Using prostate contrast retention (PCR) as the procedural endpoint in prostatic artery embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: The failure rate following prostate artery embolization (PAE) is around 20%, which may in part result from inadequate embolization. Prostate contrast retention (PCR) adequacy on immediate post-embolization cone-beam CT may provide better assessment of embolization completeness than arterial contrast stasis seen on fluoroscopy alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of PAE using PCR adequacy as the procedural endpoint. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all PAE cases using this technique at a single large volume center was conducted. Following initial embolization of the main prostatic arteries, if PCR was inadequate, additional embolization was performed. Technical success (adequate PCR) was defined as > 75% global prostate gland contrast staining. Clinical success was determined in accordance to CIRSE standards of practice. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five patients (mean age 68 ± 8.4 years) underwent PAE from June 2017 to March 2019. Technical and clinical success rates were 98.8% and 96.4% respectively. Clinical success rate was significantly higher in patients with adequate PCR. International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) scores significantly improved at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up when compared to baseline. Prostate volume (PV) and post-voiding residual bladder volume were significantly reduced at 3, 6, and 12 months in comparison to baseline. Mild (Clavien-Dindo grade I/II) and moderate (grade III) complication rates were 12.1% and 3.6% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By using PCR adequacy as a guide to determine the procedure endpoint for PAE, it may be possible to achieve more complete embolization and thus higher clinical success rates. KEY POINTS: • By using PCR adequacy as a guide to determine the procedure endpoint for PAE, it may be possible to achieve more complete embolization and thus higher clinical success rates.

Distributed Simulation in surgical training: an off-site feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Simulation offers recognised training benefits, but the cost of high-fidelity contextualised simulation is prohibitive and its accessibility limited to specialised Distributed Simulation centres. Distributed simulation (DS) is an innovative concept of low-cost, portable and high-fidelity contextualised simulation. However, it has previously only been trialled at a central London teaching hospital. AIMS: (1) To explore the off-site feasibility of DS. (2) To determine the response of end-users to DS. METHODS: A DS naive researcher recreated a standardised porcine laparoscopic cholecystectomy scenario at a District General Hospital using DS. A research diary detailed the logistical feasibility of the project, whilst mixed methods were used to determine the response of the 10 surgeons who completed the full-team simulation. RESULTS: DS is feasible off-site with end-users comparing it favourably to their previous simulation experiences. Surgeons perceived DS as being most useful for building the operative confidence of juniors between learning the basics on a bench top model and before entering the operating theatre. CONCLUSIONS: DS has the potential to provide high-fidelity contextualised simulation as an adjunct to, and not a replacement for, surgical training. Unlike other modalities, it is low cost and portable, thereby addressing concerns over affordability and accessibility.

"Blowing up the barriers" in surgical training: exploring and validating the concept of distributed simulation.

OBJECTIVES: To explore face, content and construct validity of Distributed Simulation (DS), an innovative approach to low-cost, high-fidelity surgical simulation and compare technical performance in the DS with that on a standard surgical box trainer. BACKGROUND: Immersive simulation is widely accepted as an important modality for surgical education. However, access and cost limit the uptake of full-scale simulation training. DS is a portable, simulated clinical environment aiming at widening access to immersive simulation. METHODS: Ten novice and 10 expert surgeons performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a porcine model in the DS and on a box trainer. Face and content validity were measured using 6-point Likert-type questionnaires. Construct validity was rated using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Comparison of technical performance between DS and box trainer was measured using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Face validity was rated as 5.1 (SD = 0.54) by novices and 4.8 (SD = 0.64) by experts.Content validity was rated as 5.2 (SD = 0.40) by novices and 5.1 (SD = 0.56) by experts. Experts performed significantly better than novices in the DS (16.3 vs. 27.3, P < 0.001) demonstrating construct validity. Experts' technical performance did not differ between DS and box trainer (26.5 vs. 27.3, P > 0.84) whereas novices performed better on the box trainer (19.8 vs. 16.3, P < 0.01). Qualitative data analysis demonstrated that surgeons felt able to behave as if in a real operating room (OR). CONCLUSION: DS offers a valid, low-cost, accessible environment for training and assessing surgeons. This approach has major implications for surgical education and for the widespread implementation of immersive simulation at a time of increasing financial austerity.

Broken Wings: First Reported Cases of Fractured Angel® Catheters, a Temporary Combined Femoral Venous Catheter and Retrievable IVC Filter Device.

There has been increasing use of a novel combined femoral venous sheath, catheter and retrievable self-expanding and collapsible diamond-shaped IVC filter (Angel® Catheter, BiO2 Medical), in severely injured patients who cannot receive anticoagulation. As the filter is not detached from the catheter/sheath, it should be easily retrieved. Outcomes included in large registries demonstrate a high safety profile and a 100% retrieval rate. However, at our institution-a Level 1 major UK trauma centre with 4 years of substantial experience in using this device-we've encountered three cases of device fracture and subsequent complicated retrieval dating from Dec 2016 to March 2017. To the best of the authors' knowledge, we describe the first documented case series of fractured Angel® Catheters and their retrieval.