in frail individuals. Preoperative assessment of frailty phenotype may give insight into treatment decisions and represent a modifiable marker allowing future trials exploring the concept of "prehabilitation".

In-Office Ultrasound Facilitates Timely Clinical Care at a Multidisciplinary Kidney Stone Center.

INTRODUCTION: A considerable publication record exists comparing sensitivity and specificity of radiological ultrasound (including point of care ultrasound) to computerized tomography for stone disease. However, the practical application of in-office ultrasound to support the growing number of kidney stone centers around the world represents a nuanced topic that is ripe for study and discussion. METHODS: We provide a descriptive analysis of how in-office ultrasound is being used as an adjunct to clinical care based on our experience during 50 days in clinic at an institutionally affiliated, multidisciplinary kidney stone center. Clinic subjects gave consent and underwent ultrasound as part of research studies. Ultrasonograms were shared with and verified by the treating physician before the patient was discharged from care. We counted the number of times research imaging altered the care plan. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients enrolled the clinician used the information obtained from the studies in 20 (33%) to determine the course of clinical care that resulted in a change in treatment or process. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound has the potential to be a cost-effective and valuable tool that can provide more efficient workflow within a kidney stone center or urology clinic.

Pearl-unjammed: the Seattle stone maneuver for ureteropelvic junction urolithiasis.

Renal colic encounters are common; in the United States alone, they represent greater than one million annual emergency department (ED) visits. Most of these stones are managed conservatively with a trial of passage. However, some lead to repeat colic episodes, secondary ED visits, increased anxiety, and increased cost. Of the 5%-10% of symptomatic stones that become lodged at the ureteropelvic junction and are larger than 5 mm, most require operative intervention. In the process of executing a NASA-funded study of ultrasonic repositioning of kidney stones, the subject was administered fluid to dilate the collecting system, placed in Trendelenburg bed positioning, and rolled to both sides. During this process a symptomatic, obstructing 9-mm ureteropelvic junction stone moved back into the kidney's lower pole/infundibulum and symptoms were immediately resolved. The patient remained asymptomatic for a period of 5 weeks at which point elective intervention was scheduled. This case demonstrates that ureteropelvic junction stones may be repositioned in a non-invasive manner, turning a stone that requires urgent intervention into one that can be managed electively.

The Association Between 24-Hour Urine and Stone Recurrence Among High Risk Kidney Stone Formers: A Population Level Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if obtaining a 24-hour urine collection (24HU) in stone formers is associated with decreased recurrent stone episodes. METHODS: Using the MarketScan database, adults 17-62 years old with nephrolithiasis were identified between 2007 and 2017 with a minimum of 3-year follow up. High-risk stone formers, those undergoing stone surgery, and those with history of recurrent stones were identified. The exposure was a 24HU within 6 months of primary diagnosis. The outcome was recurrent stone episodes-defined by stone-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or stone surgery 90 days to 3 years after diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to estimate recurrence risk by 24HU exposure for the overall cohort and sub-cohorts limited to known recurrent stone formers, high-risk subjects, and those having stone surgery. RESULTS: Of 434,055 subjects analyzed, 30,153 (6.9%) had a 24HU. An annual decline in 24HU utilization was seen (7.5%-5.8%). Regional variation in usage rate was also observed. On multivariate analysis, completing a 24HU was not associated with risk of recurrence in any of the following cohorts: recurrent stone formers (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.9-1.07), both high risk and recurrent stone formers (OR 0.95 [0.8-1.13]), those undergoing surgery (OR 1.02 [0.97-1.07]); a positive association with 24HU and recurrence was seen in those labeled high-risk (OR 1.08 [1.01-1.16]) and in all-comers (OR 1.15 [1.12-1.19]). CONCLUSION: The 24HU was not associated with decreased recurrence rates in the overall population nor in higher risk sub-cohorts.

