Identifying primary aldosteronism patients who require adrenal venous sampling: a multi-center study.

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is crucial for subtyping primary aldosteronism (PA) to explore the possibility of curing hypertension. Because AVS availability is limited, efforts have been made to develop strategies to bypass it. However, it has so far proven unsuccessful in applying clinical practice, partly due to heterogeneity and missing values of the cohorts. For this purpose, we retrospectively assessed 210 PA cases from three institutions where segment-selective AVS, which is more accurate and sensitive for detecting PA cases with surgical indications, was available. A machine learning-based classification model featuring a new cross-center domain adaptation capability was developed. The model identified 102 patients with PA who benefited from surgery in the present cohort. A new data imputation technique was used to address cross-center heterogeneity, making a common prediction model applicable across multiple cohorts. Logistic regression demonstrated higher accuracy than Random Forest and Deep Learning [(0.89, 0.86) vs. (0.84, 0.84), (0.82, 0.84) for surgical or medical indications in terms of f-score]. A derived integrated flowchart revealed that 35.2% of PA cases required AVS with 94.1% accuracy. The present model enabled us to reduce the burden of AVS on patients who would benefit the most.

Locational memory of macrovessel vascular cells is transcriptionally imprinted.

Vascular pathologies show locational predisposition throughout the body; further insights into the transcriptomics basis of this vascular heterogeneity are needed. We analyzed transcriptomes from cultured endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells from nine adult canine macrovessels: the aorta, coronary artery, vena cava, portal vein, femoral artery, femoral vein, saphenous vein, pulmonary vein, and pulmonary artery. We observed that organ-specific expression patterns persist in vitro, indicating that these genes are not regulated by blood flow or surrounding cell types but are likely fixed in the epigenetic memory. We further demonstrated the preserved location-specific expression of GATA4 protein in cultured cells and in the primary adult vessel. On a functional level, arterial and venous endothelial cells differed in vascular network morphology as the arterial networks maintained a higher complexity. Our findings prompt the rethinking of the extrapolation of results from single-origin endothelial cell systems.

Evaluation of Inferior and Superior Vena Cava and the Vena Cava Ratio in Growth Restricted Fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in the diameters of superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) and to measure the ratio between SVC and IVC in growth-restricted fetuses and compare these results with normally grown fetuses. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with fetal growth restriction (FGR) (Group I) and 23 pregnant gestational age-matched controls (Group II) between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study between January 2018 and October 2018. The diameter of the SVC and IVC from inner wall to inner wall was measured in all patients by sonographic examination. The ratio between the diameter of the SVC and IVC was also measured in each patient to eliminate the gestational age factor. We have named this ratio the "vena cava ratio" (VCR). All parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The diameter of the SVC was significantly greater in the fetuses with FGR (2.6-7.7 [5.4]) than in controls (3.2-5.6 [4.1]; P = .002; P < .01). The diameter of the IVC was significantly less in the fetuses with FGR (1.6-4.5 [3.2]) than in controls (2.7-5 [3.7]; P = .035; P < .05). The VCR was between 1.1 and 2.3 and the median value was 1.8 in Group I. The VCR was between 0.8 and 1.7 and the median value was 1.2. VCR was significantly higher in fetuses with FGR (P = .001 P < .01). CONCLUSION: This study shows that VCR is higher in fetuses with growth restriction. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between VCR and antenatal prognosis and postnatal results.

Multilineage commitment of Sca-1+ cells in reshaping vein grafts.

