AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on Endoscopic Eradication Therapy of Barrett's Esophagus and Related Neoplasia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) can be effective in eradicating BE and related neoplasia and has greater risk of harms and resource use than surveillance endoscopy. This clinical practice guideline aims to inform clinicians and patients by providing evidence-based practice recommendations for the use of EET in BE and related neoplasia. METHODS: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework was used to assess evidence and make recommendations. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients, conducted an evidence review, and used the Evidence-to-Decision Framework to develop recommendations regarding the use of EET in patients with BE under the following scenarios: presence of (1) high-grade dysplasia, (2) low-grade dysplasia, (3) no dysplasia, and (4) choice of stepwise endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or focal EMR plus ablation, and (5) endoscopic submucosal dissection vs EMR. Clinical recommendations were based on the balance between desirable and undesirable effects, patient values, costs, and health equity considerations. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 5 recommendations for the use of EET in BE and related neoplasia. Based on the available evidence, the panel made a strong recommendation in favor of EET in patients with BE high-grade dysplasia and conditional recommendation against EET in BE without dysplasia. The panel made a conditional recommendation in favor of EET in BE low-grade dysplasia; patients with BE low-grade dysplasia who place a higher value on the potential harms and lower value on the benefits (which are uncertain) regarding reduction of esophageal cancer mortality could reasonably select surveillance endoscopy. In patients with visible lesions, a conditional recommendation was made in favor of focal EMR plus ablation over stepwise EMR. In patients with visible neoplastic lesions undergoing resection, the use of either endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was suggested based on lesion characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This document provides a comprehensive outline of the indications for EET in the management of BE and related neoplasia. Guidance is also provided regarding the considerations surrounding implementation of EET. Providers should engage in shared decision making based on patient preferences. Limitations and gaps in the evidence are highlighted to guide future research opportunities.

Clinical safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for small renal masses.

PURPOSE: CT-guided MWA is a safe and effective tool that should be utilized in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). We aim to clarify the utility of CT-guided MWA by examining patient outcomes such as recurrence, treatment success, changes in renal function, and complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with SRMs who underwent same day renal mass biopsy (RMB) and CT-guided MWA between 2015 and 2022 was performed. Treatment safety was assessed by 30-day complications according to the Clavien-Dindo system and change in eGFR >30 days post-procedure. Treatment efficacy was defined by local recurrence and incomplete treatment rates and calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 108 renal masses were found in 104 patients. The overall complication rate was 7.4% (8/108), of which 4 were major complications (3.7%). For those with renal function available >30 days post ablation, the median eGFR was 47.2 (IQR: 36.0, 57), compared to 52.3 (IQR: 43.7, 61.5) pre-ablation, p<0.0001. 5-year local recurrence free survival was 86%. Among those with biopsy proven malignancy (n= 66), there were five local recurrences (7.54%) occurring at a median of 25.1 months (IQR 19.9, 36.2) and one case (1.5%) of incomplete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: As the medical field continues to evolve towards less invasive interventions, MWA offers a valuable tool in the management of renal masses. With low major complication and recurrence rates, our findings support the utility of CT-guided MWA as a tool for treatment of SRMs.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of alcohol septal ablation in the era of transcatheter valve interventions.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy and safety of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been well-established; however, less is known about outcomes in patients undergoing preemptive ASA before transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). AIMS: The goal of this study is to characterize the procedural characteristics and examine the clinical outcomes of ASA in both HCM and pre-TMVR. METHODS: This retrospective study compared procedural characteristics and outcomes in patient who underwent ASA for HCM and TMVR. RESULTS: In total, 137 patients were included, 86 in the HCM group and 51 in the TMVR group. The intraventricular septal thickness (mean 1.8 vs. 1.2 cm; p < 0.0001) and the pre-ASA LVOT gradient (73.6 vs. 33.8 mmHg; p ≤ 0.001) were higher in the HCM group vs the TMVR group. The mean volume of ethanol injected was higher (mean 2.4 vs. 1.7 cc; p < 0.0001). The average neo-left ventricular outflow tract area increased significantly after ASA in the patients undergoing TMVR (99.2 ± 83.37 mm2 vs. 196.5 ± 114.55 mm2; p = <0.0001). The HCM group had a greater reduction in the LVOT gradient after ASA vs the TMVR group (49.3 vs. 18 mmHg; p = 0.0040). The primary composite endpoint was higher in the TMVR group versus the HCM group (50.9% vs. 25.6%; p = 0.0404) and had a higher incidence of new permanent pacemaker (PPM) (25.5% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.3402). The TMVR group had a higher rate of all-cause mortality (9.8% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.0268). CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive ASA before TMVR was performed in patients with higher degree of clinical comorbidities, and correspondingly is associated with worse short-term clinical outcomes in comparison to ASA for HCM patients. ASA before TMVR enabled percutaneous mitral interventions in a small but significant minority of patients that would have otherwise been excluded. The degree of LVOT and neoLVOT area increase is significant and predictable.

