Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Infrapopliteal Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Primary Patency and Binary Restenosis Rates.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) remains the mainstay of endovascular therapy for infrapopliteal chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), but outcomes have not been well characterized using high-quality data. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an updated benchmark for rates of primary patency and binary restenosis after PTA using prospectively collected, predominantly core-lab adjudicated randomized controlled trial (RCT) data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov were queried for RCTs published through November 2022 using PTA as a control arm and including patients with infrapopliteal CLTI. Studies were excluded if >25% of patients had intermittent claudication, other vessels were included, or primary patency or binary restenosis were not outcomes. Outcomes were analyzed using random effects models. This analysis was publicly registered (PROSPERO ID#394543). No funding was utilized. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs were included (1048 patients, 1279 lesions). Pooled primary patency rates using data from 6 RCTs were 68% at 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=45%-84%) and 66% at 12 months (95% CI=51%-79%). Pooled binary restenosis rates using data from 11 RCTs were 54% at 6 months (95% CI=33%-73%) and 60% at 9 to 12 months (95% CI=39%-78%). Significant heterogeneity was present in all outcomes (I2>50%, p<0.0001). Publication bias was not observed (Egger's p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides estimates for binary restenosis and primary patency following PTA utilizing prospectively collected, predominantly core-lab adjudicated data. Results demonstrate 1-year primary patency rates that are 10% to 20% higher than what has been historically used in power calculations. These new estimates will help facilitate more accurate power analysis for future RCTs. CLINICAL IMPACT: Rates of primary patency and binary restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) have not been well-described using high-quality data, and investigators have been utilizing estimates of 40% to 50% and 45% to 65%, respectively, when performing power calculations for trials. This meta-analysis demonstrates using high-quality, prospectively collected, and predominantly core-lab adjudicated randomized controlled trial data that actual rates of primary patency are closer to 60% up to 1 year following PTA and provides the first meta-analysis estimate of binary restenosis rates up to 1 year after PTA. These estimates will help facilitate more accurate power calculations for future RCTs in this space.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Current Challenges, and Ways Forward.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects >1.2 million Americans annually. Although the clinical outcomes and economic burdens of VTE have been well described, the impact of VTE on patients' health status has yet to be summarized. This systematic review summarizes how patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been used in VTE to date. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed/MEDLINE was queried for literature published through March 2023 using PROMs in a population of patients with VTE. Studies were excluded if the reference was an editorial, review, or case report, or if the study included patients with conditions other than VTE. Qualitative analyses were performed. After screening and exclusion, 136 references were identified; 5 described PROM development, 20 focused on PROM validation, and 111 used PROMs in outcomes research. The most used generic PROMs were the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, and the most common disease-specific PROMs were the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms and the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life Questionnaire. PROMs were used to quantify the changes in health status after diagnosis, characterize the trajectory of subsequent improvement, and identify drivers of continued impairments in health status like postthrombotic syndrome and postpulmonary embolism syndrome. PROMs were also used to investigate the impact of novel treatment modalities on quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the many benefits of PROM use, including quantifying changes in health status with treatment, capturing patients' experiences with the treatment itself, and identifying complications of VTE. Incorporating PROMs into VTE care will be an essential component of evaluating the effectiveness of novel therapies and should lead to improved shared decision-making for patients with VTE.

Updating a Healthcare System-wide Clinical Pathway for Managing Chest Pain and Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Clinical pathways are useful tools for conveying and reinforcing best practices to standardize care and optimize patient outcomes across myriad conditions. The NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System has utilized a clinical chest pain pathway for more than 20 years to facilitate the timely recognition and management of patients presenting with chest pain syndromes and acute coronary syndromes. This chest pain pathway is regularly updated by an expanding group of key stakeholders, which has extended from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center to encompass the entire regional healthcare system, which includes 8 hospitals. In this 2023 update of the NewYork-Presbyterian clinical chest pain pathway, we present the key changes to the healthcare system-wide clinical chest pain pathway.

