Search

A 20-month-old boy with Williams syndrome had undergone multiple surgical and catheter-based interventions for resistant peripheral pulmonary arterial stenoses with eventual bilateral stent placement and conventional balloon angioplasty. He persistently developed suprasystemic right ventricular (RV) pressure. Angioplasty with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) was performed for in-stent restenosis and to remodel his distal pulmonary vessels bilaterally. This resulted in immediate improvement in the in-stent stenosis and resultant decrease in RV pressure. Follow-up catheterization two months later continued to show long-lasting improvement in the in-stent stenosis. We hypothesize that the anti-proliferative effects of DCBs may be of benefit in the arteriopathy associated with Williams syndrome. We report this as a novel use of a DCB in the pulmonary arterial circulation in a patient with Williams syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent respiratory or feeding problems in children may be associated with a congenital vascular ring. Surgical management is fairly standardized, but long-term outcomes are not well described. This study aims to investigate clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and risk factors for early mortality and late outcome. Our database revealed 62 surgically treated vascular ring patients between 1993 and 2014. Double aortic arch was the most common diagnosis (53%). Median age at operation was 1 year. Symptoms were mainly respiratory (89%) and feeding problems (32%). Median extubation time and hospital stay were 4 h and 5 days. Mean follow-up was 7.8 ± 5.8 years. Early mortality was 8% and was related to anatomical diagnosis, concomitant anomalies, and a need for preoperative intubation. Freedom from residual symptoms at 1 and 6 months was 63 and 82%, respectively. Freedom from inhalation therapy at the last follow-up was 82% and was influenced by a type of vascular ring and preoperative ventilation. Dysphagia symptoms always disappeared.Conclusion: Surgical relief of tracheoesophageal compression is commonly effective in vascular ring anomalies. Respiratory symptoms necessitating chronic inhalation therapy only persist in a minority of children. Patients with double aortic arch are at increased risk to remain symptomatic, particularly with infectious exacerbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, there has been an overall trend toward using less invasive hemodynamic monitoring in surgical intensive care units. The pulse contour cardiac output monitor (PiCCO) is one of them. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate our practice of hemodynamic monitoring with PiCCO in the perioperative period. Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was performed in a single general surgical intensive care unit (ICU) run by anesthesiologists for the years 2013-2016. We collected information about patients, ICU quality parameters and monitoring equipment available in the ICU. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PiCCO use. Results: Out of 2972 patients admitted to the general surgical ICU in a 4-year period, besides basic monitoring with electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximetry and blood pressure monitoring, more than half of the patients received central venous catheterization (55.1%), less than the half invasive arterial catheterization (44.1 %) and only a small proportion PiCCO (0.91%). No patient received a pulmonary arterial catheter. Mortality rate was 7.47 %. Conclusion: The use of PiCCO in our ICU is far below reported in literature. In the majority of cases, our anesthesiologists make clinical decisions based on measurement of central venous and invasive arterial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly replacing thermodilution pulmonary artery catheters to assess hemodynamics in patients at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity. However, one of the drawbacks of TEE compared to pulmonary artery catheters is the inability to measure real time stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) continuously. The aim of the present proof of concept study was to validate a novel method of SV estimation, based on pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. We measured pulse transit time by superimposing the radial arterial waveform onto the continuous wave Doppler waveform of the left ventricular outflow tract, and calculated SV (SVPWV) using the transformed Bramwell-Hill equation. The SV measured by TEE (SVTEE) was used as a reference. Results: A total of 190 paired SV were measured from 28 patients. A strong correlation was observed between SVPWV and SVTEE with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.71. A mean difference between the two (bias) was 3.70 ml with the limits of agreement ranging from -20.33 to 27.73 ml and a percentage error of 27.4% based on a Bland-Altman analysis. The concordance rate of two methods was 85.0% based on a four-quadrant plot. The angular concordance rate was 85.9% with radial limits of agreement (the radial sector that contained 95% of the data points) of ± 41.5 degrees based on a polar plot. Conclusions: PWV based SV estimation yields reasonable agreement with SV measured by TEE. Further studies are required to assess its utility in different clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most severe pregnancy complications are characterized by profound hemodynamic disturbances, thus there is a need for validated hemodynamic monitoring systems for pregnant women. Pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) using thermodilution is the clinical gold standard for the measurement of cardiac output (CO), however this reference method is rarely performed owing to its invasive nature. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) allows non-invasive determination of CO. We aimed to validate TTE against PAC for the determination of CO in severely ill pregnant women.Methods: This study consisted of a meta-analysis combining data from a prospective study and a systematic review. The prospective arm was conducted in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2003. Women with severe pregnancy complications requiring invasive monitoring with PAC according to contemporary guidelines were included. TTE was performed within 15 min of PAC and the investigator was blinded to the PAC measurements. Comparative measurements were extracted from similar studies retrieved from a systematic review of the literature and added to a database. Simultaneous CO measurements by TTE and PAC were compared. Agreement between methods was assessed using Bland-Altman statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).Results: Thirty-four comparative measurements were included in the meta-analysis. Mean CO values obtained by PAC and TTE were 7.39 L/min and 7.18 L/min, respectively. The bias was 0.21 L/min with lower and upper limits of agreement of -1.18 L/min and 1.60 L/min, percentage error was 19.1%, and ICC between the two methods was 0.94.Conclusions: CO measurements by TTE show excellent agreement with those obtained by PAC in pregnant women. Given its non-invasive nature and availability, TTE could be considered as a reference for the validation of other CO techniques in pregnant women. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Resumen Objetivo: Las complicaciones del embarazo más graves se caracterizan por trastornos hemodinámicos serios, debido a los cuales existe la necesidad de sistemas validados de monitorización hemodinámica para mujeres embarazadas. Aunque la cateterización de la arteria pulmonar (CAP) mediante termodilución es el patrón de referencia clínico para la medición del gasto cardíaco (GC), este método se usa con poca frecuencia debido a su naturaleza invasiva. La ecocardiografía transtorácica (ETT) permite la determinación no invasiva del GC. El objetivo de este estudio fue validar la ETT frente al CAP para determinar el GC en mujeres embarazadas gravemente enfermas. MÉTODOS: Este estudio consistió en un metaanálisis que combinó datos de un estudio prospectivo y una revisión sistemática. El estudio prospectivo se llevó a cabo en Pretoria (Sudáfrica) en 2003. Se incluyeron mujeres con complicaciones graves en el embarazo que requerían una monitorización invasiva mediante CAP según las directrices de ese momento. Se realizó una ETT en un plazo de 15 minutos de haber realizado el CAP y el investigador no tuvo acceso a las mediciones del CAP. Las mediciones comparativas se extrajeron de estudios similares obtenidos a partir de una revisión sistemática de la literatura y se añadieron a una base de datos. Se compararon las mediciones simultáneas del GC mediante ETT y CAP. La concordancia entre métodos se evaluó a través del método estadístico de Bland-Altman y de coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CCI).Resultados: Se incluyeron treinta y cuatro mediciones comparativas en el metaanálisis. Los valores medios del GC obtenidos mediante CAP y ETT fueron de 7,39 l/min y 7.18 l/min, respectivamente. El sesgo fue de 0,21 l/min, siendo los límites inferior y superior de la concordancia de -1,18 l/min y 1.60 l/min; el error porcentual fue del 19,1%, y el CCI entre ambos métodos fue de 0,94.Conclusiones: Las mediciones del GC en mujeres embarazadas mediante ETT muestran una excelente concordancia con las obtenidas mediante CAP. Dada su naturaleza no invasiva y su disponibilidad, la ETT podría considerarse como referencia para la validación de otras técnicas relacionadas con el GC en mujeres embarazadas. : ,。(pulmonary artery catheterization,PAC)(cardiac output,CO),,。(transthoracic echocardiography,TTE)CO。PACTTECO。 : meta。2003。PAC。PAC 15 minTTE,PAC。,。TTEPACCO。Bland-Altman(intraclass correlation coefficients,ICC)。 : meta34。PACTTECO7.39 L/min7.18 L/min。-1.18 L/min、1.60 L/min0.21 L/min,19.1%,ICC0.94。 : TTECOPACCO。,TTECO。. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent years there has been an increase in the implementation of goal-directed therapy using minimally invasive haemodynamic monitoring techniques to guide peri-operative care. Since the introduction of the pulmonary artery flotation catheter in the 1980s, various haemodynamic monitors have been developed, each associated with their own benefits and limitations. Goal-directed therapy has been well-established as a standard of care in the peri-operative period and has largely been associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality. However, evidence over the last few years from major studies has led us to question: what is the future for goal-directed therapy? Care of the peri-operative patient has significantly evolved over the last decade and this needs to be taken into account when assessing the results of these studies. We should therefore not look at the effects of goal-directed therapy in isolation but as part of a progressive care bundle. Additionally, other markers of haemodynamic status have also begun to be further appreciated and these are worthy of further investigation. We feel that the future for haemodynamic monitoring remains promising with new areas of interest continuously emerging, but further research is still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left atrial pressure indicates the left ventricular filling pressure in patients who have systolic or diastolic left ventricular dysfunction or valvular heart disease. The use of indirect surrogate methods to determine left atrial pressure has been essential in the modern evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease because of the difficulty and inherent risks associated with direct methods (typically the transseptal approach). One method that has been widely used to determine left atrial pressure indirectly is Swan-Ganz catheterization, in which a balloon-flotation technique is applied to measure pulmonary capillary wedge pressure; however, this approach has been associated with several limitations and potential risks. Measuring left ventricular end-diastolic pressure has also been widely used as a simple means to estimate filling pressures but remains a surrogate for the gold standard of directly measuring left atrial pressure. We describe a simple, low-risk method to directly measure left atrial pressure that involves the use of standard coronary catheterization techniques during a transradial procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in anticancer chemotherapy have resulted in an increase in the number of patients requiring a central venous port catheter, and the incidence of catheter pinch-off syndrome has been increasing. Catheter pinch-off syndrome is a rare and unusual complication. It is difficult to retrieve dislodged catheters from the pulmonary artery, especially if the catheter is stuck to the peripheral pulmonary artery. We herein describe the successful removal of a catheter stuck in the pulmonary artery with a stepwise approach. First, a pigtail catheter was used to tug the dislodged catheter in order to free the unilateral end. Then, a gooseneck snare was used to catch and pull the catheter out of the patient. The key to success is to free the end of the catheter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After pulmonary artery (PA) patch augmentation, surgical or catheterization reintervention to address PA stenosis is not uncommon. Multiple patch materials are available and the need for reintervention may be related to characteristics of the patch material. In this retrospective chart review of patients who underwent PA augmentation from 2004 through 2013, we compare outcomes after PA augmentation with standard patch (SP) material and extracellular matrix (ECM) patch material. The primary outcome was reintervention-free survival (surgery or catheterization) using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test. Risk factors for reintervention were assessed with Cox proportional hazard analyses. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar, except single-ventricle (SV) patients were more likely to have SP, and duration of follow-up was longer in the SP group. Median time to reintervention for all patients was 1099 days (95 % CI 646-1552 days). There was no difference in reintervention-free survival between the patch groups ( p = 0.12); however, in multivariable analysis controlling for surgeon and patch, longer reintervention-free survival was associated with SV physiology (HR 0.57 95 % CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.03) and aortic cross-clamp (XC) use (HR 0.52, 95 % CI 0.32-0.84, p = 0.008). Since there is no difference in median time to reintervention following PA augmentation with SP or ECM, patch choice should be determined by other factors, such as surgeon preference and cost. Longer reintervention-free survival in SV patients may be related to the set schedule of staged palliation. XC use may allow more extensive PA augmentation, thus protecting against the need for reintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary hypertension manifests with impaired exercise capacity. Our aim was to investigate whether the mean pulmonary arterial pressure to cardiac output relationship (mPAP/CO) predicts transplant-free survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Methods: Hemodynamic data according to right heart catheterization in patients with PAH and CTEPH at rest and during supine incremental cycle exercise were analyzed. Transplant-free survival and predictive value of hemodynamics were assessed by using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.Results: Seventy patients (43 female; 54 with PAH, 16 with CTEPH; median (quartiles) age, 65 [50; 73] years; mPAP, 34 [29; 44] mm Hg; cardiac index, 2.8 [2.3; 3.5] [L/min]/m(2)) were followed up for 610 (251; 1256) days. Survival at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 89%, 81%, 71%, and 59%. Age, World Health Organization-functional class, 6-min walk test, and mixed-venous oxygen saturation (but not resting hemodynamics) predicted transplant-free survival. Maximal workload (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89-0.99]; P = .027), peak cardiac index (HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.27-0.95]; P = .034), change in cardiac index, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.06-0.94]; P = .040), and mPAP/CO (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.03]; P = .003) during exercise predicted survival. Values for mPAP/CO predicted 3-year transplant-free survival with an area under the curve of 0.802 (95% CI, 0.66-0.95; P = .004).Conclusions: In this collective of patients with PAH or CTEPH, the pressure-flow relationship during exercise predicted transplant-free survival and correlated with established markers of disease severity and outcome. Right heart catheterization during exercise may provide important complementary prognostic information in the management of pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Right heart catheterisation is the gold-standard for differentiating pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (high mean pulmonary artery pressure, normal pulmonary wedge pressure) from post-capillary physiology (elevated pulmonary wedge pressure). The new non-invasive parameter, ePLAR (echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial Ratio) is calculated from the maximum tricuspid regurgitation continuous wave Doppler velocity (m/s) divided by the transmitral E-wave:septal mitral annular Doppler Tissue Imaging e′-wave ratio (TRV max /E:e′). Methods Pulmonary hypertension patients (mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mm Hg, n = 133, 66 male, average 65.0 ± 16.8 years) were classified by right heart catheterisation as pre-capillary or post-capillary [subdivided into isolated post-capillary (diastolic pulmonary gradient < 7 mm Hg) or combined pre- and post-capillary cases]. The ePLAR values of these groups were compared to each other and to a population sample of 16,356 population reference echocardiograms. Results ePLAR values for the normal reference population of 16,356 echocardiograms (age 56 ± 16.6 years) were 0.30 ± 0.09 m/s. Pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension patients (n = 35, 26 male, PAP sys 63.9 ± 16.6 mm Hg, PAP diast 24.1 ± 7.3 mm Hg, PAP mean 37.9 ± 9.4 mm Hg, PCWP 10.6 ± 2.7 mm Hg) had significantly higher ePLAR values than post-capillary cases (n = 98, 40 male, PAP sys 59.9 ± 17.6 mm Hg, PAP diast 25.0 ± 7.4 mm Hg, PAP mean 38.1 ± 9.8 mm Hg, PCWP 23.5 ± 6.4 mm Hg) − ePLAR 0.44 ± 0.22 m/s vs 0.20 ± 0.11 m/s (p < 0.001). ePLAR values were significantly lower in isolated post-capillary pulmonary hypertension than in combined pre- and post-capillary cases (0.18 ± 0.08 m/s vs 0.28 ± 0.18 m/s, p < 0.001). Conclusions ePLAR is a simple echocardiographic parameter which can accurately differentiate the smaller subset of patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension from the more common post-capillary aetiology. The use of this easily obtained echocardiographic parameter has the potential to enhance non-invasive triage of patients for specific pulmonary vasodilator therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter into the pulmonary artery may lead to a number of complications (2-17%). In less than 0.2% of cases Swan-Ganz catheterization results in serious vascular damage - pulmonary artery rupture (PAR). This paper presents two distinct forms of iatrogenic PAR treated endovascularly using different vascular devices. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular treatment and the application of different types of vascular devices in the management of pulmonary artery rupture caused by Swan-Ganz catheterization. Material and methods: In this retrospective study we evaluated 2 patients in whom Swan-Ganz catheter application was used for perioperative monitoring and resulted in pulmonary artery rupture. This complication was treated endovascularly by means of interventional cardiology. Results: We report the cases of 2 patients with a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm formed in the perioperative period. In case 1, a single, 4-loop, 3 mm diameter coil was implanted. In case 2, a 5 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV was applied. In both cases, the endovascular approach resulted in total occlusion of the feeding artery and reduced further extravasation of the blood. Conclusions: Despite its extremely low incidence, iatrogenic PAR is a serious, life-threatening complication of Swan-Ganz catheterization that requires urgent attention. Among available methods of treatment, percutaneous embolization is a relatively quick, safe, accurate and highly effective alternative to traumatizing surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about use of Swan–Ganz catheter use in the intensive care unit (ICU). Topics discussed include use of chocardiography as a major tool for understanding mechanisms of shock; ways in which Swan–Ganz catheter provides measurements of right and left ventricular preloads by the direct measurement of pressures; and versions of Swan–Ganz catheters with continuous cardiac output.