Complications of microwave ablation in patients with persistent/recurrent hyperparathyroidism after surgical or ablative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications associated with microwave ablation (MWA) in treating persistent/recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPT) post-surgical or ablative treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2022, 87 persistent/recurrent HPT patients (primary HPT [PHPT]: secondary HPT [SHPT] = 13:74) who underwent MWA after surgical or ablative treatment were studied. Grouping was based on ablation order (initial vs. re-MWA), prior treatment (parathyroidectomy [PTX] vs. MWA), and etiology (PHPT vs. SHPT). The study focused on documenting and comparing treatment complications and analyzing major complication risk factors. RESULT: Among the 87 patients, the overall complication rate was 17.6% (15/87), with major complications at 13.8% (12/87) and minor complications at 3.4% (3/87). Major complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (12.6%) and Horner syndrome (1.1%), while minor complications were limited to hematoma (3.4%). Severe hypocalcemia noted in 21.6% of SHPT patients. No significant differences in major complication rates were observed between initial and re-MWA groups (10.7% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.455), PTX and MWA groups (12.5% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.770), or PHPT and SHPT groups (15.4% vs. 13.5%, p > 0.999). Risk factors for RLN palsy included ablation of superior and large parathyroid glands (>1.7 cm). All patients recovered spontaneously except for one with permanent RLN palsy in the PTX group (2.1%). CONCLUSION: Complication rates for MWA post-surgical or ablative treatments were comparable to initial MWA rates. Most complications were transient, indicating MWA as a viable and safe treatment option for persistent/recurrent HPT patients.

Permanent pacemaker implantation after alcoholic septal ablation induced complete heart block: Long-term impact.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) that remain symptomatic despite optimized medical therapy often undergo alcohol septal ablation (ASA). One of the most frequent complications is complete heart block (CHB), requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in variable rates of up to 20% of patients. The long-term impact of PPM implantation in these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in patients who implant PPM after ASA. METHODS: Patients who underwent ASA at a tertiary center were consecutively and prospectively enrolled. Patients with previous PPM or implantable cardio-defibrillator were excluded from this analysis. Patients with and without PPM implantation after ASA were compared based on their baseline characteristics, procedure data and three-year primary endpoint of composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization and secondary endpoint of composite of all-cause mortality and cardiac cause hospitalization. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2019, 109 patients underwent ASA, 97 of whom were included in this analysis (68% female, mean age 65.2 years old). 16 patients (16.5%) required PPM implantation for CHB. In these patients, no vascular access, pacemaker pocket or pulmonary parenchyma complications were noted. The baseline characteristics of comorbidities, symptoms, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings were identical in the two groups, with higher mean age (70.6±10.0 years vs. 64.1±11.9 years) and lower beta-blocker therapy rate (56% vs. 84%) in the PPM group. Procedure-related data showed higher creatine kinase (CK) peaks in the PPM group (1692 U/L vs. 1243 U/L), with no significant difference in the alcohol dose. At three years after ASA procedure, there were no differences in the primary and secondary endpoints between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent pacemaker after ASA induced CHB do not affect long term prognosis in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients.

A systematic review on ablation techniques for larger saphenous veins in patients with symptomatic superficial venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to summarize the existing evidence for the treatment of saphenous veins >10 mm in diameter, to determine whether there were vein size limits for treatment modalities, and to determine if there are specific technical considerations for treatment of large veins. METHODS: We searched the literature for reports of treatment methods and outcomes for patients with large-diameter saphenous veins treated with various ablation methods between 1993 and 2023. These studies were evaluated for the size of the vein determined as "large diameter," type of ablation method, study type, outcomes, adverse events, and any technical considerations noted. A systematic review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The COVIDENCE software was used for full-text screening and data extraction. Three reviewers reviewed the data, and the content expert served as the tiebreaker. RESULTS: Seventy-one records were identified, of which 24 studies were deemed appropriate for extraction. Most of the studies identified reported outcomes of endovenous thermal ablation modalities. There were fewer studies on non-thermal, non-tumescent techniques, and these studies reported an overall lower occlusion rate compared with endovenous thermal ablation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Large head-to-head trials or randomized controlled that compare all the modalities over a long follow-up duration are yet to be performed. In the existing literature, there is considerable heterogeneity in terms of the study size, design, definition of large veins, site of vein measurement, and follow-up periods, making it challenging to make fair comparisons and draw firm conclusions. Currently available evidence supports the use of endothermal ablation techniques for the treatment of veins >10 mm in diameter as they have a more favorable efficacy and safety profile and have a larger body of evidence available compared with non-thermal, non-tumescent techniques or surgery.