Gender Disparities in Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death; however, gender disparities in PE remain understudied. All PE cases at a single institution between January 2013 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes were compared between men and women using univariate and multivariate analyses adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics. A total of 1,345 patients were diagnosed with acute PE, of whom 56.3% were women (n = 757). Women had a significantly higher mean body mass index (29.4 vs 28.4) and a higher frequency of hypertension (53% vs 46%) and hormone use (6.6% vs 0%; all p <0.02). Men had a higher frequency of smoking (45% vs 33%, p <0.0001). Women had significantly lower PE severity index classifications (p = 0.0009). The rates of intensive care unit admission, vasopressor requirements, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation, and mechanical ventilation were similar between the genders. There was no significant difference in the treatment modality used between the genders. Although the risk factors and PE severity index class differed between the genders, there was no significant difference in resource utilization or treatment modality. Gender was also not a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality, moderate or severe bleeding, increased length of stay, or readmission in the study population.

Twenty Years of an Institutional Chest Pain Pathway: What's Come and What's Yet to Come.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remain one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the United States and around the world. Because of the acute nature of ACS presentations, timely identification, risk stratification, and intervention are of the utmost importance. Twenty years ago, we published the first iteration of our institutional chest pain clinical pathway in this journal, which separated patients presenting with chest pain into one of the 4 levels of decreasing acuity, with associated actions and interventions for providers based on the level. This chest pain clinical pathway has undergone regular review and updates under a collaborative team of cardiologists, emergency department physicians, cardiac nurse practitioners, and other associated stakeholders in the treatment of patients presenting with chest pain. This review will discuss the key changes that our institutional chest pain algorithm has undergone over the last 2 decades and what the future holds for chest pain algorithms.

Association between Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and pulmonary embolism severity, management, and in-hospital outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic and Latino patients are under-represented in existing healthcare disparities research in pulmonary embolism (PE). The goal of this study was to determine if differences in PE severity, treatment modality, or in-hospital outcomes exist for Hispanic or Latino patients with PE. METHODS: All PE cases from 2013 to 2019 at a single institution were reviewed. Clinical characteristics, imaging findings, intervention types, and in-hospital and 30-day outcomes were collected. Two cohorts were created based on patients' self-reported ethnicity. Outcomes were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1265 patients were identified with confirmed PE; 474 (37%) identified as Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic or Latino patients presented with high-risk PE significantly less often (19% vs 25%, p = 0.03). On univariate analysis, Hispanic or Latino patients had lower rates of PE-specific intervention (15% vs 19%, p = 0.03) and similar rates of inpatient mortality (6.8% vs 7.5%, p = 0.64). On ordinal regression analysis, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity was associated with lower PE severity (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54-0.89, p = 0.003). In subgroup analyses of intermediate and high-risk PEs, ethnicity was not a significant predictor of receipt of PE-specific intervention or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: At this institution, Hispanic or Latino patients were less likely to present with high-risk PE but had similar rates of inpatient mortality. Future research is needed to identify if disparities in in-hospital care are driving perceived differences in PE severity and what addressable systematic factors are driving higher-than-expected in-hospital mortality for Hispanic or Latino patients.

Cardiac Arrest in a Softball Player Following a Collision: Catching the Correct Diagnosis.

Commotio cordis is a rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest from blunt chest trauma; however, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of sudden cardiac arrest in a collegiate athlete initially attributed to commotio cordis but in whom further history and workup revealed another rare condition. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Rare Complication of Endoscopic Variceal Therapy: Wide-Complex Tachycardia Associated With Embolization of Glue and Coil.

