Mechanical Support in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Review Article.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may manifest with mild nonspecific symptoms or progress to a more severe hemodynamic collapse and sudden cardiac arrest. A substantial thrombotic burden can precipitate sudden right ventricular strain and failure. Traditionally, systemic thrombolytics have been employed in such scenarios; however, patients often present with contraindications, or these interventions may prove ineffective. Outcomes for this medically complex patient population are unfavorable, necessitating a compelling argument for advanced therapeutic modalities or alternative approaches. Moreover, patients frequently experience complications beyond hemodynamic instability, such as profound hypoxia and multiorgan failure, necessitating assertive early interventions to avert catastrophic consequences. The existing data on the utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are not exhaustive. Various options for percutaneous MCS devices exist, each possessing distinct advantages and disadvantages. There is an imminent imperative to develop a tailored approach for this high-risk patient cohort to enhance their overall outcomes.

Impact of prior coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary lesion complexity on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and coronary lesion complexity on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes for aortic stenosis. METHODS: Clinical outcomes of TAVR were retrospectively compared between patients with and without prior CABG, and between patients with prior CABG and without coronary artery disease (CAD). The impact of the CABG SYNTAX score was also evaluated in patients with prior CABG. RESULTS: The study included 1042 patients with a median age and follow-up of 82 years and 25 (range: 0-72) months, respectively. Of these, 175 patients had a history of CABG, while 401 were free of CAD. Patients with prior CABG were more likely to be male and had higher rates of diabetes, peripheral artery disease and atrial fibrillation compared with patients without prior CABG. After 2 : 1 propensity score matching, all-cause mortality (P = 0.17) and the composite of all-cause mortality, stroke and coronary intervention (P = 0.16) were similar between patients with (n = 166) and without (n = 304) prior CABG. A 1 : 1 propensity score-matched analysis, however, showed lower rates of all-cause mortality (P = 0.04) and the composite outcome (P = 0.04) in patients with prior CABG (n = 134) compared with patients without CAD (n = 134). The median CABG SYNTAX score was 16 (interquartile range: 9.0-23), which was not associated with better/worse clinical outcomes in patients with prior CABG. CONCLUSION: Prior CABG may positively affect mid-term TAVR outcomes for aortic stenosis compared with no CAD when adjusted for other comorbidities. The CABG SYNTAX score did not influence the prognosis after TAVR.

Impact of coronary artery disease and revascularization on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of coronary artery disease (CAD), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary lesion complexity on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis. METHODS/MATERIALS: This retrospective study included 1042 patients divided into two groups by the presence or absence of CAD (SYNTAX score 0, no history of revascularization). Propensity score matching was used to compare the two groups. The effect of PCI, SYNTAX score, and residual SYNTAX score was also analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 82 years, and 641 patients had CAD. After propensity score matching, 346 pairs were analyzed. During 5 years of follow-up (median: 25, range 0-72 months), the rate of coronary intervention was significantly higher in CAD patients (p = 0.018). However, all-cause mortality, composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and coronary intervention, and overt bleeding defined by VARC-3 were comparable. After stratification, in patients with creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dl, CAD was associated with a worse composite outcome (p = 0.016). Neither PCI nor SYNTAX score was associated with all-cause mortality in CAD patients. Similarly, residual SYNTAX score showed no association with mortality in patients undergoing PCI (all p values >0.7). PCI did not reach a significant difference in overt bleeding in CAD patients (adjusted p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher incidence of coronary interventions, major clinical outcomes were similar between patients with and without CAD after TAVR. In patients with chronic kidney disease, CAD may be associated with an adverse composite outcome. Neither PCI nor SYNTAX/residual SYNTAX score influenced all-cause mortality.

Improved Hemodynamics With Self-Expanding Compared to Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Small Annulus Patients: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Patients with small aortic annuli (SAAs) pose a challenge in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement because of the potential for prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). This study aimed to compare the clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of self-expandable valve (SEV) versus balloon-expandable valve (BEV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis and SAAs. All patients who underwent TAVI for severe native aortic stenosis with an SAA between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively included in the study from a single center. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the baseline characteristics. Bioprosthesis valve dysfunction was based on modified Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. A total of 1,170 TAVI procedures were performed between 2018 and 2022. After applying the exclusion criteria, 332 patients reported an SAA at computed tomography scan, and the matching created 109 balanced pairs. Echocardiographic data at discharge showed higher mean transvalvular gradients (p <0.001), higher grades of mitral regurgitation (p = 0.029), and lower ejection fraction (p <0.043) in BEVs than SEVs. At follow-up, significant differences favoring the SEV group regarding bioprosthesis valve dysfunction were observed (p = 0.002), especially in terms of severe PPM (p = 0.046) and at least moderate structural valve deterioration (p = 0.040). In conclusion, TAVI in patients with SAAs using a BEV was associated with lower valve areas, higher mean pressure gradients, and PPM (including severe) than a SEV. Short- and midterm all-cause and cardiac-related mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. Future randomized studies with extended follow-ups are warranted to validate these outcomes.

