Recurrence rates and risk factors in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), defined in 2010, involves bleeding from the GI tract that remains unexplained after standard diagnostic procedures. OGIB, which accounts for about 5% of all GI bleeds, poses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly due to the anatomical features of the small intestine. Advances in capsule endoscopy (CE) and balloon-assisted endoscopy have improved the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for small intestinal lesions. Objective: To determine the recurrence rate and identify risk factors for recurrence following diagnostic and therapeutic interventions using CE and balloon-assisted endoscopy in patients with OGIB. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at Gifu University Hospital analyzed CE procedures for patients with OGIB from 2008 to 2022. Patients underwent CE with subsequent treatments based on the findings. Statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models, were used to estimate cumulative recurrence rates and identify recurrence risk factors. Results: Out of 417 patients, 65.2% had positive CE findings, leading to therapeutic interventions in 16.3% of cases. The cumulative recurrence rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 4.3%, 9.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Liver cirrhosis (hazard rate: 4.15, 95% confidence interval 1.88-9.18, p < 0.01) was identified as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Conclusions: A significant recurrence rate in OGIB patients, with liver cirrhosis being a major risk factor. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, a comprehensive approach including careful follow-up and consideration of risk factors is essential for management.

Predictors of recurrent restenosis after repeat drug-coated balloon therapy for drug-coated balloon restenosis in femoropopliteal lesions: Results of the RECURRENCE study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions, there is still no consensus on treatment strategies for DCB restenosis. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for recurrent restenosis after repeat DCB therapy for DCB restenosis in FP lesions. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study assessed 1176 consecutive limbs in 860 patients who successfully received initial DCB therapy for FP lesions at four cardiovascular centers between May 2018 and December 2022. Among these patients, 118 consecutive limbs of 104 patients treated via repeat DCB for primary DCB restenosis were enrolled. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from recurrent restenosis was 74.6% at 1 year. Cox proportional hazard multivariate analysis revealed that recurrent restenosis was independently associated with the time from initial DCB to primary restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.92; p < 0.001), history of ≥2 endovascular therapies (EVTs) (HR, 3.11; 95%CI, 1.36-7.12; p = 0.007), and PACSS grade 3 or 4 (HR, 2.76; 95%CI, 1.15-6.63; p = 0.023). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of the time from initial DCB to primary restenosis to prevent recurrent restenosis was 12.6 months, with an area under the curve of 0.841 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Repeat DCB therapy for DCB restenosis might be an acceptable strategy, particularly for restenosis that occurred more than 12.6 months after initial DCB, given the rate of freedom from recurrent restenosis.

Balloon-expandable covered stenting of a large right hepatic artery aneurysm.

Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) are rare visceral aneurysms with a high rupture rate. We report the case of an 88-year-old man with a 4.2-cm right HAA treated with covered stenting. Balloon-expandable covered stents effectively excluded the HAA with excellent proximal and distal seals. Our case is one of a limited number of reports on successfully repairing a hepatic aneurysm with a balloon-expandable stent graft. This case demonstrates that balloon expandable covered stenting is a viable approach in patients with appropriate anatomy and may be favorable in patients precluded from open bypass.

Intracoronary thrombolysis combined with drug balloon angioplasty in a young ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patient: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The combination of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and gastric ulcers poses a challenge to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), particularly for young patients. The role of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions in large vessels remains unclear, especially for patients with STEMI. Our strategy is to implement drug balloon angioplasty following the intracoronary administration of low-dose prourokinase and adequate pre-expansion. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department due to chest pain on June 24, 2019. Within the first 3 minutes of the initial assessment in the emergency room, the electrocardiogram (ECG) showed significant changes. There was atrial fibrillation with ST-segment elevation. Subsequently, atrial fibrillation terminated spontaneously and reverted to sinus rhythm. Soon after, the patient experienced syncope. The ECG revealed torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia. A few seconds later, it returned to sinus rhythm. High-sensitivity tropon in I was normal. The diagnosis was acute STEMI. Emergency coronary angiography revealed subtotal occlusion with thrombus formation in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery. Considering the patient's age and history of peptic ulcer disease, after the intracoronary injection of prourokinase, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty were conducted for thorough preconditioning, and paclitaxel drug-eluting balloon angioplasty was performed without any stents, achieving favorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: A PPCI without stents may be a viable treatment strategy for select patients with STEMI, and further research is warranted.

