The Effect of Geographic Cohorting of Inpatient Teaching Services on Patient Outcomes and Resident Experience.

BACKGROUND: Geographic cohorting is a hospital admission structure in which every patient on a given physician team is admitted to a dedicated hospital unit. Little is known about the long-term impact of this admission structure on patient outcomes and resident satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of geographic cohorting on patient outcomes and resident satisfaction among inpatient internal medicine teaching services within an academic hospital. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: We conducted an interrupted time series analysis examining patient outcomes before and after the transition to geographic cohorting of our 3 inpatient teaching services within a 520-bed academic hospital in November 2017. The study observation period spanned from January 2017 to October 2018, allowing for a 2-month run-in period (November-December 2017). PARTICIPANTS: We included patients discharged from the inpatient teaching teams during the study period. We excluded patients admitted to the ICU and observation admissions. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcome was 6-month mortality adjusted for patient age, sex, race, insurance status, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) analyzed using a linear mixed effects model. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), 7-day and 30-day readmission rate, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, and resident evaluations of the rotation. KEY RESULTS: During the observation period, 1720 patients (mean age 64, 53% female, 56% white, 62% Medicare-insured, mean CCI 1.57) were eligible for inclusion in the final adjusted model. We did not detect a significant change in 6-month mortality, LOS, and 7-day or 30-day readmission rates. HCAHPS scores remained unchanged (77 to 80% top box, P = 0.19), while resident evaluations of the rotation significantly improved (mean overall score 3.7 to 4.0, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Geographic cohorting was associated with increased resident satisfaction while achieving comparable patient outcomes to those of traditional hospital admitting models.

Racial and ethnic disparities in coronary, vascular, structural, and congenital heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. However, percutaneous interventional cardiovascular therapies are often underutilized in Blacks, Hispanics, and women and may contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable populations. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is committed to reducing racial, ethnic, and sex-based treatment disparities in interventional cardiology patients. Accordingly, each of the SCAI Clinical Interest Councils (coronary, peripheral, structural, and congenital heart disease [CHD]) participated in the development of this whitepaper addressing disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in underserved populations. The councils were charged with summarizing the available data on prevalence, treatment, and outcomes and elucidating potential reasons for any disparities. Given the huge changes in racial and ethnic composition by age in the United States (Figure 1), it was difficult to determine disparities in rates of diagnosis and we expected to find some racial differences in prevalence of disease. For example, since the average age of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is 80 years, one may expect 80% of TAVR patients to be non-Hispanic White. Conversely, only 50% of congenital heart interventions would be expected to be performed in non-Hispanic Whites. Finally, we identified opportunities for SCAI to advance clinical care and equity for our patients, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or race.

Hot topics in interventional cardiology: Proceedings from the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) 2021 think tank.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Think Tank is a collaborative venture that brings together interventional cardiologists, administrative partners, and select members of the cardiovascular industry community annually for high-level field-wide discussions. The 2021 Think Tank was organized into four parallel sessions reflective of the field of interventional cardiology: (a) coronary intervention, (b) endovascular medicine, (c) structural heart disease, and (d) congenital heart disease. Each session was moderated by a senior content expert and co-moderated by a member of SCAI's Emerging Leader Mentorship program. This document presents the proceedings to the wider cardiovascular community in order to enhance participation in this discussion, create additional dialog from a broader base, and thereby aid SCAI, the industry community and external stakeholders in developing specific action items to move these areas forward.

Grit Does Not Predict Burnout among First-Year Internal Medicine Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, has been associated with the avoidance of burnout among residents in a number of specialties. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between grit and burnout among first-year Internal Medicine residents. METHODS: During the 2018-2019 academic year, the authors recruited 75 first-year Internal Medicine residents within a large academic program to complete the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey (MBI-GS) at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the association between baseline Grit-S and MBI-GS scores within the domains of emotional exhaustion (EE) or cynicism (CYN) over time using linear mixed models. Secondary outcomes included the association between grit and high burnout at 6 or 12 months, grit and persistently high burnout, and the association of baseline high burnout with later high scores at 6 and 12 months using logistic regression models and trends in grit over time using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 53 of 75 (71%) first-year residents completed the Grit-S and MBI-GS at baseline and at least one other time point. There was no association between grit and EE (P = 0.44) or CYN (P = 0.61) burnout domain scores. High baseline EE and high baseline CYN significantly increased the odds of later high burnout scores within each domain (EE odds ratio 9.66, 95% confidence interval 1.16-80.83; CYN odds ratio 13.37, 95% confidence interval 1.52-117.75). Grit scores and professional efficacy scores remained stable throughout the year (P = 0.15 and 0.46, respectively), while EE and CYN significantly increased (both P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center study, grit was not associated with burnout among first-year Internal Medicine residents; however, our findings highlight the value of baseline burnout scores in helping to identify first-year residents who may be at higher risk of later burnout.