Impact of mitral stenosis on early and late outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a single-center analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of concomitant mitral stenosis (MS) on early and late outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis. METHODS: This study involved 952 patients undergoing TAVR for severe tricuspid aortic stenosis. The patients were classified into 3 groups: without MS, with progressive MS, and severe MS (mitral valve area ≤ 1.5 cm2). Clinical outcomes between these groups were compared. RESULTS: The median age of the overall cohort was 82 years, and patients in the progressive (n = 49) and severe (n = 24) MS groups were more likely to be female than those in the no-MS group (n = 879). Periprocedural mortality rate was lowest in the no-MS group (1.8%) compared with the progressive (4.1%) and severe (4.2%) MS groups, which were not significantly different (P = .20). During 5 years of follow-up (median: 27, range: 0-72 months), there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (log-rank P = .99), a composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure (log-rank P = .84), or cardiovascular death (log-rank P = .57) between groups. Although crude analysis showed a significant difference in rehospitalization for heart failure in the severe MS group compared with the no-MS group (P = .049), the difference was not significant in the multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.36 [95% CI, 0.66-2.80], P = .41). CONCLUSIONS: TAVR can be safely performed in patients with severe tricuspid aortic stenosis and concomitant MS, with early and mid-term outcomes comparable to those in patients without MS.

Midterm Clinical Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Reverse Hybrid Coronary Revascularization: A Single-Center Experience.

Outcomes of robotic-assisted reverse hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) remain hindered. We aimed to analyze midterm clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted reverse HCR. All consecutive 285 patients who underwent reverse robotic-assisted HCR between September 2005 and July 2021 were included. Reverse HCR comprises percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation in non-left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries was performed within 30 days before robotic-assisted left internal thoracic artery (LITA) harvesting and LITA-to-LAD manual anastomosis through a 4-cm left minithoracotomy. Dual antiplatelet therapy was not interrupted in any patient. Preoperatively, mean age was 70.2 years (±11.2). Before surgery, 168 patients received 1 stent, 112 patients 2 stents, and 5 patients 3 stents. Intraoperatively, mean operating room time was 5.9 hours (±1); no case was converted to full sternotomy, whereas 9 patients (3.1%) received intraoperative blood product transfusions. Postoperatively, a small incidence of stroke, 1 (0.3%), reoperation for bleeding, 7 (2.4%), blood product transfusions, 48 (16.8%), and hospital stay (4.8 days) was observed. At 30-day follow-up, 1 patient (0.3%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stent on a surgical LITA-LAD anastomosis owing to graft failure. Mean follow-up was 4.2 years. Reported midterm outcomes included all-cause death in 31 patients (10.9%), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in 102 of 285 (35.9%), nonfatal stroke in 2 of 285 (0.7%), myocardial infarction in 17 of 285 (5.9%), and repeat intervention in 50 of 285 patients (17.5%). This single-center study reports effective and safe clinical outcomes at midterm follow-up of reverse HCR procedures for treating multivessel coronary artery disease.