Vein graft failure remains a significant clinical problem. Similar to other vascular diseases, stenosis of vein grafts is caused by several cell lines; however, the sources of these cells remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular sources that reshape vein grafts. By analyzing transcriptomics data and constructing inducible lineage-tracing mouse models, we investigated the cellular components of vein grafts and their fates. The sc-RNAseq data suggested that Sca-1+ cells were vital players in vein grafts and might serve as progenitors for multilineage commitment. By generating a vein graft model in which the venae cavae from C57BL/6J wild-type mice were transplanted adjacent to the carotid arteries of Sca-1(Ly6a)-CreERT2; Rosa26-tdTomato mice, we demonstrated that the recipient Sca-1+ cells dominated reendothelialization and the formation of adventitial microvessels, especially at the perianastomotic regions. In turn, using chimeric mouse models, we confirmed that the Sca-1+ cells that participated in reendothelialization and the formation of adventitial microvessels all had a non-bone-marrow origin, whereas bone-marrow-derived Sca-1+ cells differentiated into inflammatory cells in vein grafts. Furthermore, using a parabiosis mouse model, we confirmed that non-bone-marrow-derived circulatory Sca-1+ cells were vital for the formation of adventitial microvessels, whereas Sca-1+ cells derived from local carotid arteries were the source of endothelium restoration. Using another mouse model in which venae cavae from Sca-1 (Ly6a)-CreERT2; Rosa26-tdTomato mice were transplanted adjacent to the carotid arteries of C57BL/6J wild-type mice, we confirmed that the donor Sca-1+ cells were mainly responsible for smooth muscle cells commitment in the neointima, particularly at the middle bodies of vein grafts. In addition, we provided evidence that knockdown/knockout of Pdgfrα in Sca-1+ cells decreased the cell potential to generate SMCs in vitro and decreased number of intimal SMCs in vein grafts. Our findings provided cell atlases of vein grafts, which demonstrated that recipient carotid arteries, donor veins, non-bone-marrow circulation, and the bone marrow provided diverse Sca-1+ cells/progenitors that participated in the reshaping of vein grafts.

Hemodynamic and recirculation performance of dual lumen cannulas for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be performed with two single lumen cannulas (SLCs) or one dual-lumen cannula (DLC) where low recirculation fraction ([Formula: see text]) is a key performance criterion. DLCs are widely believed to have lower [Formula: see text], though these have not been directly compared. Similarly, correct positioning is considered critical although its impact is unclear. We aimed to compare two common bi-caval DLC designs and quantify [Formula: see text] in several positions. Two different commercially available DLCs were sectioned, measured, reconstructed, scaled to 27Fr and simulated in our previously published patient-averaged computational model of the right atrium (RA) and venae cavae at 2-6 L/min. One DLC was then used to simulate ± 30° and ± 60° rotation and ± 4 cm insertion depth. Both designs had low [Formula: see text] (< 7%) and similar SVC/IVC drainage fractions and pressure drops. Both cannula reinfusion ports created a high-velocity jet and high shear stresses in the cannula (> 413 Pa) and RA (> 52 Pa) even at low flow rates. Caval pressures were abnormally high (16.2-23.9 mmHg) at low flow rates. Rotation did not significantly impact [Formula: see text]. Short insertion depth increased [Formula: see text] (> 31%) for all flow rates whilst long insertion only increased [Formula: see text] at 6 L/min (24%). Our results show that DLCs have lower [Formula: see text] compared to SLCs at moderate-high flow rates (> 4 L/min), but high shear stresses. Obstruction from DLCs increases caval pressures at low flow rates, a potential reason for increased intracranial hemorrhages. Cannula rotation does not impact [Formula: see text] though correct insertion depth is critical.

Which caval diameter? Clarification manufacturer's instructions for inferior vena cava filter use and implications for practice.

AIM: To clarify manufacturer's instructions for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter use and implications for practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three vendors of IVC filters were contacted for clarification, with all stating that caval diameter limits are to be true maximum and true minimum cross-sectional diameters. To determine the implications of this, measurements were performed on 302 abdominal computed tomography studies in four transaxial dimensions perpendicular to the long axis including true maximum and minimum diameters, and measurements reflecting those typically taken on fluoroscopic cavography. RESULTS: Based on the true maximum and true minimum caval diameter limits as clarified by vendors, 22% of patients who would typically be considered suitable for IVC filter insertion based on frontal and lateral fluoroscopic cavography would be contraindicated, and 40% of patients who would typically be considered suitable for IVC filter insertion based on only frontal fluoroscopic cavography (as lateral projection is often not performed) would be contraindicated. CONCLUSION: There is a marked discordance between the vendor-clarified caval diameter limits of three common IVC filter devices and real-world caval geometry. Given the rarity of complications, this suggests a pressing need for revision of manufacturers' instructions for use statements to better reflect current safe routine clinical use, particularly from a medicolegal perspective.