Use of a Risk Stratification Tool to Guide Evaluation of Patients With Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if use of the hematuria risk index can reduce testing and cost, while maintaining equivalent lesion detection in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 1049 patients at single institution. Hematuria risk index score was calculated based on clinical factors including age, sex, smoking history, and degree of hematuria for each patient along with evaluation studies performed and total number of tumors discovered. Cost benefit analysis was performed based on published Medicare averages. RESULTS: Tumor detection rate in overall, low-risk, and moderate-risk groups were 1.2%, 0%, and 2.96% at a total cost of $408,376. When low-risk group is not screened cost decreases to $166,252 with no lesions missed. The cost to discover one lesion/cancer in the overall group was $34,031.3, the cost to find one high-grade clinically significant lesion/cancer was $136,125.3 for the overall group. When the low-risk group was removed, the cost to find a high-grade clinically significant lesion/cancer decreased to $55,417.3 without missing any significant lesions. Ultrasound may be utilized instead of computed tomography with minimal loss of lesion detection in select moderate risk patients. CONCLUSION: None of the low-risk hematuria risk patients were diagnosed with any lesions, as such these patients may not need an evaluation. Furthermore, by utilizing a risk-stratified approach to the assessment of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria health care costs can be significantly decreased with limited negative consequences in terms of lesion detection.

Percutaneous kidney stone surgery and radiation exposure: A review.

During the past 3 decades, radiation exposure (RE) has increased drastically among patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), thus potentially causing new cases of cancer each year. The effective dose received by patients comes from pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative fluoroscopy (FL). We reviewed literature to find novel techniques and approaches that help to decrease RE of patients and personnel. We performed PubMed search using keywords percutaneous nephrolithotomy, intraoperative fluoroscopy, radiation exposure, imaging, percutaneous access, ultrasound, computed tomography, endoscopy, reconstruction, innovations, and augmented reality. Forty-four relevant articles were included in this review. As much as 20% of patients with first diagnosed urolithiasis exceed background RE level almost 17-fold. For diagnosing purposes using low-dose and ultra-low-dose CT, as well as low-dose dual energy scan protocols can be efficient ways to decrease RE while maintaining decent accuracy. Patients with urinary stones can be effectively monitored with digital tomosynthesis, ultrasound alone or ultrasound combined with plain film of the abdomen. Percutaneous access (PCA) into the kidney can be performed with reduced or even no RE, using novel PCA methods. REs from conventional imaging techniques during diagnosis and treatment increase probability of non-stochastic radiation effects. Urologists should be aware of protocols that decrease RE from CT and FL in diagnosis and management of urinary stones. Consideration of recently developed imaging modalities and PCA techniques will also aid in adherence to the "as low as reasonably achievable" principle.

Burst wave lithotripsy and acoustic manipulation of stones.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Burst wave lithotripsy and ultrasonic propulsion of kidney stones are novel, noninvasive emerging technologies to separately or synergistically fragment and reposition stones in an office setting. The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest refinements in technology, to update on testing of safety and efficacy, and to review future applications. RECENT FINDINGS: Burst wave lithotripsy produced consistent, small passable fragments through transcutaneous applications in a porcine model, while producing minimal injury and clinical trials are now underway. A more efficient ultrasonic propulsion design that can also deliver burst wave lithotripsy effectively repositioned 95% of stones in 18 human participants (18 of 19 kidneys) and clinical trials continue. Acoustic tractor beam technology is an emerging technology with promising clinical applications through the manipulation of macroscopic objects. SUMMARY: The goal of the reviewed work is an office-based system to image, fragment, and reposition urinary stones to facilitate their natural passage. The review highlights progress in establishing safety, effectiveness, and clinical benefit of these new technologies. The work is also anticipating challenges in clinical trials and developing the next generation of technology to improve on the technology as it is being commercialized today.

Quantitative Assessment of Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Propulsion of Kidney Stones.

Purpose: Ultrasonic propulsion is an investigative modality to noninvasively image and reposition urinary stones. Our goals were to test safety and effectiveness of new acoustic exposure conditions from a new transducer, and to use simultaneous ureteroscopic and ultrasonic observation to quantify stone repositioning. Materials and Methods: During operation, ultrasonic propulsion was applied transcutaneously, whereas stone targets were visualized ureteroscopically. Exposures were 350 kHz frequency, ≤200 W/cm2 focal intensity, and ≤3-second bursts per push. Ureteroscope and ultrasound (US) videos were recorded. Video clips with and without stone motion were randomized and scored for motion ≥3 mm by independent reviewers blinded to the exposures. Subjects were followed with telephone calls, imaging, and chart review for adverse events. Results: The investigative treatment was used in 18 subjects and 19 kidneys. A total of 62 stone targets were treated ranging in size from a collection of "dust" to 15 mm. Subjects received an average of 17 ± 14 propulsion bursts (per kidney) for a total average exposure time of 40 ± 40 seconds. Independent reviewers scored at least one stone movement ≥3 mm in 18 of 19 kidneys (95%) from the ureteroscope videos and in 15 of 19 kidneys (79%) from the US videos. This difference was probably because of motion out of the US imaging plane. Treatment repositioned stones in two cases that would have otherwise required basket repositioning. No serious adverse events were observed with the device or procedure. Conclusions: Ultrasonic propulsion was shown to be safe, and it effectively repositioned stones in 95% of kidneys despite positioning and access restrictions caused by working in an operating room on anesthetized subjects.