Safe Ambulation of Critically Ill Cardiac Patients With Femoral Balloon Pumps: A Case Cohort Study.

We sought to demonstrate the safety of ambulation of patients with intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) inserted via the femoral approach in the setting of 1 cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit and 1 cardiac care unit. We studied 70 patients who had received femoral IABPs at our institution between December 2015 and June 2019 and who met standardized criteria for ambulation. These patients underwent initial standing trials with a specialty standing bed/tilt table and progressed to standing exercises and, ultimately, to ambulation (defined as covering a distance of at least 10 feet) with the physical therapist. A total of 323 sessions of ambulation were successfully performed in 70 patients with IABPs inserted via the femoral approach, for an average of 4.61 sessions per patient. The average ambulation session time was 45 minutes (3-62 minutes, covering a median distance of 420 ft [805 IQR]). Complications were defined as major or minor and were monitored for during and after ambulation. Major complications included limb ischemia, arterial dissection, aortic aneurysm, balloon rupture, significant hemodynamic compromise, and death. Minor complications included balloon migration, infection, paresthesia, changes in balloon augmentation, and hematoma at insertion site. No major complications were associated with ambulation, and only 11 minor complications were observed. The total complication rate was 3.40% for all ambulation sessions. Ambulation of selected patients with femoral IABPs appears to be a safe activity when using the enclosed protocol and selection process. Future studies are required to show that such activities decrease muscle deconditioning in these patients and enhance recovery.

Hot topics in interventional cardiology: Proceedings from the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions 2020 think tank.

The society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) think tank is a collaborative venture that brings together interventional cardiologists, administrative partners, and select members of the cardiovascular industry community for high-level field-wide discussions. The 2020 think tank was organized into four parallel sessions reflective of the field of interventional cardiology: (a) coronary intervention, (b) endovascular medicine, (c) structural heart disease, and (d) congenital heart disease (CHD). Each session was moderated by a senior content expert and co-moderated by a member of SCAI's emerging leader mentorship program. This document presents the proceedings to the wider cardiovascular community in order to enhance participation in this discussion, create additional dialogue from a broader base, and thereby aid SCAI and the industry community in developing specific action items to move these areas forward.

Cardiovascular mortality prediction in veterans with arm exercise vs pharmacologic myocardial perfusion imaging.

BACKGROUND: No data exist comparing outcome prediction from arm exercise vs pharmacologic myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) stress test variables in patients unable to perform treadmill exercise. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 2,173 consecutive lower extremity disabled veterans aged 65.4 ± 11.0years (mean ± SD) underwent either pharmacologic MPI (1730 patients) or arm exercise stress tests (443 patients) with MPI (n = 253) or electrocardiography alone (n = 190) between 1997 and 2002. Cox multivariate regression models and reclassification analysis by integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to characterize stress test and MPI predictors of cardiovascular mortality at ≥10-year follow-up after inclusion of significant demographic, clinical, and other variables. RESULTS: Cardiovascular death occurred in 561 pharmacologic MPI and 102 arm exercise participants. Multivariate-adjusted cardiovascular mortality was predicted by arm exercise resting metabolic equivalents (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.39-0.69, P < .001), 1-minute heart rate recovery (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.86, P < .001), and pharmacologic and arm exercise delta (peak-rest) heart rate (both P < .001). Only an abnormal arm exercise MPI prognosticated cardiovascular death by multivariate Cox analysis (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.77, P < .05). Arm exercise MPI defect number, type, and size provided IDI over covariates for prediction of cardiovascular mortality (IDI = 0.074-0.097). Only pharmacologic defect size prognosticated cardiovascular mortality (IDI = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Arm exercise capacity, heart rate recovery, and pharmacologic and arm exercise heart rate responses are robust predictors of cardiovascular mortality. Arm exercise MPI results are equivalent and possibly superior to pharmacologic MPI for cardiovascular mortality prediction in patients unable to perform treadmill exercise.

