Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus among native high-altitude habitants.

Increased prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at high altitude (HA) is a known occurrence. Transcatheter treatment of patients with PDA living at a HA is assessed in this study. Thirteen consecutive patients (all habitants of La Paz, Bolivia) underwent transcatheter closure of PDA. The minimal diameter of PDA was 5.8 (1.5-11) mm and the mean pulmonary artery pressure was 37 (7-80) mm Hg. In 12 patients, the Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) was used; in one child with PDA with a 1.5-mm diameter, a detachable coil was implanted. All procedures, except for one, were completed successfully. The ADO (diameter: 12/10 mm) implantation failed in one child with pulmonary hypertension because the device could not be properly secured in position in a 6-mm PDA. Subsequent surgery was performed without any complications. No residual shunt after 24 h was observed in any case after treatment. No complications were encountered during the procedure and follow-up of 1.5 (from 0.1 to 2.8) years. PDA in native residents of high land have different physiopathologies and anatomies. ADO appears to be a suitable device for transcatheter occlusion for most such patients. Interventional cardiology in countries with residents at high altitudes can be helpful in addressing this issue.

Acceso venoso percutáneo braquial: Su utilidad en el cateterismo diagnóstico e intervencionista en cardiopatías complejas / Brachial percutaneous venous access: Its usefulness in the diagnostic and interventionist catheterism of complex cardiopathies

Introducción: El acceso venoso a la vena cava superior es obligatorio en pacientes portadores de anastomosis tipo Glenn. En cardiopatías complejas, es habitual la repetición de cateterismos, encontrando frecuentemente dificultades de acceso femoral. Para evitar la punción venosa yugular interna, potencialmente peligrosa, hemos utilizado la vena mediana basílica como acceso inicial. Objetivo: Valorar la efectividad y seguridad de la vía venosa braquial en pacientes, que precisan cateterismo cardíaco. Material y métodos: Se intentó la punción en 37 pacientes. Edad media 10 años (3.1-33.5). Todos ellos postoperados de cardiopatías complejas y con un promedio de 2.45 cirugías y 3.6 cateterismos por paciente. 40% de los pacientes: trombosis femoroilíaca bilateral. Técnica: Compresión venosa axilar, punción venosa basílica y canalización con introductor 4 a 6F. Resultados: Acceso efectivo: en 34 de los 37 pacientes (91.8%). En todos se realizó cateterismo diagnóstico, en 3, prueba pronóstica de oclusión y en 6 -angioplastía de rama pulmonar. Complicaciones: 2 obstrucciones tardías de la vena mediana basílica derecha (6%). Conclusiones: La punción venosa braquial es una técnica alternativa útil que permite acceso a cava superior y cavidades derechas a partir de los 3 años de edad, asociándose a un bajo porcentaje de complicaciones. Ciertas dilataciones vasculares pueden realizarse por esta vía.

Venous access through the superior caval vein is mandatory to study the pulmonary arteries in patients with a Glenn anastomosis. In complex congenital heart disease, repeat catheterizations may lead to iliac vein thrombosis and superior access is needed. In order to avoid the internal jugular venous puncture, we have used puncture of the antecubital vein as an elective access. Material: Brachial puncture was attempted in 37 patients. Mean age: 10 years (3.1-33.5). 2.45 heart surgeries and 3.6 cardiac catheterizations per patient had been previously performed in this group. 40% of patients had bilateral iliac vein thrombosis. Technique: Axillary vein external compression, venous puncture and introduction of 4-6 F sheath. Results: Venous access through brachial vein was achieved in 34 of 37 pts (91.8%). Diagnostic catheterization was done in all, balloon test occlusion of the pulmonary valve in 3 and pulmonary artery branch dilation in 6 pts. Complications: 2 late thrombosis of the right brachial vein (6%). Conclusions: Antecubital venous puncture is an alternative and useful technique that allows easy catheterization of superior caval vein, pulmonary artery and right heart chambers. It is associated with minor complication rate, avoiding internal jugular vein puncture. Certain therapeutic procedures can be performed through such route.

[Brachial percutaneous venous access. Its usefulness in the diagnostic and interventionist catheterism of complex cardiopathies]. / Acceso venoso percutáneo braquial: Su utilidad en el cateterismo diagnóstico e intervencionista en cardiopatías complejas.

UNLABELLED: Venous access through the superior caval vein is mandatory to study the pulmonary arteries in patients with a Glenn anastomosis. In complex congenital heart disease, repeat catheterizations may lead to iliac vein thrombosis and superior access is needed. In order to avoid the internal jugular venous puncture, we have used puncture of the antecubital vein as an elective access. MATERIAL: Brachial puncture was attempted in 37 patients. Mean age: 10 years (3.1-33.5). 2.45 heart surgeries and 3.6 cardiac catheterizations per patient had been previously performed in this group. 40% of patients had bilateral iliac vein thrombosis. TECHNIQUE: Axillary vein external compression, venous puncture and introduction of 4-6 F sheath. RESULTS: Venous access through brachial vein was achieved in 34 of 37 pts (91.8%). Diagnostic catheterization was done in all, balloon test occlusion of the pulmonary valve in 3 and pulmonary artery branch dilation in 6 pts. COMPLICATIONS: 2 late thrombosis of the right brachial vein (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Antecubital venous puncture is an alternative and useful technique that allows easy catheterization of superior caval vein, pulmonary artery and right heart chambers. It is associated with minor complication rate, avoiding internal jugular vein puncture. Certain therapeutic procedures can be performed through such route.