We present the case of a woman with upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to gastric varices requiring endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue and coil embolization. The procedure was complicated by regular, wide-complex tachycardia, with further investigation revealing cardiopulmonary migration of the glue and coil. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

The role of temporary mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to advanced heart failure therapies or recovery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) has become central in the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock and can be used to bridge patients to durable MCS, heart transplant or recovery. This review will discuss contemporary data regarding bridging strategies utilizing tMCS. RECENT FINDINGS: There has been significant growth in tMCS use recently, driven by increased familiarity with tMCS devices, and increased experience with both implantation and management. Identifying goals of therapy at the time of therapy initiation can facilitate better outcomes. The three primary goals are bridge to recovery, bridge to heart transplantation or bridge to durable left ventricular assist device. Bridging to recovery requires adequate treatment of underlying conditions and optimization of haemodynamics. Bridging to heart transplantation has become more frequent following changes to the heart allocation policy. Despite early concerns, patients bridge with tMCS, including ventricular-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, do not appear to have worse posttransplant outcomes. When bridging to durable mechanical circulatory support, tMCS can be used to enhance end-organ dysfunction and improve perioperative outcomes. In situations in which none of these goals are attainable, palliative care plays a critical role to identify patient wishes and assist with withdrawal of care when necessary. SUMMARY: The use of tMCS, as a bridge to recovery or heart replacement therapy in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock has grown significantly over the past decade. Multiple device choices are available and must be chosen appropriately to address the specific situation and the goals of therapy.

The Prevalence of Palliative Care Consultation in Deceased COVID-19 Patients and Its Association with End-of-Life Care.

Background: During the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City, COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with high mortality. It is unknown how palliative care was utilized in this context. Objectives: To describe the frequency of palliative care consultation and its association with end-of-life care for deceased patients with COVID-19. Methods: Adults who were admitted to our institution between February 23, 2020, and April 21, 2020, and died from COVID-19 were included. The primary outcome was the frequency of palliative care consultation. Secondary analyses included the association of palliative care consultation with code status at the time of death, life-sustaining treatments, mechanical ventilation, invasive procedures, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of hospital stay. Results: The 203 patients were 61% male with median age 76 (interquartile range [IQR] 67-84) years. Palliative care was consulted for 113 patients (56%). At baseline, they were less independent in instrumental activities of daily living (28 patients, 26.1%, vs. 47 patients, 49.0%, p < 0.01) and had more do-not-resuscitate orders (35 patients, 32.7%, vs. 11 patients, 11.5%, p < 0.01). Palliative care consultation was associated with fewer invasive procedures (0, IQR 0-2, vs. 2, IQR 0-3, p < 0.01), less mechanical ventilation (32 patients, 29.9% vs. 65 patients, 67.7%, p < 0.01), and fewer ICU admissions (33 patients, 30.8% vs. 69 patients, 71.9%, p < 0.01). Palliative care was associated with shorter ICU stays (0 days, IQR 0-4, vs. 4 days, IQR 0-12, p < 0.01), whereas hospital stays did not differ significantly (8 days, IQR 5-12.5, vs. 10 days, IQR 5-16.3, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Palliative care was consulted for roughly half of deceased patients with COVID-19 and those patients were less likely to undergo invasive procedures or life-sustaining treatments and spent less time in the ICU at the end of life.

Clinico-histopathologic and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing insights into cardiac injury and microthrombi in critical COVID-19.

Acute cardiac injury is prevalent in critical COVID-19 and associated with increased mortality. Its etiology remains debated, as initially presumed causes - myocarditis and cardiac necrosis - have proved uncommon. To elucidate the pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated cardiac injury, we conducted a prospective study of the first 69 consecutive COVID-19 decedents at CUIMC in New York City. Of 6 acute cardiac histopathologic features, presence of microthrombi was the most commonly detected among our cohort. We tested associations of cardiac microthrombi with biomarkers of inflammation, cardiac injury, and fibrinolysis and with in-hospital antiplatelet therapy, therapeutic anticoagulation, and corticosteroid treatment, while adjusting for multiple clinical factors, including COVID-19 therapies. Higher peak erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were independently associated with increased odds of microthrombi, supporting an immunothrombotic etiology. Using single-nuclei RNA-sequencing analysis on 3 patients with and 4 patients without cardiac microthrombi, we discovered an enrichment of prothrombotic/antifibrinolytic, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune-potentiating signaling among cardiac fibroblasts in microthrombi-positive, relative to microthrombi-negative, COVID-19 hearts. Non-COVID-19, nonfailing hearts were used as reference controls. Our study identifies a specific transcriptomic signature in cardiac fibroblasts as a salient feature of microthrombi-positive COVID-19 hearts. Our findings warrant further mechanistic study as cardiac fibroblasts may represent a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19-associated cardiac microthrombi.