Vascular Neonatal Thymus Transplantation in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Successful vascular adult thymus transplant has been reported in different animal models but not in rabbits. These animal models are slightly larger than the murine and substantially smaller than the porcine. We describe in rabbits a supermicrosurgical technique for vascular neonatal thymus transplant and provide histologic evidence of tissue viability. METHODS: Newborn (New Zealand, n = 12, 6 female) and adult (New Zealand, n = 12, 6 female) rabbits were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Whole thymuses were extracted from donors and grafted into recipients. Immediate direct vascularization was accomplished by anastomosis to the right common carotid artery and the right external vena cava. At day 14, graft sites were surgically explored, and grafted thymuses were explanted for histologic evaluation. All recipients were followed over 2 weeks for clinical signs of graft-vs-host reaction. RESULTS: The vascular pedicles of the thymus grafts ranged 0.5 to 0.8 mm in vessel diameter. From the 12 transplants, 3 recipients (3/12; 25%) died during the surgical procedure because of blood loss after clamp release. On histology, from the 9 (9/12; 75%) successful at revascularization, none (0/9; 0%) had signs of acute rejection or necrosis, and all (9/9; 100%) evidenced normal cytoarchitecture. No clinical signs of graft-vs-host reaction were evidenced during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular neonatal thymus transplant in rabbits is surgically feasible. This technique will enable a novel approach for studying the biology of the thymus.

Morphometric assessment of the left inferior phrenic vein in patients with portal hypertension.

The left inferior phrenic vein (LIPV) is a major drainage vessel of gastric varices and serves as an important conduit in endovascular treatment for gastric varices. The narrowing of LIPV has been empirically demonstrated and sometimes hinders catheter insertion for the treatment of gastric varices. We herein investigated the morphology of narrowed LIPV in patients with portal hypertension. Venograms of LIPV on 25 patients with gastric varices (15 males; 10 females; age range, 45-79 years with a mean of 67 years) were retrospectively reviewed, the following four parameters were measured: the diameter of LIPV, the diameter of narrowed LIPV, the narrowing rate, and the distance to narrowed LIPV from the left renal vein. On all 25 venograms, a narrowing was detected just above the common trunk with the left adrenal vein. The diameter of LIPV was 9.0 ± 4.2 mm, the diameter of narrowed LIPV was 5.1 ± 2.3 mm, the narrowing rate was 40.6 ± 16.0%, and the distance to narrowed LIPV from the left renal vein was 20.0 ± 7.4 mm. This anatomical information about the narrowing of LIPV may contribute to the safe and efficacious treatment of gastric varices.

The Ash Split Cath(TM) : The best inventions are simple.

Dual-lumen "acute" central venous catheters (CVC) for dialysis were developed in the 1970s and tunneled "chronic" CVC in the 1980s. Fibrous sheathing of these catheters diminished the patency after weeks to months of use. Double catheters like Canaud/Tesio worked better and longer than single body catheters but were tedious to place. I decided that the optimal CVC design would be a single body that split into two tips within the vena cava. The "Ash Split Cath(TM) " was developed in cooperation with a company focused on dialysis access catheters, and quickly became widely used around the world. However, the patent did not prevent other companies from marketing split-tip catheters. A disagreement on the terms of a royalty agreement further weakened the relationship between the marketing company and our R&D company.