Extended vs. Traditional Operating Table in C-Arm-Guided Percutaneous Balloon Compression of the Gasserian Ganglion for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The degree of cervical extension required during percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of the Gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) varies among patients, but the traditional operating tables often fail to fulfil each patient's individual requirements. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of an extended operating table to that of a traditional operating table in C-arm-guided PBC of the Gasserian ganglion for TN. STUDY DESIGN: This is a consecutively prospective comparative study. SETTING: Fujian Provincial Hospital. METHODS: This study consecutively enrolled patients with TN who were scheduled for PBC of the Gasserian ganglion between February 2020 and February 2023. Some patients who underwent the procedure were placed on an extended operating table, whereas others were placed on a traditional operating table. The primary outcome was the duration of the cervical extension. The secondary outcomes included the duration of patient positioning, operation duration, C-arm radiation exposure, and pressure pain threshold of the bilateral trapezius, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius muscles, as well as the occurrence rate of postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (mean age of 53.18 ± 2.74 years old, 44 men) were enrolled, with 38 patients using the extended operating table. The baseline characteristics between the extended and traditional operating table groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The duration of the cervical extension was significantly shorter in patients who used an extended operating table than in those who used a traditional operating table (58.77 ± 2.11 vs. 76.49 ± 2.16, P < 0.001). Patients who used an extended operating table exhibited significantly shorter positioning time (3.40 ± 0.45 vs. 10.32 ± 0.66, P < 0.001), operation duration (50.88 ± 2.95 vs. 76.49 ± 2.16, P = 0.020), and C-arm radiation exposure (8.71 ± 1.06 vs. 10.87 ± 1.26, P < 0.001) and significantly higher postoperative 24-hour pressure pain thresholds of the bilateral trapezius muscle (left: 274.39 ± 10.42 vs. 187.05 ± 6.19, P < 0.001; right: 272.89 ± 11.62 vs. 185.42 ± 6.88, P < 0.001), bilateral levator scapulae (left: 357.71 ± 11.37 vs. 245.34 ± 12.87, P < 0.001; right: 353.71 ± 14.14 vs. 245.05 ± 13.20, P < 0.001), and bilateral upper trapezius (left: 253.63 ± 10.91 vs. 163.95 ± 8.44, P < 0.001; right: 255.66 ± 11.99 vs. 165.32 ± 7.93, P < 0.001) compared to those who used a traditional operating table. The occurrence of postoperative adverse events, such as headache, neck pain, back pain, and limb numbness, was significantly lower in the extended operating table group (2.63% vs. 13.79%, P = 0.047) than in the traditional operating table group. LIMITATIONS: This is a single-center study with a small, homogeneous sample, limiting the generalizability of findings; the absence of randomization raises concerns about potential bias; long-term follow-up and recurrence rate measurements were lacking. CONCLUSION: This study found that the extended operating table may be an alternative equipment option for C-arm-guided PBC of the Gasserian ganglion for TN.

Use of sirolimus-coated balloon in de novo coronary lesions; long-term clinical outcomes from a multi-center real-world population.

BACKGROUND: Sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB), a relatively novel technology appears attractive due to the drug properties (safety and efficacy) and sirolimus remains the drug of choice in stents. However, there is limited data long-term data on SCB. In this study, we have explored the clinical outcomes following the use of SCB in de-novo lesions from a real-world practice. AIMS: To report long-term clinical outcomes following the use of Siroliumus coated balloon in de novo lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed all patients treated with an SCB in de novo lesions between 2016 and 2023 at four high-volume centers in UK and Italy. The outcomes measured included cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). During the study period, 771 patients had SCB in de novo lesions. Diabetes mellitus was noted in 36% of patients (n = 280), of which 14% (n = 108) were insulin dependent. Fifteen percent (n = 117) had chronic kidney disease, Fifty-two percent (n = 398) of cases were in the setting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and of which 51 cases (7%) were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Small vessels (<3.0 mm) accounted for 78% (n = 601) of cases and 76% (n = 584) were long lesions ( ≥ $\ge $ 20 mm). The mean diameter of SCB was 2.6 ± 0.4 mm and the mean length was 25 ± 10.39 mm. Bailout stenting following SCB was required in 9% lesions (n = 67). During the median follow-up 640 days, total death occurred in 39 (5%) patients and of which, cardiac death occurred in 10 patients (1.3%). TVMI occurred in 20 patients (2.6%). TLR and TVR were 5.6% and 5.8% respectively. The overall MACE rate was 8%. We had no documented case of acute vessel closure. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this long-term follow-up in a real-world population are encouraging with low rates of hard endpoints and acceptable rates of TLR and MACE despite a complex group of patients. Our data suggest that SCBs are safe in coronary intervention with good clinical outcomes in the long term.

