Percutaneous Closure in Transfemoral Aortic Valve Implantation: A Single-Centre Experience.

PURPOSE: To report the experience of a percutaneous closure device used for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in an unselected patient and operator population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients (32 women, 50 men) who underwent transfemoral TAVI between September 2009 and February 2014 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed for percutaneous closure device (PCD) failure, vascular complications, and bleeding. The diameter and calcification of the common femoral artery (CFA) and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer in the groin were assessed on computed tomography images. RESULTS: The incidences of PCD failure and minor and major vascular complications were 19.5% (n = 16/82), 19.5% (n = 16/82), and 7% (n = 6/82) respectively. 8.5% (n = 7/82) had a minor perioperative bleeding, 6% (n = 5/82) had a major bleeding, and none had any life-threatening bleeding. When PCD failed, haemostasis was obtained with fascia suturing, covered stent placement, or with surgical cutdown. Thirty-day mortality and 1-year all-cause mortality were 8.5% (n = 7/82) and 19.5% (n = 16/82), respectively. In a multiple regression analysis, the CFA diameter and the presence of severe calcification were independently related to PCD failure (correlation coefficient = -0.24, p = 0.027 and correlation coefficient = 0.23, p = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: PCD failure was related to a small CFA diameter and to a severely calcified CFA. Failure could largely be managed with minimally invasive techniques such as covered stents or fascia suturing.

Effect of simulated extracorporeal circulation and glyceryl-tri-nitrate on leukocyte activation.

OBJECTIVES: During extracorporeal circulation (ECC), a mechanical pump and an oxygenator replace the functions of the heart and lungs. The aim of this study is to test the effect of the nitric oxide donor glyceryl-tri-nitrate on activation markers of the innate immune system during simulated ECC. DESIGN: Whole blood concentrations of selected leukocyte adhesion molecules, complement system components and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured in an in vitro system of simulated ECC. RESULTS: Simulated ECC stimulated the expression of monocyte LPS-receptor CD14 and C3b-receptor CD35. Glyceryl-tri-nitrate significantly reduced the expression of leukocyte Fcγ receptor CD32 over time, compared to control. Simulated ECC increased the concentrations of MPO, terminal complement complex, and complement component C3a. Addition of glyceryl-tri-nitrate did not significantly affect these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated ECC induces the increased expression of some leukocyte markers. Glyceryl-tri-nitrate addition significantly reduces the expression of some leukocyte activation markers.

Effect of glyceryl trinitrate on staphylococcus aureus growth and leukocyte activation during simulated extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Previously, nitric oxide has been shown to possess antimicrobial effects. In this study, we aim to test the effect of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on Staphylococcus aureus growth during simulated extracorporeal circulation (SECC) and also to examine the effect of S. aureus, alone and in combination with GTN, on activation markers of the innate immune system during SECC. METHODS: In an in vitro system of SECC, we measured GTN-induced changes in markers of leukocyte activation in whole blood caused by S. aureus infestation, as well as the effect of GTN on S. aureus growth. RESULTS: GTN had no effect on S. aureus growth after 240 minutes SECC. Staphylococcus aureus reduced the expression of granulocyte Fcγ-receptor CD32 but stimulated the expression of monocyte CD32. Staphylococcus aureus stimulated expression of some leukocyte adhesion key proteins, activation marker CD66b, lipopolysaccharide-receptor CD14, and C3b-receptor CD35. Staphylococcus aureus and GTN addition induced significant increases in monocyte CD63 (lysosomal granule protein) levels. CONCLUSION: GTN does not affect S. aureus growth during SECC and has no effect on SECC-induced leukocyte activation.