Long-term clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted surgical coronary artery revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: Patients who are not candidates for traditional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and amenable only for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stents can receive the "gold standard" left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis through robotic-assisted CABG and PCI to non-LAD coronary targets. AIMS: We aimed to analyse clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted CABG. METHODS: A total of 2,280 consecutive patients who had undergone robotic-assisted CABG between May 2005 and June 2021 were included in our study. Robotic-assisted LITA harvest was followed by LITA-LAD manual anastomosis through a 4 cm left thoracotomy. Hybrid coronary intervention (HCR) consists of stent implantation in a non-LAD coronary artery performed within 7 days after robotic-assisted LITA-LAD. We performed a propensity-adjusted analysis comparison after dividing all robotic-assisted CABG patients into three time periods: 2005-2010, 615 patients; 2011-2016, 904 patients; and 2017-2021, 761 patients. RESULTS: The mean age increased from 64.5 years in the first time period to 65.8 years in the second time period to 68.1 years in the third (p<0.0001). Operative time was progressively reduced in the three periods (6.4; 6.2; 5.5 hours; p<0.001). The incidence of conversion to sternotomy remained similar for each period (1.8%; 1.7%; 1.5%; p=0.53). Thirty-day mortality in the three periods included 9 (1.4%), 9 (1.0%), and 7 (0.9%) patients, respectively (p=0.91), while 8 (0.3%) patients had PCI with stents in the entire group. The mean follow-up for the entire population was 4.2 years. At follow-up, the rates of all-cause death, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, non-fatal stroke, and repeat revascularisation with stents were significantly decreased from the first to the last period (pË0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted CABG and HCR provide good long-term outcomes in patients who are not candidates for conventional CABG.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional vs Degenerative Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

To analyze clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with mitral valve clip device (MitraClip-TM) for functional vs degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (MR). All consecutive 185 patients undergoing TEER between January 2019 and March 2023 were included in the study. A propensity-adjusted analysis investigated differences among functional vs degenerative MR mechanism groups. Preoperatively, functional vs degenerative MR included 43 vs 142 patients, respectively. Mean ejection fraction (EF) values were 37% vs 57.8%, mean STS-PROM risk score was 7% vs 4% while patients with severe MR included 29 (67.4%) vs 129 (90.9%) patients, respectively. Postoperatively, functional MR patients experienced a higher incidence of prolonged postoperative length of stay (LOS), reduced creatinine clearance, and EF<50% compared to the degenerative MR group. Mean EF was 35.9% vs 56.2% (P < 0.0001) and 1 (2.3%) vs 16 (11.3%) patients had residual severe MR (P = 0.01) in functional vs degenerative MR groups, respectively. At 30-days follow-up, all-cause death incidence was 1 (2.3%) vs 3 (2.1%) patients in functional vs degenerative MR, respectively (P = 0.9). At a mean of 1.6-years follow-up, all-cause death (P = 0.01), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (P = 0.02), cardiac death (P = 0.01) and hazard ratio for all-cause death higher in functional vs degenerative MR group. Mean EF was 39.7% vs 56% (P < 0.001) while residual severe MR was 4 (9.3%) vs 34 (24.5%) (P = 0.1) in functional vs degenerative MR groups, respectively. TEER with MitraClip device showed a higher incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death, and MACCE at follow-up for functional compared to degenerative MR after TEER.

Percutaneous Cardiac Chambers and Pulmonary Artery Aspiration.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The clinical guidelines and current practice in the field of removable cardiovascular pathologies are not aligned and are in fluctuation. The purpose of this review manuscript is to propose adjustments and forecast changes in clinical practice in this field ahead of irrefutable evidence. Percutaneous aspiration devices may be used in case of pulmonary embolism, endocarditis, cardiac thrombi, and tumors. The rationale of treatment includes prevention of emboli, endocarditis debulking and modification, sampling of tissue, and salvage therapy. We are describing the contemporary treatments that are occurring in practice outside and above guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: The current standard therapy for the above-mentioned entities is not supported by robust data. Moreover, evidence suggesting priority for the use of percutaneous aspiration devices as first-line therapy-before turning to or in lieu of surgery or thrombolysis-continues to accumulate. However, guidelines still mention percutaneous aspiration only as an alternative to standard treatment. In the current review, we discuss the pathophysiology that supports percutaneous cardiac and pulmonary artery aspiration, the commonly used devices for that purpose, their clinical evidence, and accordingly propose a modified approach to patient management. In addition, this review highlights fluid dynamic principles important in matter extraction in order to better define the utility of catheter-based technologies in different cardiovascular territories. The target diseases encompassed in this review are pulmonary embolism, cardiac masses, and vegetations.