Impact of high-power short-duration atrial fibrillation ablation technique on the incidence of silent cerebral embolism: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation strategy has emerged as a popular approach for treating atrial fibrillation (AF), with shorter ablation time. The utilized Smart Touch Surround Flow (STSF) catheter, with 56 holes around the electrode, lowers electrode-tissue temperature and thrombus risk. Thus, we conducted this prospective, randomized study to investigate if the HPSD strategy with STSF catheter in AF ablation procedures reduces the silent cerebral embolism (SCE) risk compared to the conventional approach with the Smart Touch (ST) catheter. METHODS: From June 2020 to September 2021, 100 AF patients were randomized 1:1 to the HPSD group using the STSF catheter (power set at 50 W) or the conventional group using the ST catheter (power set at 30 to 35 W). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all patients, with additional lesions at operator's discretion. High-resolution cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (hDWI) with slice thickness of 1 mm was performed before and 24-72 h after ablation. The incidence of new periprocedural SCE was defined as the primary outcome. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. RESULTS: All enrolled AF patients (median age 63, 60% male, 59% paroxysmal AF) underwent successful ablation. Post-procedural hDWI identified 106 lesions in 42 enrolled patients (42%), with 55 lesions in 22 patients (44%) in the HPSD group and 51 lesions in 20 patients (40%) in the conventional group (p = 0.685). No significant differences were observed between two groups regarding the average number of lesions (p = 0.751), maximum lesion diameter (p = 0.405), and total lesion volume per patient (p = 0.669). Persistent AF and CHA2DS2-VASc score were identified as SCE determinants during AF ablation procedure by multivariable regression analysis. No significant differences in MoCA scores were observed between patients with SCE and those without, both immediately post-procedure (p = 0.572) and at the 3-month follow-up (p = 0.743). CONCLUSIONS: Involving a small sample size of 100 AF patients, this study reveals a similar incidence of SCE in AF ablation procedures, comparing the HPSD strategy using the STSF catheter to the conventional approach with the ST catheter. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04408716. AF = Atrial fibrillation, DWI = Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, HPSD = High-power short-duration, ST = Smart Touch, STSF = Smart Touch Surround Flow.

Aquablation versus TURP: 5-year outcomes of the WATER randomized clinical trial for prostate volumes 50-80 mL.

INTRODUCTION: To report the 5-year efficacy and safety of Aquablation compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with prostate volumes 50-80 mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a large double-blinded, multicenter, and prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 randomized men with 50-80 mL prostates who underwent Aquablation or transurethral prostate resection were prospectively identified for subgroup analysis. Follow up was performed for up to 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo (CD) postoperative complications grade 1 persistent and grade 2 or higher at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Reduction in IPSS score was significantly higher in the Aquablation group across 5 years of follow up (-14.1 vs. -10.8, p = 0.02). The Aquablation group achieved a significantly lower rate of CD1P and CD2 or higher events at 3 months follow up (risk difference of -23.1%). Among recorded adverse events, de novo postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction was notably lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -21.9%), while the risk of bleeding remained similar after 6 months. The surgical and medical retreatment rate at 6 months was also lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -14.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the 50-80 mL prostate volume subgroup, Aquablation yields superior long-term symptom relief and lower complication rates than standard transurethral resection, with notably lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction. This further supports the adoption of Aquablation for men with medium-sized prostates.