Abordaje quirúrgico del síndrome de vena cava superior asociado a neoplasia maligna: revisión narrativa / Surgical approach to superior vena cava syndrome associated with malignant neoplasm: A narrative review

Introducción: El síndrome de vena cava superior (SVCS) es una patología poco frecuente, asociado en la mayoría de los casos a neoplasias de origen maligno; la cual en estadios avanzados representa una urgencia médico-oncológica que compromete la vida del paciente. Propósito de la revisión: El objetivo de la revisión es delinear el rol de las diferentes alternativas quirúrgicas y percutáneas para el tratamiento del SVCS. Buscamos reportes en donde se incluye los resultados de mejor supervivencia para los distintos tratamientos actuales. Recientes hallazgos: La literatura médica describe tratamientos como la radioterapia, la quimioterapia, el bypass, la terapia endovascular y la reconstrucción vascular para el manejo del SVCS, sin embargo, no todos responden con la misma eficacia al momento de presentarse una urgencia vital por SVCS; esto producto de los factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos del paciente. Dentro de los factores extrínsecos destaca la condición social la cual, se convierte en un reto al momento de realizar un manejo integral del paciente en ciudades fronterizas, donde los datos que conoce el médico sobre el paciente son limitados o el paciente no tiene un diagnóstico previo que permita orientar el manejo. Conclusiones: El punto de partida del tratamiento del paciente con SVCS consiste en diferenciar la emergencia y la estabilidad mediante la tabla de clasificación de gravedad. En casos emergentes se tiene 2 alternativas: la terapia endovascular y la radioterapia. El abordaje quirúrgico con Baypass está contraindicado y el tratamiento definitivo con reconstrucción vascular con prótesis tiene ventajas y desventajas que deben definirse en forma individual considerando la etiología del cáncer asociado.

Introduction: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a rare pathology, associated in most cases with neoplasms of malignant origin; which in advanced stages represents a medical-oncological emergency that compromises the patient's life. Purpose of the review: The objective of the review is to outline the role of the different surgi-cal and percutaneous alternatives for the treatment of SVCS. We look for reports that include the best survival results for the different current treatments. Recent findings: The medical literature describes treatments such as radiotherapy, chemo-therapy, bypass, endovascular therapy and vascular reconstruction for the management of SVCS, however, not all respond with the same efficacy at the time of a vital emergency. by SVCS; this product of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of the patient. Among the extrinsic fac-tors, the social condition stands out, which becomes a challenge when carrying out an integral management of the patient in border cities, where the data that the doctor knows about the patient is limited or the patient does not have a previous diagnosis. to guide management. Conclusions: The starting point of the treatment of the patient with SVCS consists in differentiating the emergency and the stability by means of the severity classification table. In emergent cases there are 2 alternatives: endovascular therapy and radiotherapy. The surgical approach with Baypass is contraindicated and the definitive treatment with vascular reconstruc-tion with a prosthesis has advantages and disadvantages that must be defined individually considering the etiology of the associated cancer.

Impact of altered vena cava flow rates on right atrium flow characteristics.

The right atrium (RA) combines the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) flows. Treatments like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and hemodialysis by catheter alter IVC/SVC flows. Here we assess how altered IVC/SVC flow contributions impact RA flow. Four healthy volunteers were imaged with computerized tomography (CT), reconstructed and combined into a patient-averaged model. Large eddy simulations (LESs) were performed for a range of IVC/SVC flow contributions (30%-70% each, increments of 5%) and common flow metrics were recorded. Model sensitivity to reconstruction domain extent, constant/pulsatile inlets, and hematocrit was also assessed. Consistent with literature, a single vortex occupied the central RA across all flowrates with a smaller counter-rotating vortex, not previously reported, in the auricle. Vena cava flow was highly helical. RA turbulent kinetic energy (TKE; P = 0.027) and time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS; P < 0.001) increased with SVC flow. WSS was lower in the auricle (2 Pa, P < 0.001). WSS in the vena cava was equal at IVC/SVC = 65/35%. The model was highly sensitive to the reconstruction domain with cropped geometries lacking helicity in the venae cavae, altering the RA flow. The RA flow was not significantly affected by constant inlets or hematocrit. The commonly reported vortex in in the central RA is confirmed; however, a new, smaller vortex was also recorded in the auricle. When IVC flow dominates, as is normal, TKE in the RA is reduced and WSS in the venae cavae equalize. Significant helicity exists in the vena cava, as a result of distal geometry and this geometry appears crucial to accurately simulating RA flow.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Right atrium turbulent kinetic energy increases as the proportion of flow entering from the superior vena cava is increased. Although the commonly reported large right atrium vortex was confirmed across all flow scenarios, a new smaller vortex is observed in the right auricle. The caval veins exhibit highly helical flow and this appears to be the result of distal venous morphology.