The path of least resistance to success in chronic hypertension?

The ROX Coupler is a stented arterial-venous anastomosis intended for implantation in the external iliac artery and vein. Prior studies of the ROX Coupler show that it increases cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and decreases systemic vascular resistance, thereby lowering blood pressure. Clinical data for the ROX Coupler demonstrates significant reduction in blood pressure but proximal venous stenoses have been seen post-implantation requiring treatment.

The current state of medical simulation in interventional cardiology: a clinical document from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention's (SCAI) Simulation Committee.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current use and application of simulators in interventional cardiology. BACKGROUND: Despite a paucity of data on the efficacy of simulation in medicine, cardiovascular simulation training is now a mandated part of cardiovascular fellowship training. Additionally, simulators have been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration as a way to teach physicians new and novel procedures. We sought to establish the current use of simulators in cardiovascular medicine. METHODS: A systematic review was done of available training programs, and currently existing data regarding simulation training. A panel of experts was convened to review this data and provide recommendations as how simulation should be used in the field of interventional cardiology. RESULTS: This document provides a comprehensive review of the current state of simulation and how we as a society must formulate well validated studies to more closely examine and explore how this technology can be further studied and validated. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation will likely take on a larger role in cardiovascular training and maintenance of certification, but at the current time lacks a large body of evidence for its use.

SCAI expert consensus statement for femoral-popliteal arterial intervention appropriate use.

Successful endovascular intervention for femoral-popliteal (FP) arterial disease provides relief of claudication and offers limb-salvage in cases of critical limb ischemia. Technologies and operator technique have evolved to the point where we may now provide effective endovascular therapy for a spectrum of lesions, patients, and clinical scenarios. Endovascular treatment of this segment offers a significant alternative to surgical revascularization, and may confer improved safety for a wide range of patients, not solely those deemed high surgical risk. Although endovascular therapy of the FP segment has historically been hampered by high rates of restenosis, emerging technologies including drug-eluting stents, drug-coated balloons, and perhaps bio-absorbable stent platforms, provide future hope for more durable patency in complex disease. By combining lessons learned from clinical trials, international trends in clinical practice, and insights regarding emerging technologies, we may appropriately tailor our application of endovascular therapy to provide optimal care to our patients. This document was developed to guide physicians in the clinical decision-making related to the contemporary application of endovascular intervention among patients with FP arterial disease.

SCAI expert consensus statement for aorto-iliac arterial intervention appropriate use.

Aorto-iliac arterial occlusive disease is common and may cause a spectrum of chronic symptoms from intermittent claudication to critical limb ischemia. Treatment is indicated for symptoms that have failed lifestyle and medical therapies or occasionally to facilitate other interventional procedures such as TAVR and/or placement of hemodynamic assist devices. It is widely accepted that TASC A, B, and C lesions are best managed with endovascular intervention. In experienced hands, most TASC D lesions may be treated by endovascular methods, and with the development of chronic total occlusion devices, many aorto-iliac occlusions may be recanalized safely by endovascular means. Interventional cardiologists should be well versed in the anatomy, as well as the treatment of aorto-iliac disease, given their need to traverse these vessels during transfemoral procedures. Overall, aorto-iliac occlusive disease is more commonly being treated with an endovascular-first approach, using open surgery as a secondary option. This document was developed to guide physicians in the clinical decision-making related to the contemporary application of endovascular intervention among patients with aorto-iliac arterial disease.

Known Unknowns in the Contemporary Management of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: What Do the Guidelines Tell Us.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition with increasing hospital admissions. Prompt identification and treatment of PE patients with hemodynamic collapse are essential. Conflicting recommendations and weak evidence hinder effective management of PE, resulting in unchanged mortality rates despite advancements in therapies. Current risk stratification lacks granularity, necessitating a more detailed classification to guide treatment, predict outcomes, and improve patient selection for clinical trials. This article reviews clinical practice guidelines from major North American and European societies, emphasizing the need for more research and guidance to improve mortality and morbidity outcomes in PE.

Barriers and facilitators to interhospital transfer of acute pulmonary embolism: An inductive qualitative analysis.