Impact of bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation on lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (LVR) could significantly improve pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with emphysema. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation (BTVA) on LVR in patients with emphysema at different stage. METHODS: A systematic search of database including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library was conducted to determine all the studies about bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation published through Dec 1, 2022. Related searching terms were "lung volume reduction", "bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation", "bronchial thermal vapor ablation" "BTVA" and "emphysema", "efficacy" and"safety". We used standardized mean difference (SMD) to analyze the summary estimates for BTVA therapy. RESULTS: We retrieved 30 records through database search, and 4 trials were selected for meta-analysis, including 112 patients with emphysema. Meta-analysis of the pooled effect showed that levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were significantly improved in patients with emphysema following BTVA treatment between 6 months vs. baseline. Additionally, no significant changes in FEV1, RV, TLC and SGRQ occurred from 3 to 6 months of follow-up except for 6MWD. The magnitude of benefit was higher at 3 months compared to 6 months. The most common complications at 6 months were treatment-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations (RR: 12.49; 95% CI: 3.06 to 50.99; p < 0.001) and pneumonia (RR: 9.49; 95% CI: 2.27 to 39.69; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provided clinically relevant information about the impact and safety of BTVA on predominantly upper lobe emphysema. Particularly, short-term significant improvement of lung function and quality of life occurred especially within the initial 3 months. Further large-scale, well-designed long-term interventional investigations are needed to clarify this issue.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation and Its Periprocedural Predictive Factors in Japan　- A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is limited regarding long-term clinical outcomes after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and its periprocedural predictive factors in Japan.Methods and Results: This retrospective observational study included 44 patients who underwent ASA between 1998 and 2022 in a single center. We evaluated the periprocedural change in variables and long-term clinical outcomes after the procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. The secondary outcome was all-cause death. Using multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variance, we predicted underlying periprocedural factors related to primary outcome development. ASA decreased the median pressure gradient at the left ventricular outflow tract from 88 to 33 mmHg and reduced moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR), present in 53% of patients before ASA, to 16%. Over a median 6-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of the primary outcome at 5 and 10 years was 16.5% and 25.6%, respectively. After multivariable analysis, moderate or severe MR after ASA was significantly associated with the primary outcome (relative risk 8.78; 95% confidence interval 1.34-57.3; P=0.024). All-cause mortality after ASA was 15.1% and 28.9% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents long-term clinical outcomes after ASA in Japan. Moderate or severe MR after ASA was significantly associated with the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.

The percutaneous management of pulmonary metastases.

Local treatment of lung metastases has been in the front scene since late 90s when an international registry of thoracic surgery reported a median overall survival of 35 months in resected patients versus 15 months in non-resected patients. Today, other local therapies are available for patients with oligometastatic lung disease, including image guided thermal ablation, such as ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. Image-guided ablation is increasingly offered, and now recommended in guidelines as option to surgery. Today, the size of the target tumour remains the main driver of success and selection of patients with limited tumour size allowing for local tumour control in the range of 90% in most recent and larger series targeting lung metastases up to 3.5 cm. Overall survival exceeding five-years in large series of thermal ablation for lung metastases from colorectal origin are align with outcome of same patients treated with surgical resection. Moreover, thermal ablation in such population allows for one-year chemotherapy holidays in all comers and over 18 months in lung only metastatic patients, allowing for improved patient quality of life and preserving further lines of systemic treatment when needed. Tolerance of thermal ablation is excellent and better than surgery with no lost in respiratory function, allowing for repeated treatment when needed. In the future, it is likely that practice of lung surgery for small oligometastatic lung disease will decrease, and that minimally invasive techniques will replace surgery in such indications. Randomized study will be difficult to obtain as demonstrated by discontinuation of many studies testing the hypothesis of surgery versus observation, or surgery versus SBRT.

Hemodynamic Predictors of Outcome Following Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a minimally invasive treatment for drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Detailed assessment of pressure changes and predictors of mortality and procedure success are not well defined. METHODS: This is a single-center study evaluating pressure changes and predictors of mortality and procedure success in transseptal ASA. Survival analysis and predictors of mortality were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients were included (mean age, 67.3 years; 46.8% women). Left atrial (LA) pressure and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient decreased, whereas aortic pulse pressure (PP) increased post-ASA. Patients with lower baseline mean LA pressure (82% (gradient change median), and PP increase >19% (PP change median) had superior survival. On Cox univariable regression, baseline mean LA pressure >median (19 mm Hg; hazard ratio [HR], 2.09 [95% CI, 1.05-4.18]; P=0.036), residual LVOT gradient (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.03]; P=0.003), and LVOT gradient percent reduction median (28 mm Hg; HR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.17-4.76]; P=0.016), baseline mean LA pressure >median (19 mm Hg; HR, 2.70 [95% CI, 1.33-5.50]; P=0.006), percentage reduction in gradient

General Principles for the Safe Performance, Training, and Adoption of Ablation Techniques for Benign Thyroid Nodules: An American Thyroid Association Statement.