Urgent robotic coronary revascularization in a pregnant woman.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting in pregnant women have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the importance of minimally invasive robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting in pregnant woman with coronary artery disease. We describe the case of a G3P1011 woman at 19+6 weeks' gestation presenting with a non-ST myocardial infarction treated with off-pump hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization. STUDY DESIGN: This study describes the surgical approach for a pregnant woman presenting with non-ST myocardial infarction treated with hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization. RESULTS: A coronary angiography demonstrated a culprit lesion of 90% stenosis in the left anterior descending coronary artery and an 80% stenosis in the right coronary artery. Because of the high rate of complications with traditional coronary artery bypass grafting, the heart team opted for hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization and the postoperative recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Robotic coronary artery bypass grafting can be the preferred surgical choice to decrease maternal and fetal mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and it is an important tool in the surgical armamentarium.

Computed tomography-derived membranous septum length as predictor of conduction abnormalities and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with higher risk of mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure. Efforts to prevent conduction abnormalities (CA) requiring PPI after TAVI should be made. The membranous septum (MS) length and its interaction with implantation depth (ID-ΔMSID) could provide useful information about the risk of CA/PPI following TAVI. OBJECTIVES: To identify MS length and ΔMSID as predictors of CA/PPI following TAVI. METHODS: Study-level meta-analysis of studies published by September 30, 2022. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met our eligibility including 5740 patients. Shorter MS length was associated with a significantly higher risk of CA/PPI (per 1 mm decrease: odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.99, p < 0.001). Similarly, lower ΔMSID was associated with a significantly higher risk of CA/PPI (per 1 mm decrease: OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.32-2.31, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analyses revealed a statistically significant modulation of the effect of shorter MS length and lower ΔMSID on the outcome (CA/PPI) by balloon postdilatation (positive regression coefficients with p < 0.001); with increasing use of balloon postdilatation, the effect of shorter MS length and lower ΔMSID on the outcome increased. MS length and ΔMSID demonstrated excellent discriminative abilities, with diagnostic ORs equaling 9.49 (95% CI 4.73-19.06), and 7.19 (95% CI 3.31-15.60), respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering that short MS length and low ΔMSID are associated with higher risk of CA and PPI, we should include measurement of MS length in the pre-TAVI planning with MDCT and try to establish optimal ID values before the procedure to avoid CA/PPI.

Post-closure With MANTA Fluoroscopic DOT Technique for Emergent Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support and 'Bail-out' for Large Bore Arterial Hemostasis.

BACKGROUND: Large bore arterial hemostasis for emergent MCS initiation in cardiogenic shock and during failures of suture mediated vascular closure devices (VCD) necessitates dry/post-closure technique for successful closure. Use of the alternative MANTA fluoroscopic DOT technique, without depth finder, as post closure and as 'bail-out' in this high-risk patient population is described. METHODS: All patients who underwent emergent percutaneous transfemoral MCS initiation, without use of upfront sutured-mediated pro-glide VCDs, and procedures where proglide-perclose technique (PPT) failed to achieve hemostasis were post-closed with the alternative MANTA fluoroscopic DOT technique (without depth finder) as primary method or as 'bail-out'. Patient related factors, cardiovascular co-morbidities, clinical indication, distribution of 14F versus 18F MANTA, and types of procedures obtained. Primary outcomes of access site related acute flow-limiting limb ischemia or bleeding requiring intervention analyzed. RESULTS: 27 patients met inclusion criteria; mean age 64 years, majority male 19 (70 %), more than half obese (56 %) with mean BMI 31.06 kg/m2. 22 (81 %) had emergent MCS initiation and 5 (19 %) PPT hemostasis failures. Types of percutaneous MCS support included; 11 (44 %) Impella CP, 2 (7 %) 15F arterial ECMO, 6 (22 %) 17F arterial ECMO, 4 (15 %) 19F ECMO. All achieved hemostasis utilizing alternative MANTA fluoroscopic DOT technique without vascular complications of bleeding or acute ischemic limb. CONCLUSION: The alternative MANTA fluoroscopic DOT technique (without depth finder) can be successfully applied as post-closure for emergent MCS support delayed hemostasis and as bail-out for per-close suture mediated VCD failures for large bore arterial hemostasis.