Background: Interhospital transfer (IHT) of patients with acute life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) is necessary to facilitate specialized care and access to advanced therapies. Our goal was to understand what barriers and facilitators may exist during this transfer process from the perspective of both receiving and referring physicians. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explored physician experience taking care of patients with life threatening PE. Subject matter expert physicians across several different specialties from academic and community United States hospitals participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were subsequently analyzed using inductive qualitative description approach. Results: Four major themes were identified as barriers that impede IHT among patients with life threatening PE. Inefficient communication which mainly pertained to difficulty when multiple points of contact were required to complete a transfer. Subjectivity in the indication for transfer which highlighted the importance of physicians understanding how to use standardized risk stratification tools and to properly triage these patients. Delays in data acquisition were identified in regards to both obtaining clinical information and imaging in a timely fashion. Operation barriers which included difficulty finding available beds for transfer and poor weather conditions inhibiting transportation. In contrast, two main facilitators to transfer were identified: good communication and reliance on colleagues and dedicated team for transferring and treating PE patients. Conclusion: The most prominent themes identified as barriers to IHT for patients with acute life-threatening PE were: (1) inefficient communication, (2) subjectivity in the indication for transfer, (3) delays in data acquisition (imaging or clinical), and (4) operational barriers. Themes identified as facilitators that enable the transfer of patients were: (1) good communication and (2) a dedicated transfer team. The themes presented in our study are useful in identifying opportunities to optimize the IHT of patients with acute PE and improve patient care. These opportunities include instituting educational programs, streamlining the transfer process, and formulating a consensus statement to serve as a guideline regarding IHT of patients with acute PE.

Multimodality image fusion to guide peripheral artery chronic total arterial occlusion recanalization in a swine carotid artery occlusion model: unblinding the interventionalist.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to X-ray fluoroscopy (XRF) image fusion to guide peripheral artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. BACKGROUND: Endovascular peripheral artery CTO revascularization is minimally invasive, but challenging, because the occlusion is poorly visualized under XRF. Devices may steer out of the artery, which can lead to severe perforation. Merging preacquired MRI of the CTO to the live XRF display may permit upfront use of aggressive devices and improve procedural outcomes. METHODS: Swine carotid artery CTOs were created using a balloon injury model. Up to 8 weeks later, MRI of the carotid arteries was acquired and segmented to create three-dimensional surface models, which were then registered onto live XRF. CTO recanalization was performed using incrementally aggressive CTO devices (group A) or an upfront aggressive directed laser approach (group B). Procedural success was defined as luminal or subintimal device position without severe perforation. RESULTS: In this swine model, MRI to XRF fusion guidance resulted in a procedural success of 57% in group A and 100% in group B, which compared favorably to 33% using XRF alone. Fluoroscopy time was significantly less for group B (8.5 ± 2.6 min) compared to group A (48.7 ± 23.9 min), P < 0.01. Contrast dose used was similar between groups A and B. CONCLUSIONS: MRI to XRF fusion-guided peripheral artery CTO recanalization is feasible. Multimodality image fusion may permit upfront use of aggressive CTO devices with improved procedural outcomes compared to XRF-guided procedures.

Targeted transendocardial therapeutic delivery guided by MRI-x-ray image fusion.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a multi-modality image fusion approach to guide catheter-based, targeted transendocardial therapeutic delivery in a swine myocardial infarction (MI) model. BACKGROUND: Biologic agents such as stem cells may curb post MI adverse ventricular remodeling if delivered by a transendocardial catheter directly into the infarct border. 3D visualization of the infarct and other cardiac surfaces is required to perform this task. We propose registering and overlaying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) roadmaps onto live x-ray fluoroscopy (XRF) to guide targeted transendocardial delivery. METHODS: Custom software was used to register and overlay MRI models of the endocardium and infarct on live XRF by aligning common endocardial border features. In a swine MI model, transendocardial injections of co-localizing imaging labels were performed, targeting a 20 mm perimeter around the infarct. Directed targeting error (DTE) was defined as the difference between the predicted injection site-to-infarct distance calculated by the image fusion system, to the actual distance determined by postprocedure in vivo MRI. The mobile image fusion system was designed to be vendor-independent for imaging systems and transendocardial catheters. RESULTS: Transendocardial injections were performed in all animals without complications. Mean DTE was 0.9 ± 5.0 mm (n = 8 swine). Time to register the images and establish a high quality roadmap was less than 12 min in all animals. Custom imaging tools to display injection sites and distribution were useful adjuncts during targeted injection procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-modality image fusion is a feasible and accurate platform technology to guide transendocardial injections precisely to the discrete infarct border.