Practice Patterns of Academic Urologists for Evaluating Microscopic Hematuria-How Well are We Following the Guidelines?

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria is a common clinical entity that may portend significant urinary tract disease. Guidelines vary in how asymptomatic microscopic hematuria should be evaluated, with the AUA (American Urological Association) guidelines arguably being the most comprehensive. We evaluated the practice patterns of academic urologists with respect to the 2012 AUA asymptomatic microscopic hematuria guidelines. METHODS: Records of patients who underwent evaluation for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria between 2012 and 2015 were retrospectively examined. The use of imaging, cystoscopy and urine cytology was analyzed. Factors such as age, gender, smoking status, history of nonurological malignancy, history of pelvic irradiation, presence of irritative voiding symptoms, use of anticoagulation, number of red blood cells on microscopic urinalysis and evaluation by an oncology fellowship trained urologist were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between patient or physician factors and adherence to the AUA guidelines. RESULTS: Among 1,049 patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria 247 (23.5%) were evaluated in complete accordance with AUA guidelines. Rates of adherence to the guidelines regarding imaging, cytology and cystoscopy were 48.2%, 54.2% and 72.5%, respectively. Much of nonadherence was due to lack of cross-sectional imaging (46.4%) and excessive use of urine cytology (45.8%). Guideline adherence was independently associated with smoking history, irritative voiding symptoms, history of nonurological malignancy and evaluation by a nononcology trained urologist. CONCLUSIONS: Overall adherence of urologists to the AUA asymptomatic microscopic hematuria guidelines was suboptimal. Efforts in limiting the use of urine cytology to high risk patients may be the most effective way of improving adherence.

Endoscopic Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma has become more popular over the last few decades as there has been an impetus for renal preservation in these patients. While radical nephroureterectomy has been the gold standard in treatment of this disease, ureteroscopic and percutaneous management has become a viable option for select patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The literature on endoscopic management of upper urinary tract tumors was explored. Different management methods are discussed, both from published literature and experience of the authors of this chapter. RESULTS: We review the indications, details of the procedure, and troubleshooting methods in the endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Imperative indications as well as controversial indications are discussed. The role and efficacy of adjuvant intrarenal topical agents are examined as well as the protocol for administering these agents. Follow-up protocols are also reviewed. DISCUSSION: In select patients, endoscopic management with ureteroscopy and/or percutaneous resection of upper tract urothelial tumors is appropriate and can preserve renal function while obtaining comparable oncologic control compared with radical surgery.

Pulmonary metastasectomy for thyroid cancer as salvage therapy for radioactive iodine-refractory metastases.

OBJECTIVES: Distant metastasis arising from thyroid cancer is rare but has been associated with significantly reduced long-term survival, especially when refractory to radioactive iodine ablation. We provide one of the largest studies worldwide reporting the outcome after salvage pulmonary metastasectomy for this entity, aiming to identify prognostic factors and to analyse surgical indication. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the medical records of 43 patients who had undergone pulmonary metastasectomy for radioactive iodine-refractory thyroid cancer from 1985 to 2016. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 77 (95% confidence interval 41-113) months. Twenty-three (53%) patients were alive at the time of analysis. The majority of tumours were follicular thyroid cancer by histology, with 23% identified as Hurthle cell subtype. Five- and 10-year disease-specific (DS) survival was 84% and 59%, respectively. Thirty-one (72%) patients underwent R0-resection with a 5- and 10-year DS survival of 100% and 77%, respectively. This was significantly reduced to 62% and 22% (P = 0.013) in case of incomplete resection, respectively. Ten years after R0-metastasectomy, 17 (55%) patients were recurrence-free. Systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 16 (37%) patients and was associated with improved long-term DS survival (10 years 88% vs 46%, P = 0.034). Moreover, a reduction of > 80% in serum thyroglobulin levels post-metastasectomy correlates with better long-term DS survival (10 years 81% vs 36%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary metastasectomy is associated with good survival for selected patients with radioactive iodine-refractory metastases of differentiated thyroid cancer, especially if R0-resection can be achieved. Moreover, it is worth considering whether a significant reduction of tumour load, as indicated by thyroglobulin serum levels, seems possible.