Use of Impella Devices for Acute Cardiogenic Shock in the Perioperative Period of Cardiac Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Impella ventricular support system is a device that can be inserted percutaneously or directly across the aortic valve to unload the left ventricle. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Impella devices in patients with acute cardiogenic shock in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective single-surgeon review of 11 consecutive patients who underwent placement of Impella devices in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery was performed. Patient records were evaluated for demographics, indications for placement, and postoperative outcomes. Results: Impella devices were placed for refractory cardiogenic shock preoperatively in 6 patients, intraoperatively in 4 patients, and postoperatively as a rescue in 1 patient. Seven patients received Impella CP, 1 Impella RP, 1 Impella CP and RP, and 2 Impella 5.0. Additionally, 3 patients required preoperative venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), and 1 patient required intraoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). All Impella devices were removed 1 to 28 days after implantation. Length of stay in the intensive care unit stay ranged from 2 to 53 days (average 23.9±14.6). The 30-day and 1-year mortality were 0%. Ten of 11 patients were alive at 2 years. Also, 1 patient died 18 months after surgery from complications of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Device-related complications included varying degrees> of hemolysis in 8 patients (73%) and device malfunction in 1 patient (9%). Conclusions: The Impella ventricular support system can be combined with other mechanical support devices for additional hemodynamic support. All patients demonstrated myocardial recovery with no deaths in the perioperative period and in 1-year of follow-up. Larger studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Sheathless Apical-Femoral Rail Technique for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - Case Report of a Difficult to Cross Stenosis.

A severely stenosed and calcified prosthetic aortic valve may be difficult to cross, on occasion even with only a wire. In the majority of cases eventually the valve will be crossed, but at a cost of prolonged fluoroscopy time, resulting in excessive exposure to radiation. It is therefore important to consider alternative techniques. The apical-femoral rail technique has been previously described. However, this technique involved establishing apical access, either surgically or percutaneously with a sheath. In the current case we describe a modified apical-femoral rail technique, performed sheathless with removal of the apical wire, allowing for spontaneous sealing.

Use of Impella Devices for Acute Cardiogenic Shock in the Perioperative Period of Cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The Impella ventricular support system is a device that can be inserted percutaneously or directly across the aortic valve to unload the left ventricle. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Impella devices in patients with acute cardiogenic shock in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective single-surgeon review of 11 consecutive patients who underwent placement of Impella devices in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery was performed. Patient records were evaluated for demographics, indications for placement, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Impella devices were placed for refractory cardiogenic shock preoperatively in 6 patients, intraoperatively in 4 patients, and postoperatively as a rescue in 1 patient. Seven patients received Impella CP, 1 Impella RP, 1 Impella CP and RP, and 2 Impella 5.0. Additionally, 3 patients required preoperative venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), and 1 patient required intraoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). All Impella devices were removed 1 to 28 days after implantation. Length of stay in the intensive care unit stay ranged from 2 to 53 days (average 23.9±14.6). The 30-day and 1-year mortality were 0%. Ten of 11 patients were alive at 2 years. Also, 1 patient died 18 months after surgery from complications of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Device-related complications included varying degrees> of hemolysis in 8 patients (73%) and device malfunction in 1 patient (9%). CONCLUSIONS: The Impella ventricular support system can be combined with other mechanical support devices for additional hemodynamic support. All patients demonstrated myocardial recovery with no deaths in the perioperative period and in 1-year of follow-up. Larger studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Alternative Application Technique for the MANTA Vascular Closure Device for Percutaneous Large-Bore Arterial Access Closure: The Fluoroscopic DOT Technique.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications are a cause of increased morbidity and mortality when performing percutaneous procedures requiring large-bore arterial access. MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) is currently the only large-bore VCD using an intraluminal foot plate and an extraluminal collagen plug. The traditional depth locator approach might be compromised in; emergent cases without the required measurements, cases of hematoma formation, or other patient, procedure, or operator-specific variables. Furthermore, this technique can be used for postclosure in cases without the required measurement of depth. We describe vascular outcomes using fluoroscopy (fluoroscopic DOT technique) rather than traditional depth locator approach for vascular closure with the MANTA VCD. METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were retrospectively analyzed using fluoroscopic DOT technique with 18F MANTA VCD between May and August 2021. All patients >18 years of age who qualified for transfemoral TAVI were included. Access was obtained with ultrasound guidance with vessel diameter of at least > 6 mm and free from anterior vessel wall calcification. Patient related factors and primary outcomes of access site bleeding and acute flow-limited limb ischemia requiring intervention were prospectively analyzed. Furthermore, 1 patient who failed hemostasis with suture-mediated VCD had successful hemostasis with fluoroscopic DOT technique as dry postclosure after balloon aortic valvuloplasty. RESULTS: In total, 50 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 81 years and majority were male (56%). Majority had comorbidities of hypertension (88%) and hyperlipidemia (94%), 24% had peripheral arterial disease, 38% coronary artery disease, and 58% were former smokers. Importantly, 40% were obese with an average body mass index (BMI) of 29 kg/m2. There were no bleeding or ischemic limb complications post MANTA VCD deployment using the fluoroscopic DOT technique. Furthermore, none of the patients required peripheral intervention from index procedure to 1 month post verified during their 1-month post TAVR follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic DOT technique using the MANTA VCD is highly reproducible and allows hemostasis in a predictable manner for procedures requiring large-bore arterial access in the absence of MANTA depth measurement.