Vena Cava Thrombosis after Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Multivariate Analysis of Potential Risk Factors.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with a significant complication rate. Information on major thrombotic complications and their incidence in newborns with CDH is lacking. The aims of our analysis were to evaluate the frequency of vena cava thrombosis and to determine its predictors within a consecutive series of patients with CDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed charts of all neonates of our department that underwent CDH repair from 2007 to 2021, focusing on vena cava thrombosis. Vena cava thrombosis was diagnosed sonographically and classified as complete or partial venous occlusion. Complete occlusion was confirmed by cavography. Variables evaluated were CDH side, liver position, central vein line, surgical approach, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Univariate and multivariate tests were utilized. RESULTS: Among 57 neonates who underwent CDH repair, vena cava thrombosis was diagnosed in 14 (24.6%), seven of whom had complete occlusion of the vena cava. Factors associated with vena cava thrombosis were femoral or saphenous venous catheter (p = 0.044), right sided CDH (p = 0.027) and chylothorax (p < 0.0001). ECMO was not associated with vena cava thrombosis. Seven patients (50%) with vena cava thrombosis were treated interventionally with angioplasty and seven (50%) conservatively with anticoagulation only. Mortality was not higher in patients with compared with patients without vena cava thrombosis. CONCLUSION: The incidence of vena cava thrombosis in newborns with CDH in our series is high. Routine postoperative abdominal sonography focusing on vena cava thrombosis is mandatory in all patients with CDH. Patients who developed vena cava thrombosis were more likely to develop chylothorax after CDH repair. Considering the good outcome of medical therapy of partial vena cava thrombosis, it may be discussed whether low dose anticoagulation may be provided to all newborns with CDH.

Filtro de vena cava y embarazo: algunas certezas y muchas incertidumbres / Vena cava filter and pregnancy: some certainties and many doubts

El embarazo constituye un estado protrombótico durante el cual se producen en la mujer cambios anatómicos y fisiológicos que conllevan un incremento en la incidencia de fenómenos tromboembólicos. Así, las mujeres embarazadas tienen un riesgo 5 veces mayor de padecer un evento tromboembólico que las no embarazadas. La enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad maternas y la embolia pulmonar es la causa más común de mortalidad materna en los países desarrollados. En el presente trabajo se revisan aspectos como la valoración de riesgo tromboembólico en la mujer embarazada, el diagnóstico, profilaxis y tratamiento, con especial atención al uso del filtro de vena cava en mujeres embarazadas en términos de indicaciones, colocación, efectividad, complicaciones y riesgos tanto para la madre como para el feto. (AU)

Pregnancy constitutes a prothrombotic state during which anatomical and physiological changes occur in women. This situation leads to an increase in the incidence of thromboembolic phenomena. Thus, pregnant women have a 5 times increased risk of suffering a thromboembolic event than non-pregnant women. Venous thromboembolic disease is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of maternal mortality in developed countries. In the present work, aspects such as the assessment of thromboembolic risk in pregnant women, diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment are reviewed, focusing on the use of the vena cava filter in pregnant women in terms of indications, placement, effectiveness, complications and risks for both mother and fetus. (AU)