Background: The primary goal of this interdisciplinary consensus statement is to provide a framework for the safe adoption and implementation of ablation technologies for benign thyroid nodules. Summary: This consensus statement is organized around three key themes: (1) safety of ablation techniques and their implementation, (2) optimal skillset criteria for proceduralists performing ablative procedures, and (3) defining expectations of success for this treatment option given its unique risks and benefits. Ablation safety considerations in pre-procedural, peri-procedural, and post-procedural settings are discussed, including clinical factors related to patient selection and counseling, anesthetic and technical considerations to optimize patient safety, peri-procedural risk mitigation strategies, post-procedural complication management, and safe follow-up practices. Prior training, knowledge, and steps that should be considered by any physician who desires to incorporate thyroid nodule ablation into their practice are defined and discussed. Examples of successful clinical practice implementation models of this emerging technology are provided. Conclusions: Thyroid ablative procedures provide valid alternative treatment strategies to conventional surgical management for a subset of patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Careful patient and nodule selection are critical to the success of these procedures as is extensive pre-procedural patient counseling. Although these emerging technologies hold great promise, they are not without risk and require the development of a unique skillset and environment for optimal, safe performance and consistent outcomes.

Techniques and outcomes of percutaneous tumour ablation for small renal masses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Small renal masses suspected to be malignant have little potential for metastasis and disease-related mortality. Surgery remains the standard care but represents overtreatment in many cases. Percutaneous ablative technique, especially thermal ablation has emerged as a valid alternative. RECENT FINDINGS: The increased availability of cross-sectional imaging has led to a large number of incidentally detected small renal masses (SRMs), many of which are of low grade and exhibit indolent behaviour. Since 1996, ablative techniques such as cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation have gained widespread acceptance for treatment of SRMs in patients who are not surgical candidates. In this review article, we provide an overview of each of the commonly used percutaneous ablative treatments for SRMs and summarize the current literature regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. SUMMARY: Although partial nephrectomy (PN) represents the standard treatment of SRMs, Thermal ablation techniques have been increasingly used showing acceptable efficacy, low complication rate, and equivalent survival. Cryoablation seems to be superior to radiofrequency ablation in terms of local tumour control and retreatment rates. However, selection criteria for thermal ablation are still under refinement.

Alcohol septal ablation in patients aged 75 years or older with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Outcome data for patients ≥75 years with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) are lacking. Therefore, a retrospective single-centre analysis was conducted. METHODS: The data of all consecutive ASAs, that were performed at our institution between 1 September 1997 and 31 July 2021 in patients with HOCM with left ventricular outflow tract gradients (LVOTG) ≥50 mm Hg, were collected from patient reports. ASA was performed per institutional standards with 95% ethanol infused into a feasible septal branch. Differences regarding echocardiographic, procedural and clinical parameters at baseline and after 6 months between patients ≥75 years and <75 years were assessed. RESULTS: We found 208 ASAs in patients ≥75 years (85.1% female; age 78.0 years (IQR 76.0-80.0)) and 1430 ASAs in patients <75 years (42.0% female; age 56.0 years (IQR 46.0-65.0)). Patients ≥75 years had lower distances in 6 min walk test (baseline: 317.0 m (IQR 242.0-389.0) vs 438.0 m (IQR 353.3-504.0); p<0.0001). Exercise-induced LVOTG calculated at follow-up was lower in patients ≥75 years (29.5 mm Hg (IQR 18.0-54.0) vs 39.5 mm Hg (IQR 23.0-73.8); p=0.0007). There were more high-degree AV blocks after ASA in patients ≥75 years (25.5% vs 13.6%; p<0.0001). The in-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups (age ≥75 years: 1.0%; age <75 years: 0.6%; p=0.6580). CONCLUSION: ASA had similar efficacy and intrahospital mortality in patients ≥75 years compared with younger patients. Higher rates of AV block with need for permanent pacemaker implantation were observed in patients ≥75 years of age.