A Retained Intracardiac Catheter Contributing to Worsening Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation: Investigation and Management.

A retained intracardiac catheter fragment left in situ for 2 years was incidentally found in a patient presenting with worsening heart failure and atrial fibrillation. This case describes the diagnostic evaluation of this rare event, with successful endovascular retrieval and resolution of his symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Molecular Pathophysiology of Cardiac Injury and Cardiac Microthrombi in Fatal COVID-19: Insights from Clinico-histopathologic and Single Nuclei RNA Sequencing Analyses.

Cardiac injury is associated with critical COVID-19, yet its etiology remains debated. To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19-associated cardiac injury, we conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of 69 COVID-19 decedents. Of six cardiac histopathologic features, microthrombi was the most commonly detected (n=48, 70%). We tested associations of cardiac microthrombi with biomarkers of inflammation, cardiac injury, and fibrinolysis and with in-hospital antiplatelet therapy, therapeutic anticoagulation, and corticosteroid treatment, while adjusting for multiple clinical factors, including COVID-19 therapies. Higher peak ESR and CRP during hospitalization were independently associated with higher odds of microthrombi. Using single nuclei RNA-sequence analysis, we discovered an enrichment of pro-thrombotic/anti-fibrinolytic, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune-potentiating signaling amongst cardiac fibroblasts in microthrombi-positive COVID-19 hearts relative to microthrombi-negative COVID-19. Non-COVID-19 non-failing hearts were used as reference controls. Our cumulative findings identify the specific transcriptomic changes in cardiac fibroblasts as salient features of COVID-19-associated cardiac microthrombi.

Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula Following Femoral Access Precipitating High-Output Heart Failure.

Iatrogenic complications may manifest in a variety of ways. We present the case of an 86-year-old woman who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction followed by leadless pacemaker placement through a femoral approach. Her post-procedure course was complicated by new onset high-output heart failure secondary to iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula formation, requiring covered stent placement. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Right Ventricular Clot in Transit in COVID-19: Implications for the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is associated with a prothrombotic state in infected patients. After presenting a case of right ventricular thrombus in a patient with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), we discuss the unique challenges in the evaluation and treatment of COVID-19 patients, highlighting our COVID-19-modified pulmonary embolism response team algorithm. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Clinical and surgical applications of smart glasses.

BACKGROUND: With the increased efforts to adopt health information technology in the healthcare field, many innovative devices have emerged to improve patient care, increase efficiency, and decrease healthcare costs. A recent addition is smart glasses: web-connected glasses that can present data onto the lenses and record images or videos through a front-facing camera. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we review the most salient uses of smart glasses in healthcare, while also denoting their limitations including practical capabilities and patient confidentiality. METHODS: Using keywords including, but not limited to, ``smart glasses'', ``healthcare'', ``evaluation'', ``privacy'', and ``development'', we conducted a search on Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A total of 71 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Smart glasses have been adopted into the healthcare setting with several useful applications including, hands-free photo and video documentation, telemedicine, Electronic Health Record retrieval and input, rapid diagnostic test analysis, education, and live broadcasting. CONCLUSIONS: In order for the device to gain acceptance by medical professionals, smart glasses will need to be tailored to fit the needs of medical and surgical sub-specialties. Future studies will need to qualitatively assess the benefits of smart glasses as an adjunct to the current health information technology infrastructure.