Background: Pulmonary artery catheters are usually placed by resident anesthesiologists with pressure wave monitoring from educational point of view. In some cases, the placement needs longer time or is difficult only by observing the pressure waves.Aims: We sought to examine the time required for the catheter placement in adult patients and determine factors influencing the placement.Settings and Designs: Prospective, observational, cohort study.Methods: We examined the time required for the catheter placement. If the catheter is placed in longer than 5 min, this could be a difficult placement. We examined the effect of the patient's age, body mass index, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and training duration of a resident on the difficult catheter placement. Next, we excluded the difficult cases from the analysis and examined the effect of these factors on the placement time.Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis to assess factors for the difficult catheter placement and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the factors to increase the placement time after univariate analyses.Results: The difficult placement occurred in 6 patients (5.7%). The analysis showed that LVEF was a significant factor to hinder the catheter placement (P = 0.02) while CTR was a significant factor to increase the placement time (P = 0.002).Conclusion: LVEF and CTRs are significant factors to be associated with the difficult catheter placement and to increase the placement time, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) has been used in a "Heart Specialist Medical Centre" in the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients more frequently compared to other similar establishments elsewhere. Critical care nurse's knowledge toward using PAC was, therefore, surveyed to rectify this matter and ultimately form guidance, update practice, and future usage policies. Methodology: This survey included 48 ICU-Critical care nurses. A questionnaire has been designed and validated, and that was distributed to collect information on participants' relevant backgrounds and the PAC use. The raw test scores were converted to percentages and median test scores also interquartile range were calculated. The median knowledge score was compared among different attributes using Mann-Whitney U-test. The value P < 0. 05 was accepted as significant. Results: The questionnaire has been sent to 48 participants, and all participants answered the questionnaire. The median knowledge score of handling PAC is significantly related to earlier received training, their ICU experience, and their confidence of handling PAC. Conclusions: This survey highlighted the interesting statistical facts about the extent of lack of knowledge and skills among participants. More importantly, the survey also determined the important shortfalls in practice of some experienced medical practitioners. More research is needed to identify why such shortfalls exist and how they have developed. The survey finally highlights the importance of having policies and protocols for all PAC-related procedures, and the regularly associated training to guarantee patients' welfare and well-being is met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the efficacy and reliability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in establishing the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension in children. This is a retrospective comparison of 25 children with pulmonary hypertension and a control group comprising 19 healthy children. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was made when the mean pulmonary artery pressure was ≥25 mmHg by catheter angiography. The children with pulmonary hypertension had significantly lower body mass indices than did the healthy children (P=0.048). In addition, the children with pulmonary hypertension had significantly larger main pulmonary artery diameters and ascending aortic diameters (both P=0.001) but statistically similar ratios of main pulmonary artery diameter-to-ascending aortic diameter. If the main pulmonary artery diameter was ≥25 mm, pediatric pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed with 72% sensitivity and 84% specificity. In the event that the ratio of main pulmonary artery diameter-to-ascending aorta diameter was ≥1, pediatric pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed with 60% sensitivity and 53% specificity. When compared with children who had New York Heart Association functional class II pulmonary hypertension, the children with functional class III pulmonary hypertension had significantly larger main (P=0.046), right (P=0.036), and left (P=0.003) pulmonary arteries. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is useful in the diagnosis of children with pulmonary hypertension. Pediatric pulmonary hypertension can be diagnosed with high sensitivity and specificity when the main pulmonary artery diameter measures ≥25 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) are used widely to monitor hemodynamics in patients undergoing coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, recent studies have raised concerns regarding both the effectiveness and safety of PAC. Therefore, our aim was to determine the effects of the use of PAC on the short- and long-term health and economic outcomes of patients undergoing CABG. Methods: 1361 Chinese patients who consecutively underwent isolated, primary CABG at the Cardiovascular Institute of Fuwai Hospital from June 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 were included in this study. Of all the patients, 453 received PAC during operation (PAC group) and 908 received no PAC therapy (control group). Short-term and long-term mortality and major complications were analyzed with multivariate regression analysis and propensity score matched-pair analysis was used to yield two well-matched groups for further comparison. Results: The patients who were managed with PAC more often received intraoperative vasoactive drugs dopamine (70.9% vs. 45.5%; P<0.001) and epinephrine (7.7% vs. 2.6%; P<0.001). In addition, costs for initial hospitalization were higher for PAC patients ($14,535 vs. $13,873, respectively, p = 0.004). PAC use was neither associated with the perioperative mortality or major complications, nor was it associated with long-term mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. In addition, comparison between two well-matched groups showed no significant differences either in baseline characteristics or in short-term and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: There is no clear indication of any benefit or harm in managing CABG patients with PAC. However, use of PAC in CABG is more expensive. That is, PAC use increased costs without benefit and thus appears unjustified for routine use in CABG surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary artery (PA) rupture caused by a PA Swan-Ganz catheter is a rare complication but remains fatal in almost 50% of cases. False aneurysm of the PA is a rare presentation of PA rupture and should be considered as a possible diagnosis in a patient with a new lung mass after PA catheterization. We present a case of sudden-onset pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage during cardiovascular surgery due to a traumatic PA false aneurysm. The Swan-Ganz catheter might have been displaced by the thoracic aortic aneurysm with displacement of the catheter causing the false aneurysm and bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews on published trials that investigate pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use, patient outcomes, and patient safety and adverse events, and discusses central venous and PA pressure waveforms, and intracardiac pressure interpretations. Topics discussed include catheterization of PA and patient outcome, elimination of central venous catheterization (CVC) and PA catheterization complications, and improvement of PAC monitoring safety.