Efficacy of fusion imaging for immediate post-ablation assessment of malignant liver neoplasms: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous thermal ablation has become the preferred therapeutic treatment option for liver cancers that cannot be resected. Since ablative zone tissue changes over time, it becomes challenging to determine therapy effectiveness over an extended period. Thus, an immediate post-procedural evaluation of the ablation zone is crucial, as it could influence the need for a second-look treatment or follow-up plan. Assessing treatment response immediately after ablation is essential to attain favorable outcomes. This study examines the efficacy of image fusion strategies immediately post-ablation in liver neoplasms to determine therapeutic response. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive systematic search using PRISMA methodology was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PUBMED), and Cochrane Library Central Registry electronic databases to identify articles that assessed the immediate post-ablation response in malignant hepatic tumors with fusion imaging (FI) systems. The data were retrieved on relevant clinical characteristics, including population demographics, pre-intervention clinical history, lesion characteristics, and intervention type. For the outcome metrics, variables such as average fusion time, intervention metrics, technical success rate, ablative safety margin, supplementary ablation rate, technical efficacy rate, LTP rates, and reported complications were extracted. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included for review after fulfilling the study eligibility criteria. FI's immediate technical success rate ranged from 81.3% to 100% in 17/22 studies. In 16/22 studies, the ablative safety margin was assessed immediately after ablation. Supplementary ablation was performed in 9 studies following immediate evaluation by FI. In 15/22 studies, the technical effectiveness rates during the first follow-up varied from 89.3% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Based on the studies included, we found that FI can accurately determine the immediate therapeutic response in liver cancer ablation image fusion and could be a feasible intraprocedural tool for determining short-term post-ablation outcomes in unresectable liver neoplasms. There are some technical challenges that limit the widespread adoption of FI techniques. Large-scale randomized trials are warranted to improve on existing protocols. Future research should emphasize improving FI's technological capabilities and clinical applicability to a broader range of tumor types and ablation procedures.

Early enlarging cavitation after percutaneous microwave ablation of primary lung cancer.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study assessed the incidence rate, risk factors, and clinical course of early enlarging cavitation after percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of primary lung cancer (PLC). METHODS: This study included 557 lesions of 514 patients with PLC who underwent CT-guided percutaneous MWA between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021. Of these patients, 29 developed early enlarging cavitation and were enrolled in the cavity group, and 173 were randomly enrolled in the control group. Early enlarging cavitation of the lung was defined as the development of a cavity ≥30 mm within 7 days after MWA. RESULTS: Overall, 31 (5.57%, 31/557 tumors) early enlarging cavitations occurred at an average of 5.83 ± 1.55 d after MWA. The risk factors were lesion contact with a large vessel (diameter ≥3 mm), lesion contact with the bronchus (diameter ≥2 mm), and a large ablated parenchymal volume. The cavity group had a higher incidence rate of delayed hydropneumothorax (12.9%) and bronchopleural fistula (9.68%) than the control group, resulting in a longer hospitalization (9.09 ± 5.26 days). Until Dec 31, 2022, 27 cavities disappeared after a mean of 217.88 ± 78.57 d (range, 111-510 d), two persisted, and two were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Early enlarging cavitation occurred in 5.57% PLC cases that underwent MWA, causing serve complications and longer hospitalization. The risk factors were ablated lesion contact with large vessels and bronchi, as well as a larger ablated parenchymal volume.

Preliminary evaluation of the safety and efficacy of glucose solution infusion through the hepatic artery on irreversible electroporation focusing.

Due to electrical features of the tissue, such as impedance, which have a significant impact on irreversible electroporation (IRE) function, the administration of glucose solution 5% (GS5%) through the hepatic artery would focus IRE on scattered liver tumors. By creating a differential impedance between healthy and tumor tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of the GS5% protocol on healthy liver tissue and its safety. 21 male Athymic nude rats Hsd: RH-Foxn1mu were used in the study. Animals were split into two groups. In group 1, a continuous infusion through the gastroduodenal artery of GS5% was performed to measure the impedance with a dose of 0.008 mL/g for 16 min. In group 2, the animals were divided into two subgroups for infusions of GS5%. Group 2.1, at 0.008 mL/g for 16 min. Group 2.2 at 0.03 mL/g for 4 min. Blood samples were collected after anesthesia has been induced. The second sample, after catheterization of the artery, and the third after the GS5% infusion. All the animals were sacrificed to collect histological samples. The survival rate during the experiment was 100%. A considerable impact on the impedance of the tissue was noticed, on average up to 4.31 times more than the baseline, and no side effects were observed after GS5% infusion. In conclusion, impedance alteration by Glucose solution infusion may focus IRE on tumor tissue and decrease IRE's effects on healthy tissue.