Comparación de métodos de diagnóstico para el tratamiento hemodinámico en recién nacidos y prematuros utilizando la medición de la vena cava, lactato y criterios clínicos / Comparison of diagnostic methods for hemodynamic treatment in unborn and pre-term infants using the measurement of vena cava, lactate, and clinical criteria

Introducción: no existe un criterio único para evaluar el estado hemodinámico de los recién nacidos y prematuros y las diferentes variables en el grupo de recién nacidos, como la edad gestacional, el peso al nacer y los períodos de nacimiento. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal, epidemiológico con dos cohortes de pacientes. Los recién nacidos a término y Pretérmino, atendidos en la Unidad de Neonatal del Hospital Pablo Arturo Suárez, participan durante los meses comprendidos entre Noviembre de 2019 a enero de 2020. Resultados: la medición ecográfica del flujo de la vena cava inferior (FVCI) es útil para el tratamiento de manejo del paciente neonatal hemodinámicamente inestable. La muestra estuvo conformada por 110 recién nacidos atendidos en el servicio de neonatología del Hospital Pablo Arturo Suárez desde noviembre de 2019 a enero de 2020. Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador. Las variables bajo peso al nacer y prematuridad moderada tienen un valor estadística-mente significativo para el uso de inotrópicos. Las demás variables no presentan valor esta-dísticamente significativo. La frecuencia cardíaca, el gasto urinario, la presión arterial media, el ácido láctico, el llenado capilar, el flujo de la vena cava superior y el flujo de la vena cava inferior tienen valores estadísticamente significativos. Las comparaciones de FVCI y superior (FVCS) con frecuencia cardíaca, gasto urinario, presión arterial media, ácido láctico, llenado capilar tienen un valor estadísticamente significativo, excepto para el llenado capilar >3 segundos en FCVI. Se utilizó el análisis multivariado de Componentes Principales Categóricos (CATPCA) para caracterizar el estado hemodinámico e inotrópico, que resultaron significativos en el análisis bivariado. Dimensión, uno de los gráficos bidimensionales, discrimina el uso o no de inotrópicos y las categorías de parámetros hemodinámicos TAM <35 mmHg, ácido láctico, llenado capilar, FVCI y FVCS. La dimensión dos discrimina entre las categorías de gasto urinario y FC. Conclusión: En recién nacidos a término y prematuros con bajo peso y adecuado peso al nacer con inestabilidad hemodinámica en general, que fueron evaluados con ecografía para medir el flujo de la vena cava, la concordancia entre los criterios clínicos y la valoración ecográfica del flujo fue de 0.4 cm / seg en ambos métodos. Esta situación significa que la medición de los flujos cava venosos por ecografía es útil para evaluar el estado hemodinámico de los pacientes neonatales.

Introduction: There is no single criterion available to assess the hemodynamic state of new-born in-fants and preterm infants and the different variables in the group of newborns, such as gestational age, birth weight, and periods of birth. Methods: This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive observational study with two patient cohorts. Newborn-to-term and preterm neonates assisted at the Neonatal Unit of the Pablo Arturo Suarez Hospital participated during the months between November 2019 to January 2020. Results: Ultrasound measurement of the vena cava (FVC) flow is useful for the management treatment of hemodynamically unstable neonatal patients. The sample was made up of 110 newborns treated in the Pablo Arturo Suarez Hospital's neonatology service from November 2019 to January 2020. Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador. The variables low birth weight and moder-ate prematurity have a statistically sig-nificant value for inotropic use.The other variables do not present statistically significant values. Heart rate, urinary output, mean blood pressure, lactic acid, capillary filling, upper vena cava flow, and lower vena cava flow had statistically significant values. FVCI and FVCS comparisons with heart rate, urinary output, mean blood pressure, lactic acid, and capillary filling had statistically significant values, except for capil-lary filling >3 sec in FCVI. Multivariate analysis of categorical main components (CATPCA) was used to characterize the hemodynamic state and inotropic state, which were significant in the bivariate analysis. Dimension, one of the two-dimensional graphs, discriminates the use or not of inotropics and the categories of hemodynamic parameters TAM <35 mmHg, lactic acid, capillary filling, FVCI, and FVCS. Dimension IIdiscriminates between the categories of urinary expenditure and HR. Conclusion: In term and preterm infants with low weight and adequate birth weight with hemody-namic instability in general, who were evaluated with ultrasonography to measure the flow of the vena cava, the agreement between the clinical criteria and the ultrasound assessment of the flow was 0.4 cm/sec in both methods. This situation means that the measurement of venous cava flows by echo sonography is useful for assessing neonatal patients' hemodynamic status.