We report an extraordinary case in which the venous route for pulmonary artery catheterization was unusual. A 41 yearold woman with an end-stage liver disease underwent a living-donor liver transplantation. After induction of anesthesia, the pulmonary artery catheter was revealed to be advanced into the left brachiocephalic vein and then slipped into another vein that drains into the left brachiocephalic vein. In this case, we assumed that the catheter had most likely slipped into the left pericardiophrenic vein since the catheter follows the left heart border similarly to the route of this vein according to the chest X-ray. Patients with liver cirrhosis develop many collateral vessels and have enlarged veins due to portal hypertension, which makes this vascular route possible. We present this case for anesthesiologists to be aware of the possibilities of unusual venous route due to dilated collateral vessels especially in liver transplant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing intravascular volume status in the critically ill patient remains a challenge for intensivists, and the accuracy of such estimation based on bedside examination alone is reported to be nearly a coin toss. In this retrospective study we sought to validate a previously recommended chest radiographic vascular pedicle width (VPW) ≥70 mm for identifying cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPO). We additionally assessed whether novice physicians-in-training can reliably measure the VPW. The study included intensive care patients with an existing pulmonary artery catheter. Three independent raters performed measurements of VPW from chest radiographs obtained within three hours of pulmonary artery occlusion pressure measurements. In 80 patients enrolled, a VPW cut-off of ≥70 mm had a 55% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 81% positive predictive value, 69% negative predictive value and 73% accuracy for identifying patients with CPO. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.84) for VPW in discriminating CPO from non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Kappa statistics for inter-rater reliability showed Kappa=0.41, 0.42 and 0.85 for each pair of the three raters. In conclusion, the previously accepted VPW cut-off of ≥70 mm is reasonably accurate in discriminating CPO from non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. VPW can be measured by physicians-in-training with a comparable performance to previous studies utilising expert radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To review left ventricular assist device physiology, initial postoperative management, common complications, trouble shooting and management of hypotension, and other common ICU problems. Data Source: Narrative review of relevant medical literature. Data Synthesis: Left ventricular assist devices prolong the lives of patients with end-stage heart failure, and their use is increasing. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices have replaced first-generation pulsatile devices. These patients present unique management concerns. In the immediate postim-plant period, care must be taken to support the unassisted right ventricle. Invasive monitors for blood pressure, pulmonary artery catheterization, and echocardiography are essential to optimize left ventricular assist device settings and cardiac performance. Anticoagulation is necessary to prevent devastating thrombotic and embolic complications, but bleeding is a major source of morbidity due to inherent bleeding diatheses and prescribed anticoagulants. Infection of the device can be life threatening, and all infections must be aggressively treated to avoid seeding the device. Patients are at risk of ventricular arrhythmias because of their underlying disease, as well as the placement and position of the inflow cannula. Aortic valve stenosis and insufficiency develop over time and can lead to thrombosis or heart failure. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with chest compressions must be performed with care or not at all due to risk of dislodging the device. Conclusion: Intensivists are increasingly likely to encounter patients requiring mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices at various points in the trajectory of their disease, from the immediate postimplant period to subsequent admissions for complications, and at end of life. A basic under-standing of left ventricular assist device physiology is essential to the safe and effective care of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We elucidated the effects of various body positions on the agreement of cardiac output (CO) measurement between pulse contour analysis with the PiCCO monitor and thermodilution with pulmonary artery catheterization. Methods: Fifteen anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs (40 ± 2 kg) were sequentially placed in various positions to facilitate simultaneous CO measurement. Between-methods agreement was assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Trending ability was assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis. Results: In supine, reverse Trendelenburg, Trendelenburg, and left lateral decubitus (lateral) positions, CO measured by these two methods was comparable (4.9 ± 1.5 versus 4.6 ± 1.6 L/min, 4.6 ± 2.2 versus 4.8 ± 1.8 L/min, 5.1 ± 2.1 versus 4.9 ± 2.1 L/min, and 5.4 ± 1.8 versus 5.0 ± 1.6 L/min; all P > 0.05). Mean bias between methods and limits of agreement (percentage error) were 0.3 ± 2.9 L/min (61%), −0.3 ± 3.3 L/min (71%), 0.1 ± 4.1 L/min (77%), and 0.5 ± 3.7 L/min (71%). Directional changes of paired CO revealed 66% (reverse Trendelenburg), 57% (Trendelenburg), and 66% (lateral) concordance. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.199, 0.127, and 0.108. For paired CO ≤6 L/min, mean bias between methods and limits of agreement (percentage error) were 0.2 ± 1.0 L/min (25%), −0.1 ± 1.0 L/min (28%), 0.2 ± 1.1 L/min (29%), and 0.5 ± 0.9 L/min (23%). Directional changes of paired CO revealed 84% (reverse Trendelenburg), 76% (Trendelenburg), and 65% (lateral) concordance. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.583, 0.626, and 0.213. Conclusions: The mean CO measured by pulse contour analysis and thermodilution did not agree well in various body positions. Moreover, the measurements tended to trend differently in response to positional changes. For paired CO ≤6 L/min, however, the between-methods agreement and the trending ability improved significantly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of the present study was to assess the results and technical aspects of attempted transcatheter recanalization of occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins from our center. Occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins are often not considered amenable to transcatheter treatment and can be a cause of significant hemodynamic compromise for patients. The records of patients with occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins who underwent cardiac catheterization from April 1997 to February 2011 were reviewed. We identified 18 patients, of whom, 9 had occluded pulmonary arteries and 9 occluded systemic veins. Recanalization was achieved in 17 of the 18 patients (94%). At a median follow-up of 35 months (range 6 months to 12 years), all vessels remained patent. The freedom from reintervention rate in the entire cohort was 61% at 6 months, 35% at 1 year, and 35% at 5 years. Freedom from an unplanned reintervention was 67% at 6 months. Procedural adverse events occurred in 2 patients. One death occurred within 24 hours of the catheterization procedure and 2 late deaths occurred, all unrelated to the procedure. In conclusion, both acute and chronic success at recanalizing the occluded pulmonary arteries and major systemic veins can be achieved using percutaneous techniques. Careful follow-up is needed, because reintervention can be necessary to maintain long-term vessel patency without stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the feasibility of having echocardiographic data that could reflect pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) and right ventricular function during exercise in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Ten patients undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC) were evaluated using echocardiography. Results reveal the feasibility of exercise echocardiography for the assessment of hemodynamics and right heart function in PAH patients.