Anchoring guide catheter to facilitate recanalising occluded pulmonary vein in small children: a novel technique.

Transcatheter pulmonary vein recanalisation is challenging. Herein, we described a novel technique facilitating the recanalisation of occluded three pulmonary veins in two small children. This technique enhances the catheter's alignment and stability during the recanalisation process. Referred to as the "anchoring guide catheter" technique, it can be applied only when the ipsilateral vein is patent.

Safety and Effectiveness of Two Different Fluid-Filled Intragastric Balloons: A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare weight loss and safety outcomes of two different commonly available fluid-filled intragastric balloons (IGBs) used for weight loss. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database of adult patients who underwent IGB insertion between July 2020 and November 2021 in a single private clinic in Kuwait. The patient either received the Elipse™ or Orbera365™ balloon and was followed until the end of treatment. RESULT: A total of 358 patients were included, of which 265 and 93 each received the Elipse and Orbera365 balloons, respectively. The mean age of patients was 32.8 (SD 9), the mean body mass index (BMI) was 35 kg/m2 (SD 4.8), and 72.1% of patients were female. In the Elipse group, 254 patients completed treatment, and 84 patients completed the treatment with Orbera365. Weight loss outcomes were measured at the end of treatment: 4 months after Elipse insertion, and 12 months after Orbera365 insertion. Interim 4 months weight loss outcomes were also measured for the Orbera365 balloon. Patients in the Orbera365 group had significantly better total body weight loss (%TBWL, 14.7 kg [SD 8.9]) compared to the Elipse group (%TBWL 10 kg, [SD 5.6], p ≤ 0.0001) at the end of treatment, while there was no difference in weight loss outcomes between the two balloons at 4 months. There were more complications requiring premature balloon removal in the Orbera365 group (9.7%) compared to the Elipse group (3.4%). CONCLUSION: IGBs provide significant weight loss with an acceptable safety profile. The Orbera365 ballon shows better weight loss outcomes compared to the Elipse, likely due to longer duration of treatment. However, there was a higher rate of complications requiring premature balloon removal in the Orbera365 group. Studies with larger patient cohort is needed to verify the findings of this study.

Physician-modified funnel-shaped covered stent for selective false lumen exclusion in chronic type B aortic dissection.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of off-centering a balloon-expandable covered stent for selective occlusion of a distal entry tear (ET) in a patient, conservatively treated for chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD), presenting FL expansion. TECHNIQUE: A 63-year-old male, with conservatively managed cTBAD, presented at follow-up with FL partial thrombosis and expansion (thoracic aorta FL from 21 mm to 27 mm and abdominal aorta FL from 11 mm to 15 mm in 6 months). No proximal ET was identifiable. Distal FL perfusion was caused by an ET in the abdominal aorta feeding a 2 mm accessory renal artery (ARA). As the aortic diameter was below the threshold for endovascular repair, a selective occlusion of the distal ET and ARA was planned. A balloon-expandable covered stent was modified by off-centering the covered stent proximally and resulting in a funnel-shape occluder after deployment across the ET into the ARA. To prevent type Ic endoleak due to possible FL expansion caused by an intra-operatively detected phrenic artery (PA), coils were deployed into the lumen of the modified stent and the ARA. The pre-discharge computed tomography angiography showed exclusion of both the ARA and ET and a type 2 endoleak from the PA. CONCLUSION: A balloon-expandable covered stent can be modified by off-centering the covered stent resulting in a funnel shape to adapt to different diameter requirements.