Predictors of genitourinary malignancy in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.

OBJECTIVES: To report the incidence of genitourinary malignancy and identify associated risk factors in patients undergoing urologic evaluation for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) according to the 2012 American Urologic Association guidelines. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective institutional review of patients who underwent evaluation for AMH between 2012 and 2015 was conducted. Covariates analyzed included age, sex, smoking status, history of other malignancy, history of pelvic irradiation, presence of irritative voiding symptoms, use of anticoagulation, number of red blood cells on microscopic urinalysis, and guideline adherence. Univariate analysis was performed to explore the association between these risk factors and the presence of genitourinary malignancy. RESULTS: Of the 1,049 patients analyzed with AMH, urologic malignancy was diagnosed in 12 patients (1.1%), including 1 upper-tract urothelial cancer, 5 renal tumors, and 6 bladder tumors. All patients with malignancy were over 50 years old. Older age, male sex, smoking history, and irritative voiding symptoms were associated with malignancy on univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data adds to the growing evidence that the incidence of malignancy among patients with AMH is low. Risk factors associated with urinary tract cancer are male sex, age>50 years, smoking history, and irritative voiding symptoms. Further prospective, randomized trials would be useful for developing a more tailored screening protocol for low-risk patients.

The genetic framework for development of nephrolithiasis.

Over 1%-15% of the population worldwide is affected by nephrolithiasis, which remains the most common and costly disease that urologists manage today. Identification of at-risk individuals remains a theoretical and technological challenge. The search for monogenic causes of stone disease has been largely unfruitful and a technological challenge; however, several candidate genes have been implicated in the development of nephrolithiasis. In this review, we will review current data on the genetic inheritance of stone disease, as well as investigate the evolving role of genetic analysis and counseling in the management of nephrolithiasis.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Testicular Viability Using Heterogeneity Levels in Torsed Testicles.

PURPOSE: Gross testicular heterogeneity on ultrasound has been associated with testis loss following testicular torsion in children. We aimed to quantify the extent of temporal heterogeneity associated with testis loss in testicular torsion cases using a noninvasive technique to determine a HI (heterogeneity index) on ultrasound images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the records of patients who presented with acute scrotal pain to the Pediatric Emergency Department over a 6-year period. Ultrasound images of the affected testis and the unaffected contralateral testis were examined using a proprietary program to determine the extent of heterogeneity of each image. The difference between the HI of the torsed testis and that of the contralateral normal testis was termed ΔHI. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed to determine the ΔHI threshold for nonviability. RESULTS: Among 529 patients who presented with acute scrotal pain 147 had testicular torsion based on surgical findings. Of these 147 patients 110 (74.8%) were found to have a viable testis while 37 (25.2%) had a nonviable testis. Using the ΔHI cutoff of 0.394 or greater for nonviability, sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 94.5%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 86% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that a quantifiable temporal gradation of heterogeneity exists and the heterogeneity index can be used as an objective parameter to determine the viability of a torsed testicle. By developing the technology to measure the heterogeneity index in real time, we could potentially identify which patients with testicular torsion have a nonviable testicle and, thus, would not require immediate surgical exploration.

A Technical Modification for Establishing Selective Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion during Pulmonary Endarterectomy.

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) due to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is mainly performed in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest without additional cerebroprotective means. A 49-year-old man was treated by PEA for CTEPH by using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion by advancing the tip of the systemic perfusion cannula into the brachiocephalic trunk. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Surgical technique of lower lobe lung transplantation.

Among patients with end-stage lung disease awaiting lung transplantation, pediatric and small adult patients have a significantly lower chance of getting size-matched pulmonary grafts in time because of the severe scarcity of small donors. It is our strategy to perform lobar lung transplantations in small recipients with restrictive pulmonary disease once their clinical status demands urgent transplantation. Here we describe our surgical technique and discuss the benefits and risks of this procedure.

Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair of tricuspid regurgitation in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

A 62-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and NYHA III. Severe heart failure was due to reduced systolic function. The woman reported of lung edema at two times. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CC-TGA). Echocardiographic findings revealed a high grade tricuspid regurgitation. For treatment of the tricuspid regurgitation, we used a percutaneous approach. The Evalve MitraClip(®) system has demonstrated feasibility and safety in the treatment of mitral regurgitation. Three months after successful tricuspid valve clipping, the patient is fine and NYHA score is reduced to grade I.