Many clinicians consider severe aortic stenosis to be a contraindication to pulmonary artery catheterisation, except during open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This is due to the perceived high risk of arrhythmia, although the true incidence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective study to estimate the incidence of severe arrhythmias during pulmonary artery catheterisation in 380 patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Ventricular fibrillation was seen in only one patient (0.26%), and this was successfully terminated by external defibrillation. No episodes of ventricular tachycardia were recorded and there were also no arrhythmias during removal of the catheter. We have therefore concluded that pulmonary artery catheterisation in patients with severe aortic stenosis is not associated with a high incidence of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, allowing pulmonary artery pressure monitoring to be performed relatively safely in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known regarding gender- or race-based differences in critical care. We investigated whether gender or race was associated with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) utilization or with in-hospital death among patients with a PAC. A particular focus was patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), in whom guidelines recommend PAC use. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis from the coronary care unit of a large tertiary-care hospital staffed with full-time cardiac intensivists. Results: We analyzed 8845 consecutive adult patients, of whom 42.1% were women and 40.8% were black. PAC use rates were 11.3% in women and 11.5% in men ( P = 0.79), and 11.3% in blacks and 11.5% in whites ( P = 0.76). In CS patients, PAC use rates in women and men were 50.3% and 49.1% ( P = 0.85) and in blacks and whites were 43.7% and 53.3% ( P = 0.05). There was no independent association between gender or race and PAC use overall or in those with CS. Neither gender nor race was a predictor of in-hospital death in patients undergoing PAC. Conclusions: PAC use and in-hospital death were determined not by gender or race but by disease severity. Full-time intensivist staffing and the presence of definitive guidelines may reduce gender- and race-based treatment disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is performed in patients having a single ventricle to allow the passive flow of systemic venous blood to the lungs. Interventional catheterization is needed to treat residual defects or complications. Aims: We discuss our results concerning 68 patients who had had TCPC from January 1995 to December 2010. Methods: Initial and follow-up catheterization data were reviewed retrospectively. Mid -term results were evaluated by means of angiography and/or CT scan. Results: Mean age at TCPC was 5 years (2.5-18); mean interval between TCPC and catheterization was 5.6 years (1.5-15). Sixty-nine catheterizations were performed in 53 patients. Eleven patients (21%) had low venous pressure, did not display a right-to-left shunt, and did not need any intervention. Fifteen patients (28%) had low venous pressure and only needed the closure of the fenestration. The remaining 27 patients (51%) needed the following interventions: embolization of venous vessels prompting right-to-left shunt (n = 15), stenting or reconnection of pulmonary arteries (n = 5), stenting or recanalization of systemic veins (n = 11), other procedures (n = 5). In 3 patients the fenestration could not be closed due to high venous pressure. After the interventions oxygen saturation increased from 90.5%± 4.8% to 94.7%± 3.6% (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Our data show that 49% of patients with TCPC are in good condition late after surgery. However, half of these patients continue to need interventions generally aimed at suppressing stenoses at various levels of TCPC or at occluding vessels prompting right-to-left shunt. This population should enter a multicenter program aimed at identifying patients at risk. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:622-627) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To study the correlation of low-dose 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) with echocardiography and cardiac catheterization angiography (CCA) in the assessment of pulmonary arterial anatomy in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Materials and methods: This prospective study included 105 children (74 males, 31 females) with CCHD, in the age group of 2 months to 20 years, who underwent 64-row MDCT examination (low-dose CT protocol), echocardiography and CCA for the assessment of pulmonary arteries, including visualization, presence of confluence, stenosis and collaterals. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric statistical analysis test to evaluate the concordance or discordance between echocardiography, MDCT and CCA. Results: 64-row MDCT detected significantly more main and branch pulmonary arteries, patent pulmonary confluences, and more cases of pulmonary artery stenosis. CCA detected more major aorto-pulmonary collaterals than MDCT, whereas echocardiography failed to identify these major aorto-pulmonary collaterals. The effective CT radiation dose to patients less than 2 years of age was in the range of 0.7–2.5mSv, where as the dose in patients more than 2 years of age ranged from that of 2.1 to 4.2mSv, which is much less than the radiation dose reported in cardiac catheterization angiography. Conclusion: In cases where cardiac MRI cannot be performed, or is not sufficiently informative, low-dose 64-row MDCT correlates well with CCA and can provide adequate information about pulmonary arterial anatomy in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, and can replace invasive cardiac catheterization angiography with markedly reduced radiation dosage to the patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES Unresponsive pulmonary hypertension (PH) may contraindicate heart transplant since it implies poor early outcomes. The present study reports the effectiveness of oral perioperative sildenafil in allowing heart transplant candidacy and surgery in a selected group of patients initially deemed ineligible because of PH. METHODS Between May 2005 and December 2009, 31 consecutive patients (5 females, 9 with a history of idiopatic cardiomyopathy and 16 with a history of coronary artery disease, 10 with previous sternotomies, 71.42 ± 27.69 ml/min/m2 mean preoperative epidermal growth factor receptor) were qualified for oral sildenafil because of unresponsive PH at baseline right heart catheterization (RHC). After a 12-week trial, RHC disclosed PH reversibility (mean pulmonary vascular resistance index: 9.57 ± 4.07 WU, mean transpulmonary gradient 14.47 ± 5.66 mmHg and mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure: 68.96 ± 15.15 mmHg), allowing listing despite a higher risk for early post-transplant RV failure. Transplant protocol included donor/recipient size matching ≥0.8 and inhaled nitric oxide in the early postoperative period followed by reinstitution of oral sildenafil. RESULTS All patients underwent heart transplantation. Mean overall graft ischaemic time was 179 ± 47min; mean donor recipient weight ratio was 1.04 ± 0.17. Right ventricular failure developed in three patients (9.6%) and hospital mortality was 3.2%. Protocol RHC disclosed pulmonary haemodynamic profile normalization within the third postoperative month allowing weaning from sildenafil in the 30 hospital survivors. One-year RHC confirmed PH reversal (n = 29 patients, all who survived up to 1year). CONCLUSIONS This pilot prospective uncontrolled trial suggests that oral sildenafil is effective in allowing candidacy, safe transplantation and postoperative pulmonary profile normalization in potential recipients initially disqualified because of PH. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: The dataset from the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) trial provides a rare opportunity to evaluate the whole spectrum of associations of hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) in heart failure (HF). In that trial, subjective and objective data were recorded at multiple time points when HB and HCT were also measured. We investigated the relationship between anemia and ventricular systolic function. Methods: A limited access dataset from the ESCAPE trial, provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, was analyzed. Linear regression analysis, correlation coefficients and Student's t test were utilized. Results: Besides the known association of anemia with poor prognosis, more severe symptoms, decreased functional capacity and impaired kidney function, we found a significant and very consistent inverse correlation between HB and HCT and ventricular contractility. Both left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular fractional area change improved with a decrease in HB and vice versa. We hypothesize that this effect can result from a change in viscosity, which decreases with a decrease in HCT, and may facilitate adaptation of the heart to a volume overload state accompanied by hemodilution. Conclusions: In HF, anemia is associated with poor prognosis and functional impairment, but also with mildly improved systolic function. It may represent an adaptive reaction to congestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Right ventricular ( RV) function is sensitive to changes in cardiac loading conditions, and RV dysfunction may contribute to hemodynamic instability during orthotopic liver transplantation ( OLT). Thus, we evaluated RV function and its role in hemodynamic instability during classic OLT without venovenous bypass ( VVB). Methods Thirty patients undergoing classic OLT without VVB were studied. Right ventricular ejection fraction ( RVEF) was measured using a modified pulmonary artery catheter. Hemodynamic data were recorded at pre-determined time points: T0, baseline; T1- T3: 5, 15, and 30 min after clamping; T4- T7: 5, 15, 30, and 120 min after reperfusion; T8 and T9: 24 and 48 h after surgery. Results The baseline RVEF was lower than normal value. RVEF decreased significantly from T1 to T4 and returned to baseline beginning at T5. At 24 and 48 h after surgery, RVEF was higher than baseline value. RVEF was correlated with stroke volume index and post-reperfusion syndrome during OLT. Compared to the low MELDs group, RVEF in the high MELDs group was lower at T1, T2, and T4. Conclusions Right ventricular function was compromised during the anhepatic and early reperfusion stages in patients undergoing classic OLT without VVB, particularly in the high MELD score patients. Close monitoring of RV function in these patients should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the correlation between CT angiographic clot load (CTACL) score, pulmonary perfusion defect (PPD) score and the global right ventricular function in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) severity. Methods: 49 patients with acute PE, who underwent dual-source CT scan, were included in the study. CT angiography and perfusion imaging were performed. Data from electrocardiogram-gated coronary angiography scanning protocol were used for right ventricular function analysis. Two readers evaluated the CTACL and PPD scores using the Qanadli and Chae methods, respectively. Results: The PPD score had a strong positive correlation with the CTACL score (r=0.72, p<0.001) and both scores in turn had a strong positive correlation with the right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratio (r=0.60, r=0.62, p<0.001). However, the PPD score had a strong negative correlation with ejection fraction (EF) (r=20.63, p<0.001) while the CTACL score had a low negative correlation with EF (r=20.33, p=0.02). Between the RV/LV,1 group (n=35) and the RV/LV .1 group (n=14), the PPD score, CTACL score, pulmonary artery trunk diameter, EF and reflux of inferior vena cava were significantly different, all with p<0.001. The end-systolic volume (p=0.01) was significantly different but the end-diastolic volume (p=0.11) and stroke volume (p=0.08) showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Therefore, considering PPD scores, CTACL scores and cardiovascular manifestations together may be helpful in the evaluation of PE severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing recognition that pulmonary artery stiffness is an important determinant of right ventricular (RV) afterload in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to evaluate the mechanical properties of the elastic pulmonary arteries (PA) in subjects with PAH, and assessed the effects of PAH-specific therapy on indices of arterial stiffness. Method: Using IVUS and simultaneous right heart catheterisation, 20 pulmonary segments in 8 PAH subjects and 12 pulmonary segments in 8 controls were studied to determine their compliance, distensibility, elastic modulus and stiffness index b. PAH subjects underwent repeat IVUS examinations after 6-months of bosentan therapy. Results: At baseline, PAH subjects demonstrated greater stiffness in all measured indices compared to controls: compliance (1.50α0.11x10-2 mm2/mmHg vs 4.49α0.43x10-2 mm2/mmHg, p<0.0001), distensibility (0.32α0.03%/mmHg vs 1.1860.13%/mmHg, p<0.0001), elastic modulus (720664 mmHg vs 198619 mmHg, p<0.0001), and stiffness index b (15.0α1.4 vs 11.0α0.7, p = 0.046). Strong inverse exponential associations existed between mean pulmonary artery pressure and compliance (r2 = 0.82, p<0.0001), and also between mean PAP and distensibility (r2 = 0.79, p = 0.002). Bosentan therapy, for 6-months, was not associated with any significant changes in all indices of PA stiffness. Conclusion: Increased stiffness occurs in the proximal elastic PA in patients with PAH and contributes to the pathogenesis RV failure. Bosentan therapy may not be effective at improving PA stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of numerous non-invasive examinations the “gold clinical standard” of cardiac output measurements is the invasive pulmonary artery catheterization by means of the Swan-Ganz catheter and the application of the thermodilution method to estimate the blood flow. The results obtained by means of thermodilution are sensitive to many physical and biological disturbances. The unreliability of this method amounts to 20-45% and depends on the given variant of the method. Therefore some other method, more accurate and resistant to disturbances, was looked for. This paper presents a new approach to cardiac output measurements, based on cross-correlation signal analysis. The goal of investigations was to verify experimentally the application of the cross-correlation method of cardiac output measurements.Results: In 99.2% of the examined cases the extreme of the cross-correlation function was easy to be estimated by numerical algorithms. In 0,8% of the remaining cases (with a plateau region adjacent to the maximum point)numerical detection of the extreme was inaccurate. The typical unreliability of the investigated method amounted to 5.1% (9.8% in the worst case). Investigations performed on a physical model revealed that the unreliability of cardiac output measurements by means of the cross-correlation method is 3–5 times better than in the case of thermodilution. Conclusions: The performed investigations and theoretical analysis have shown, that the cross-correlation method may be applied in cardiac output measurements. This kind of measurements seems to be more accurate and disturbance-resistant than clinically applied thermodilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A patient was scheduled for open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and the procedure was performed without complication. The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was unintentionally placed in the coronary sinus via an undiagnosed persistent left superior vena cava anomaly. Interpreting the waveform produced by the PAC in standard and abnormal locations such as the coronary sinus is equally as important as measuring and monitoring hemodynamic status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study that investigated the rates of pulmonary artery catheter use in multiple centers over 5 years and the variables involved in their use. The study involved the assessment of 5 years worth of records of 15,006 patients who underwent pulmonary catheter use within the first two days of intensive care unit admission. Results revealed that there was a less than 50% reduction in the rate of pulmonary artery catheter use over five years.

