Effect of severe bioprosthetic valve tissue ingrowth and inflow calcification on valve-in-valve performance

While in vivo studies clearly demonstrate that supra-annular Valve-in-Valve (ViV) implantation provides the highest probability for optimal post-ViV pressure gradients (PG), there is still no physical insight into explaining anomalies where some supra-annular ViV implantations yield high pressure gradients while some sub-annular implantations yield low pressure gradients. The aim of this study is to explain how severe tissue ingrowth and calcification (TIC) in a surgical aortic valve (SAV) can be one physical mechanism leading to anomalous ViV performance characteristic. The ViV hemodynamic performance was evaluated as a function of axial positioning −9.8, −6.2, 0, and +6 mm in SAVs with and without TIC. Effective orifice area (EOA) and PG were compared. Leaflet high-speed imaging and particle image velocimetry were performed to elucidate flutter and forward jet characteristics. ViV without TIC showed significantly lower PG and greater EOA (p < 0.01). EOA and PG improve with supra-annular deployment (p < 0.01) while for ViV with TIC, EOA and PG worsen as the deployment varies from −9.8 mm to 0 mm (p < 0.01) only to recover at + 6 mm (p < 0.01). Separated jet flow at the TIC site, and consequently induced stronger TAV leaflet fluttering highlight the dynamic compromising nature of TIC on jet width and performance reduction. We conclude that the inflow TIC greatly influence ViV performance due to dynamic effects that results in a real anomalous performance characteristic different than that seen in most ViV in vivo. Further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate ViV outcomes in the presence of severe TIC in SAVs.     

TACE与手术治疗原发性大肝癌的临床疗效比较

目的:比较经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,TACE)和手术治疗原发性大肝癌(肿瘤最大直径≥5 cm)的临床疗效和安全性。方法:回顾性分析48例经TACE或手术(Operation)治疗的原发性大肝癌患者,其中TACE组25例,Operation组23例,治疗后随访24个月,评价和比较其治疗效果、生存曲线、镇痛剂的日平均用量及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后3个月,TACE组患者的Karnofsky评分(P=0.033)显著高于Operation组,而血清甲胎蛋白(AFP)水平(P=0.022)显著低于Operation组。此外,TACE组的镇痛药杜冷丁的日均使用量显著低于Operation组(P=0.031),便秘的日均发生次数(P=0.045)显著少于Operation组。治疗后24个月,TACE组和Operation组的生存率分别为48.0%和17.4%,TACE组显著高于Operation组(P=0.0415,95%CI of ratio:1.006 to 1.994)。结论:TACE治疗原发性大肝癌的临床疗效可能优于手术治疗,且安全性高。     

Percutaneous occlusion of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septum rupture

Aims

The aim of this systematic review is to gain insight into the published experience on percutaneous closure of a post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR).

Method

Relevant literature was obtained by MeSH-term searches in the online search-engine PubMed. Articles published in the last 10 years were included. Further filtering was done by using search limits and individual article selection based on the aims of this systematic review.

Conclusion

Percutaneous closure is a potential technique in a select group of patients. The presence of cardiogenic shock and closure in the acute phase after VSR diagnosis are important risk factors of mortality. Device implantation is in general successful with few procedure-related complications. Reduction of the shunt fraction has been reported frequently. This technique is a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment and should be applied on a case-by-case basis.     