Paradoxical pulmonary artery systolic pressure response with catheter-directed therapies for pulmonary embolism.

Background: Early data on use of catheter-directed therapies (CDT) for treatment of Intermediate or High-Risk pulmonary embolism (PE) show improvement in pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PAsP) and RV/LV ratios. Occasionally a paradoxical rise in PAsP was observed with CDT utilizing ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT). It is unclear whether this pattern is seen with CDT utilizing mechanical aspiration. Objectives: To investigate and compare the changes in PAsP between those who underwent CDT with USAT to those with mechanical aspiration. Methods: A retrospective analysis of those diagnosed with Intermediate or High-Risk PE who underwent CDT using USAT or mechanical aspiration from 7/2013 to 3/2023. The primary outcome was comparison of PAsP changes between the two modalities. Secondary outcomes include length of stay, mortality, and bleeding complications. Results: A total of 142 patients were analyzed, of which 93 underwent USAT and 49 underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The mechanical thrombectomy group had significantly lower post-intervention PAsP than the USAT group (42.2 ± 13.4 mmHg vs 54.5 ± 15.2 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and a greater adjusted mean reduction (-16.5 ± 2.7 vs. -7.7 ± 3.2 mmHg. p < 0.0001). A higher frequency of a paradoxical rise in PAsP was observed in the USAT group (22 % vs 4.1 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: CDT utilizing mechanical thrombectomy was associated with lower post-interventional PAsP and greater mean negative change compared to USAT. Occasional paradoxical rises in PAsP were observed with both types of CDT, but they were more frequent with USAT. Hemodynamic monitoring should be considered after CDT. Condensed unstructured abstract: We report a retrospective comparison of changes to pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PAsPs) between catheter-directed ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) and catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy in Intermediate and High-Risk pulmonary embolism. Those treated with mechanical thrombectomy compared to USAT had significantly lower post-interventional PAsP (42.2 ± 13.4 mmHg vs 54.5 ± 15.2 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and a greater adjusted mean reduction (-16.2 ± 2.7 vs. -7.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, p < 0.0001). A paradoxical rise in PAsP was observed more frequently in the USAT group than the mechanical thrombectomy group (22 % vs 4.1 %, p < 0.001).

Feasibility and outcomes with subclavian vein access for crescent jugular dual lumen catheter for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral-femoral Veno-Venous ExtraCorporeal Life Support (V-V ECLS) has been associated with higher infections rates, vascular site bleeding complications, and restricted patient mobility. Jugular or bicaval dual lumen V-V ECLS conceptually overcomes some of these adverse factors, but experience has shown that jugular vein cannulation still limits mobility and has increased bleeding complications. Technique and outcomes of subclavian vein single-cannulation with Crescent jugular dual-lumen V-V ECLS is described. METHOD: five patients with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) underwent right subclavian vein V-V ECLS placement with the Crescent 32 French jugular dual-lumen V-V ECLS catheter. A standardized percutaneous technique was developed that allowed efficient insertion without need for any specialized imaging (i.e. transesophageal echocardiogram) and outcomes assessed. RESULTS: Mean age of the five patients was 41.2 years, all obese with an average basal mass index of 45.2 kg/m2 and mean days to decannulation of 24.2 days. Outcomes discovered included; improved patient mobility allowing physical rehabilitation, no vascular access site related complications requiring surgery or endovascular intervention, and none had evidence of superior vena cava syndrome. One patient had subclavian/axillary vein thrombosis with resolution after 3 months of direct-acting oral anticoagulants, and one patient had blood cultures positive at day 37, nearing decannulation. CONCLUSION: Subclavian vein access for crescent jugular dual lumen V-V ECLS catheter appears to be safe and feasible with added benefits of decreased bleeding and increased mobility over jugular or femoral-femoral access site for long term V-V ECLS support in COVID-19 related ARDS patients.