Long-term clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon angioplasty for de novo coronary lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment is effective for all de novo cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we also investigated the relationship between the degree of diabetes mellitus and clinical outcomes after DCB treatment. METHODS: In this study, we included 516 consecutive patients with de novo CAD who were treated with DCB. The patients were divided into the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Patients with diabetes mellitus were further classified into non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (NITDM) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM). The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular ischemic events (MACE) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). RESULTS: Within a mean clinical follow-up period of 2.5 years, the incidence of MACE among patients with diabetes mellitus (22.1%) was almost twice that of non-diabetic patients (11.9%) with a relative risk of 1.86 (95% CI 1.24-2.79, p = 0.002). The 3-year CD-TLR occurred in 28 patients with diabetes mellitus (10.6%) and 13 non-diabetic patients (5.1%, p = 0.02). ITDM patients had a significantly higher rate of MACE compared with non-diabetic patients with a relative risk of 2.86 (95% CI 1.76-4.63, p = 0.0002). ITDM remained an independent predictor of 3-year MACE with an odd ratio of 1.96 (95% CI 1.00-3.83, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing DCB, the presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of MACE and CD-TLR. Particularly in DCB, treatment was still inadequately effective for ITDM patients.

Effectiveness of Atherectomy and Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in Femoropopliteal Disease: A Comprehensive Outcome Study.

Purpose: Atherectomy has been reintroduced for debulking calcified atheroma to enhance the efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCBs); however, its efficacy in severe calcification and related outcomes have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of atherectomy and DCB angioplasty for treating femoropopliteal occlusive disease (FPOD). Materials and Methods: From 2014 to July 2022, 85 limbs in 76 patients with FPOD underwent atherectomy with DCB angioplasty. We evaluated the efficacy of this procedure using primary patency (PP) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR)-free survival. PP was defined as the duration of uninterrupted patency without occlusion or a peak systolic velocity ratio more than 2.5 at the target lesion. Lesion calcification was evaluated according to Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System, and Grade 4 was classified as severe. Results: Seventy-one (84%) cases were male, and 56 limbs (66%) were treated for claudication. Rotational and directional atherectomies were performed in 62 (73%) and 23 limbs, respectively. The improvement in the median ankle-brachial index was 0.36 (interquartile range, 0.25-0.48). Median follow-up duration was 19.4 months. The overall PP and CD-TLR-free survival rates were 77% and 93% at 1 year and 64% and 83% at 2 years, respectively. On multivariable analysis, female sex (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-10.87, P=0.014), dialysis (aHR, 4.35; 95% CI, 1.33-13.22, P=0.015), and severe calcification (aHR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.07-5.46, P=0.033) were independent risk factors for poor PP. Dialysis (aHR, 11.07; 95% CI, 3.72-32.92, P<0.001) and severe calcification (aHR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.15-8.84, P=0.026) were identified as independent risk factors for CD-TLR. Conclusion: Atherectomy with DCB angioplasty for FPOD did not work well in female patients, patients with lesions with severe calcification, and patients undergoing dialysis. Therefore, careful monitoring of these patients is crucial for patency loss and the requirement for revascularization. Additionally, for these patients requiring revascularization, surgical bypass may be appropriate for suitable candidates; whereas more proactive conservative management may be justified for claudicants.

Prenatal Detection of D-TGA and Novel Interventional Program Decrease Time to Balloon Septostomy.

Infants with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) are at high risk for hemodynamic compromise in the immediate postnatal period due to dependence on intracardiac mixing for oxygen delivery. This period of profound hypoxemia may have long-term implications, as previous studies demonstrated patients with d-TGA are at increased risk for neurocognitive delays despite effective surgical correction in the neonatal period. Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) is an established intervention that improves intracardiac mixing and perioperative hemodynamics. This retrospective study aimed to quantify the time from birth to BAS and compare short-term outcomes for patients with prenatal and postnatal diagnoses of d-TGA. We identified 68 newborns born with d-TGA who were admitted to our facility between 2013 and 2022 and required BAS within 48 h after birth. Halfway through this study, our cardiac interventional team began traveling to a nearby delivery center where a bedside BAS could be performed prior to transferring the patient. We divided the patients into 3 groups-postnatal diagnosis (n = 27), prenatal diagnosis with rapid transport (n = 24), and prenatal diagnosis with interventional team performing a BAS at the delivery hospital (n = 17). The time from birth to BAS was significantly shorter for patients in the interventional program group (1.1 h) compared to the rapid transport (4.5 h) and postnatal diagnosis groups (9.3 h, p value < 0.01). The interventional program group also had lower lactate levels and less acidotic pH compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference in lowest oxygen saturation level, pre-surgical neurologic complication rate, time to surgery, or hospital length of stay. The interventional program proved to be a safe and effective model, as there were no procedural complications and the time to BAS decreased. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine if abating this initial period of hemodynamic instability will lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Experiencing cardiac arrest during surgical exploration in hemodynamically stable patients with multiple stab wounds, including lower extremity in Korea: a case report.