数字减影血管造影用于重症胰腺炎并发出血患者诊断及介入治疗

目的:探讨数字减影血管造影(DigitalSubtractionAngiography,DSA)诊断及介入治疗重症胰腺炎(Severe panreatitis,SP)并发出血的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2009年1月-2013年11月南京军区总医院收治的42例SP并发出血患者行动脉造影,发现出血征象时采用微钢圈配合明胶海绵栓塞或经导管灌注缩血管药治疗。观察选择性动脉造影对诊断出血部位及止血效果的价值。结果:通过造影42例患者中28例发现出血征象,出血阳性率为66.7%(28/42),25例通过超选择栓塞以控制出血,初次止血率89.2%(25/28)。6例栓塞后复发出血,再出血率为24.0%(6/25),4例再行栓塞成功,再止血成功率为66.7%,累计止血成功率为82.1%。3例栓塞后反复出血未能控制,死于多器官功能衰竭,1例栓塞后脾脓肿并行脾切除,1例栓塞后肠缺血。结论:DAS不仅可以快速诊断出血部位,还可以同时进行介入治疗,止血效果肯定。     

The femoral route revisited: an alternative for pectoral pacing lead implantation

We describe the implantation via the femoral vein of a dual-chamber pacing system with lumenless, catheter-delivered pacing leads in a patient in whom subclavian access on both sides was obstructed. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:42-4.)     

Evaluation of Bachmann Bundle Pacing Versus Right Atrial Pacing in Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background

In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABGS), occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in the postoperative period and is associated with increased morbidity with longer intensive unit care (ICU) and hospital stay. Prevention with antiarrhythmic drugs is of limited success and associated with significant side effects. Therefore alternative approaches, such as Bachmann Bundle pacing, are required.

Methods and Results

154 consecutive patients, mean age 58±8.8 years, including 134 males and 20 females, were randomized to three groups; Group I : No pacing n= 54, Group II : RA pacing n= 52, Group III : Bachmann Bundle pacing n= 48. All the groups were well matched with regard to age, left atrial size, ejection fraction and use of beta blockers. Patients in Groups II and III were continually paced at a rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm) or at 10 bpm more than patients'' intrinsic heart rate. All the patients were monitored for 72 hours by telemetry and occurrence of AF was noted. Incidence of AF was 0% (none of 48 patients) in Group III as compared to 16.6% in Group I (9 of 54 patients) (p 0.003) and 12.5% in Group II (5 of 52 patients) (p 0.03). There was a trend towards shorter ICU stay in Group III (3.9 days) as compared to Group II (4.5 days) and Group I (4.1 days). Among the three groups, the reduction in mean P wave duration also was greater in Bachmann bundle paced group.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing CABGS, Bachmann bundle pacing is superior to right atrial / no pacing in the post operative period for preventing occurrence of AF and reducing ICU stay, commensurate with a reduction in mean P wave duration on surface ECG.     

Non-invasive Determination of the Optimized Atrioventricular Delay in Patients with Implanted Biventricular Pacing Devices

Background

Biventricular (BiV) is extensively used in the treatment of congestive heart failure but so far no recommendations for optimized programming of atrioventricular-delay (AVD) settings have been proposed. Can AVD optimization be performed using a simple formula based on non-invasive doppler-echocardiography?

Methods

25 patients (ejection fraction 30±8%) received BiV ICDs. Doppler-echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic and systolic flow was performed for different AVDs (30ms to 150ms) and different stimulation sites (left ventricular (LV), right ventricular and BiV). The optimal atrioventricular delay was calculated applying a simple formula based on systolic and diastolic mechanical delays determined during doppler-echocardiography.

Results

The mean optimal AVD was calculated to be 112±29ms (50 to 180ms) for BiV, 95±30ms (65 to 150ms) for LV and 75±28ms (40 to 125ms) for right ventricular pacing with wide interindividual variations. Compared to suboptimal AVDs diastolic optimization improved preejection and ejection intervals independent to pacing site. Optimization of the AVD significantly increased ejection time during BiV pacing (279ms versus 266ms; p<0.05). Compared to LV or right ventricular pacing BiV pacing produced the shortest mean pre-ejection and longest ejection intervals as parameters of improved systolic ventricular contractile synchrony. Diastolic filling times were longest during BiV pacing compared to LV or RV pacing.