Electrophysiological Response to Acehytisine Was Modulated by Aldosterone in Rats with Aorto-Venocaval Shunts.

Aldosterone induces cardiac electrical and structural remodeling, which leads to the development of heart failure and/or atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains unknown whether aldosterone-induced remodeling may modulate the efficacy of anti-AF drugs. In this study, we aimed to jeopardize the structural and functional remodeling by aldosterone in rats with aorto-venocaval shunts (AVS rats) and evaluate the effect of acehytisine in this model. An AVS operation was performed on rats (n = 6, male) and it was accompanied by the intraperitoneal infusion of aldosterone (AVS + Ald) at 2.0 µg/h for 28 d. The cardiopathy was characterized by echocardiography, electrophysiologic and hemodynamic testing, and morphometric examination in comparison with sham-operated rats (n = 3), sham + Ald (n = 6), and AVS (n = 5). Aldosterone accelerated the progression from asymptomatic heart failure to overt heart failure and induced sustained AF resistant to electrical fibrillation in one out of six rats. In addition, it prolonged PR, QT interval and Wenckebach cycle length. Acehytisine failed to suppress AF in the AVS + Ald rats. In conclusion, aldosterone jeopardized electrical remodeling and blunted the electrophysiological response to acehytisine on AF.

Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair: Customized Approach and Outcomes.

Alternative options for the correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) have been proposed. Each can be associated with variable risk for dysrhythmias, caval or pulmonary venous (PV) obstruction. A selective customized strategy to address PAPVC taking into account atrial shunt (AS) and growth potential was pursued. Between September 2014 and August 2018 21 PAPVC patients were identified. Two levels of reference determined the chosen repair strategy; azygous vein (AzV) and cavoatrial junction (CAJ). Six (Group-A) with PAPVC entering SVC cephalad to AV underwent a combined in-situ cavoatrial autologous reconstruction with atrial appendage advancement flap (CARAF). PAPVC entering caudally to AzV (Group-B) underwent alternative repair (caval division/Warden-type or intraatrial rerouting) (n = 15). Age was 8.3 (IQR:4.2-18.5) years for Group-A (vs 11.9; IQR:8.8-34.7 in Group-B) (p = 0.07). In Group-A 5(83%) had AS (vs 12[80%] Group-B; p = 0.9). None had left SVC in Group-A (vs 1 in Group-B; p = 0.9). Preoperative advanced imaging and echocardiographic hemodynamic evaluation was undertaken. Follow-up was complete (median 2.9; IQR:1.2-3.7 years). Freedom from atrial dysrhythmias, caval or PV obstruction was assessed. There were no early or late deaths. ICU and hospital length of stay were 1.8 ± 1.1 and 3.2 ± 0.5 days, respectively. No atrial dysrhythmias occurred postoperatively in Group-A (vs 1 in Group-B; p = 0.9). No permanent pacemaker was implanted. All patients remained in normal sinus rhythm. There were no early or late caval/PV obstruction. A customized approach reserves the advantages of each technique tailored to patient's needs. Expanding surgical capacity with favorable outlook for all PAPVC variations, irrespective of association with AS, can maximize efficiency and reproducibility paired with the lowest morbidity.