Stab wounds, particularly those affecting multiple body regions, present considerable challenges in trauma care. This report describes a case of sustained self-inflicted stab injuries to the abdomen and thighs of a 23-year-old male patient. Although the patient's vital signs were stable and bleeding was minimal from thigh wounds without overt signs of vascular injury, the patient experienced a sudden, profound hemorrhage from the right thigh, leading to cardiac arrest. Successful resuscitation was followed by surgical repair of a right superficial femoral arterial injury accompanying a resuscitative endovascular balloon of the aorta. Subsequent lower extremity computed tomography angiography revealed no additional vascular abnormalities. The patient was discharged in stable condition on the 12th postoperative day. This case underscores the unpredictability of stab wound trajectories and the potential for hidden vascular injuries, even in the absence of immediate life-threatening signs. It also emphasizes the critical role of advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography angiography, in identifying concealed injuries, and the importance of strategic intraoperative techniques, including resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, in achieving favorable patient outcomes.

Successful Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) deployment by emergency medicine physicians for refractory non-traumatic cardiac arrest.

Aim: Cardiac arrest afflicts over 600,000 people annually in the United States. Rates of survival from cardiac arrest have remained stagnant for decades. Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is most commonly used in the management of severe hemorrhagic shock, primarily for non-compressible thoracoabdominal trauma. A growing body of evidence suggests it may serve a role in augmenting cardiac and cerebral perfusion in non-traumatic, refractory cardiac arrest. Typically, REBOA is deployed by interventional radiologists under real-time fluoroscopy. Limited data exist to demonstrate the feasibility or logistics of successful REBOA deployment in emergency departments by emergency medicine physicians. Methods: We describe an emergency medicine-driven training program and treatment protocol developed to deploy REBOA in the emergency department for patients experiencing refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and deemed ineligible for ECPR. We detail the training, certification processes, and clinical outcomes from our first eight cases. Results: Five emergency medicine physicians underwent training for REBOA placement through a didactic curriculum and hands-on training with mannequin and live tissue porcine models. Since protocol implementation, eight patients have undergone REBOA catheterization by emergency medicine physicians: 5 males and 3 females, age range 25-79. The first pass success was 8/8 (100 %), and all 3 commercially available catheters in the United States were successfully used. ROSC was achieved in 3/8 (37.5 %) patients, although no patients survived to hospital discharge. No REBOA catheter-associated complications were identified. Conclusions: This series demonstrates feasibility of emergency physician placed REBOA for non-traumatic, refractory cardiac arrest a novel resuscitative technique. Through a combination of focused education, innovative technology use, robust large animal model-based training, and strategic procedural integration, we showcase the potential for emergency departments to spearhead the adoption of this potentially life-saving intervention.

Safe endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion using retrograde aspiration angiography.

OBJECTS: Cerebral infarction, resulting from acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, typically manifests with a wide ischemic area and severe symptoms. Mechanical thrombectomy proves effective within 24 hours of disease onset and in less ischemic infarction core. However, in cases with well-developed collateral flow and mild symptoms, conservative treatment is initially selected. If symptoms worsen or ipsilateral hemisphere perfusion decreases, superficial temporal artery (STA) - middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis is considered. Revascularization therapy may also be effective. Contralateral angiography allows for ipsilateral blood flow verification once complete revascularization is achieved, albeit with potential treatment-related complications. Here, we describe retrograde angiography using an intermediate catheter (IMC) and contralateral contrast injection to achieve safer revascularization. METHODS: We present ten acute ICA occlusion cases caused by thromboembolism, arteriosclerosis, carotid artery stent occlusion, or embolic stroke of undetermined source. Employing bilateral femoral artery puncture, one catheter was guided to the occluded ICA, while another was positioned for diagnostic purposes in the contralateral ICA or vertebral artery. The IMC was navigated through the occluded vessel, with contralateral imaging performed during aspiration. The catheter was gradually retracted to confirm the extent of occlusion and recognize recanalization. RESULTS: Recanalization was successfully achieved in all cases. Symptomatic ischemic complication and hyperperfuison was not seen in all cases. No cases were decreased modified Rankin scale after treatment. CONCLUSION: Advancements in IMC technology facilitate distal catheter guidance to the ICA, even in proximal occlusion. Combining this technique with contralateral imaging allows us to confirm the extent of occlusion and recanalization status without antegrade imaging, making recanalization therapy safer.