Conclusions

Individual programming of BiV pacing devices increases hemodynamic benefit when implementing the inter-individually widely varying electromechanical delays. Optimization applying a simple formula not only improves diastolic ventricular filling but also increases systolic functional parameters.     

Assessment of the MANTA closure device in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a single-centre observational study

Objectives

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) (Teleflex, Morrisville, NC, USA) in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR).

Background

To close the femoral artery in TF-TAVR a VCD is the treatment of choice. Data involving suture-based VCDs have been extensive. Although scarce, results on the MANTA device are promising. There is no consensus yet as to whether the MANTA device is associated with fewer access-site-related vascular/bleeding complications when compared to suture-based VCDs.

Methods

In this prospective single-arm study, performed at a single centre, a total of 73 patients eligible for TF-TAVR were included and consecutively treated with the MANTA device.

Results

Access-site-related vascular complications were seen in 13.7% of patients treated with the MANTA device. In this group of patients only minor vascular complications were observed. Access-site-related bleeding complications were rare (6.8%), and device failure was seen in 13.7% of the patients.

Conclusions

This single-centre study confirms that use of the MANTA device in TF-TAVR is feasible with an acceptable rate of access-site-related complications and no major vascular complications.

     

碳酸氢钠+载药微球经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗中晚期肝癌的临床效果

目的:探讨碳酸氢钠+载药微球经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗中晚期肝癌的临床效果及安全性。方法:选择2015年2月到2018年6月在我院诊治的中晚期肝癌患者78例,根据随机数字表法将其均分为两组,每组各39例。对照组给予载药微球经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗,实验组给予碳酸氢钠+载药微球经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗,比较两组的临床疗效,治疗前后CD3~+CD4~+、CD3~+CD8~+T细胞比例的变化,治疗期间不良反应的发生情况及预后。结果:治疗后,实验组与对照组的治疗总有效率分别为74.4%和43.6%,实验组显著高于对照组(P0.05)。实验组治疗期间的发热、腹痛、腹胀、呕吐等不良反应发生情况与对照组的对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组治疗前后CD3CD4~+T比例对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05),两组治疗后的CD3~+CD8~+T比例显著低于治疗前,且实验组明显低于对照组(P0.05)。治疗后,实验组的躯体功能、心理功能、社会功能、共性症状及副作用评分都低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:碳酸氢钠+载药微球经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗中晚期肝癌能提高治疗效果,改善机体的免疫功能,提高患者的生活质量,且不会增加不良反应。     

Outcomes using a single tapered dilator for Micra leadless pacemaker implant

ObjectivesComparison of outcomes, device deployment time (DT), and total time (TT) using a single tapered Coons dilator versus sequential serial dilation for implantation of the Micra leadless pacemaker.BackgroundMicra leadless pacemaker placement requires a 23 French Micra introducer sheath (MIS) for percutaneous delivery. We sought to evaluate outcomes with use of a single tapered Coons dilator (CD) versus sequential serial dilatation (SD) method to facilitate insertion of the Micra introducer sheath.Methods35 patients were included in the SD arm and 49 in the CD arm. DT and TT were recorded in minutes and cost in dollars. Analysis was performed using independent t-test between two groups and one-way ANOVA to evaluate inter-operator variability in the CD arm.ResultsBoth DT and TT were significantly lower for the CD arm (15.1 ± 5.1 vs 23.5 ± 9.3, p < 0.0005 and 29.9 ± 14 vs 39.3 ± 13.5 min, p = 0.000374; respectively). The cost was also significantly lower using a CD versus SD. There was no inter-operator variability in the CD arm between 6 operators (p = 0.177 for DT and p = 0.304 for TT). No complications occurred in the SD arm. There were 3 vascular access site complications in the CD arm, all of which occurred early in the operator’s experience.ConclusionCoons dilator is an efficient and cost-effective method for vascular dilatation to facilitate Micra leadless pacemaker insertion. Rate of complications is low and expected to improve with greater experience.