Response to "Pulmonary Flow Management by Combination Therapy of Hemostatic Clipping and Balloon Angioplasty for Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome".

The article "Pulmonary Flow Management by Combination Therapy of Hemostatic Clipping and Balloon Angioplasty for Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome" offers valuable insights into Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This letter commends the study for its relevance and potential to improve patient care but highlights several limitations. Notably, the study overlooks the impact of Balloon angioplasty is a useful treatment for recoarctation in individuals with HLHS, but it frequently necessitates further operations. Following Norwood or Fontan palliation, stenting is safe, adaptable, and can be used to control uncommon neointimal growth. The risk of pulmonary artery stenosis may be decreased by the hemi-Fontan the technique. BA is better for recoarctation because it has fewer risks, whereas endovascular stenting helps high-risk patients avoid surgery.

The Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Femoropopliteal Lesions via Drug-Coated Balloon, Directional Atherectomy and Bare Metal Stent Angioplasty.

Background: This study investigated the midterm primary patency of drug-coated balloons (DCBs), directional atherectomy plus balloon angioplasty (DA), and bare metal stent (BMS) angioplasty for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions. Methods: This two-center retrospective cohort study included 105 patients (110 limbs) undergoing DCB, DA, and BMS angioplasty-32 patients (34 limbs), 31 patients (32 limbs), and 42 patients (44 limbs), respectively. The demographic, baseline, and procedure data were collected, and the complications and midterm outcomes (patency, amputation-free survival, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization rates) were analyzed. Results: All three procedures achieved a 100% success rate. Significant improvements were noted in ankle brachial index, walking distance, and Rutherford classification at 30 days post-procedure (p < 0.001), with no differences or severe complications among the groups. The all-cause mortality rate during the follow-up period, was 5.5%, and amputation-free survival rates at 24 months were 97.0%, 90.6% and 90.9% in the DCB, DA, and BMS angioplasty groups, respectively. The primary patency rate for the DCB group (79.4%) exceeded those of the DA (56.2%) and BMS (52.2%) groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the DA and BMS groups at 24 months. The secondary patency and clinically driven target lesion revascularization rates were similar among the three groups. A runoff number ≤1, Trans-Atlantic Intersociety Consensus (TASC) D, and severe calcification were found to be independent risk factors for primary patency. Conclusions: The DCB procedure demonstrated superior primary patency, compared to both BMS and DA procedures, in the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions.

Predictors of early removal of intragastric balloon due to intolerance: Insights from a multiethnic Asian cohort.

Introduction: Intolerance frequently limits the use of intragastric balloons (IGBs) in the treatment of obesity. This includes refractory nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Our study aims to identify predictors of balloon intolerance and early removal, which will help to guide patient selection for this intervention and peri-procedure care. Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 54 consecutive patients who underwent IGB insertion from July 2017 to July 2022 in a single tertiary institution in Singapore. Forty-seven (87.0%) patients completed therapy, while 7 patients (13.0%) had early removal of the balloon due to intolerance. Characteristics of both groups were compared. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between early balloon removal and both depression (P=0.012) and anxiety (P=0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, height, nulliparity, balloon type and volume. Univariate analysis revealed that anxiety was the main risk factor (P=0.004, odds ratio 9.111, 95% confidence interval 1.624-51.124), while depression was no longer a significant predictor. Conclusion: Identifying predictors of balloon intolerance and early removal can enhance patient selection and improve peri-procedural care. In patients with a history of depression or anxiety, it is important to ensure adequate counselling and preparation prior to balloon insertion.