Evaluating the systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) is important in the hemodynamic management of the critically ill patients with circulatory failure. Echocardiography is considered the standard monitor for estimating the LV function at the bedside in the intensive care unit. However, it requires a trained operator and is not a real-time monitoring tool. For monitoring of the systolic function, the pulmonary artery catheter has been the gold standard for a long time. However, now there are alternatives to this device, with transpulmonary thermodilution being one of them. This paper provides an overview of the usefulness of the transpulmonary thermodilution-derived indices for assessing systolic function at the bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in clinical practice. Some studies have indicated poor outcome in patients who were monitored with PAC. However, these studies, which have condemned the use of PAC, were conducted on patients in intensive care units, where the clinical scenarios with regard to patients' status are somewhat different as compared to those of a cardiac operating room. This study was designed to identify the indications of PAC use in cardiac operating rooms. A questionnaire was mailed to anasthesiologists in cardiac centers and the response was analyzed. The practicing cardiac anesthesiologists recommended the use of PAC for following indications in cardiac surgery: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with poor left ventricular (LV) function, LV aneurysmectomy, recent myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, acute ventricular septal rupture and insertion of left ventricular assist device (LVAD).The analysis of responses from practicing anesthesiologists clearly indicates that use of a PAC cannot be recommended as a matter of routine, but a definite role is suggested in selected groups of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of increasing pulmonary artery band (PAB) diameter by catheter-based PAB balloon dilation (PABBD). Eight dilations were performed between October 2006 and December 2008. Hemoclips were used to fix PABs surgically in a procedure designed to permit progressive clip dislodgment in a controlled manner. The PABBD resulted in gradual band loosening until the desired physiologic state was achieved. At time of PABBD, the patients had a mean age of 6 months (range 3-14 months) and a mean weight of 5 kg (range 2.6-7.3 kg). The median time from PAB placement until PABBD was 4.5 months (range 1-9 months). The single-balloon technique was used in seven cases (serial dilations in 5 cases) and the double-balloon technique in one case. The PABBDs were successful for all the patients, who experienced a mean saturation increase of 75-89% ( P = 0.01) (mean increase of 20%), a mean PAB gradient decrease from 69 to 36 mmHg ( P = 0.002) (mean decrease of 49%), and a mean band site diameter increase from 4.1 to 6.1 mm ( P = 0.01) (mean increase of 45%). The only complication was transient pulmonary edema in one patient. The PABBD procedure is a feasible and safe method for increasing pulmonary blood flow in a staged manner and may eliminate the need for surgical band removal in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The direct effects of adenosine A1 receptor antagonists on haemodynamic parameters in patients with acute heart failure (HF) remain largely unknown. Methods and results We evaluated the haemodynamic effects of the AA1RA rolofylline in 59 HF patients with concomitant renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance 20–80 mL/min). Placebo or rolofylline 30 mg was administered as a 4 h infusion followed by intravenous (i.v.) loop diuretic administration. Haemodynamic measurements were carried out hourly up to 8 h post-dosing by pulmonary artery catheterization. Urine output, fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, urea, and uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were also measured. In both groups, the changes from baseline in all haemodynamic indices except mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were not clinically significant. Mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] PAP showed a placebo-adjusted decrease with rolofylline of −1.5 (−4.1, 1.1)mmHg at Hour 4 and −3.5 mmHg (95% CI: −6.2, −0.2) at Hour 8. There was a significant increase with rolofylline in diuresis [placebo-corrected mean (95% CI) change of 68 (20, 116)mL/h at Hour 2–4 and 103 (21, 185)mL/h at Hour 4–8] and in fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, and uric acid. Placebo-corrected changes in plasma levels of creatinine and BUN with rolofylline were non-significant. Conclusion Single administration of rolofylline in patients with HF and impaired renal function produced a slight decrease in mean PAP and consistently increased diuresis and natriuresis without compromising renal function, both before and after administration of i.v. loop diuretics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary sequestrations have been conventionally treated surgically with removal of the tissue mass and ligation of its feeding vessels. There is established evidence to support the use of transcatheter arterial coil embolisation as an effective definitive treatment option for extralobar sequestration especially in the paediatric literature describing good long-term clinical outcomes. We present a case of an adult with intralobar sequestration in whom the diagnosis was established with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and in whom transcatheter arterial coil embolisation was successfully performed as a definitive treatment option to support the growing body of evidence of transcatheter arterial coil embolisation as a safe and effective treatment option for both form of pulmonary sequestrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broilers that are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS, ascites) have an elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) when compared with PHS-resistant broilers. Two distinctly different syndromes, pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH), both are associated with increases in PAP. Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when the right ventricle must elevate the PAP to overcome increased resistance to flow through restrictive pulmonary arterioles upstream from the pulmonary capillaries. In contrast, PVH is commonly caused by increased downstream (postcapillary) resistance. The sites of resistance to pulmonary blood flow are deduced by making contemporaneous measurements of the PAP and the wedge pressure (WP) and calculating the transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) (TPG = PAP - WP). We obtained PAP and WP values from 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-, and 24-wk-old anesthetized male and female broilers from a PHS-susceptible line. Pressures were recorded as a catheter was advanced through a wing vein to the pulmonary artery and onward until the WP was obtained. In addition to sex and age comparisons of vascular pressure gradients, the data also were pooled to obtain 3 cohorts for broilers having the lowest PAP values (n = 52; range: 12 to 22.9 mmHg), intermediate PAP values (n = 63; range: 23 to 32.9 mmHg), and highest PAP values (n = 62; range: 33 to 62 mmHg) independent of age or sex. Within each of the age, sex, and PAP cohort comparisons, broilers with elevated PAP consistently exhibited the hemodynamic characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension (elevated PAP and TPG combined with a normal WP) and not PVH (elevated PAP and WP combined with a normal or reduced TPG). Susceptibility to PHS can be attributed primarily to pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with increased precapillary (arteriole) resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the intermediate-term effects of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure on cardiac remodeling in children and adult patients. Between December 2003 and February 2009, 117 patients (48 males, 50 adults) underwent transcatheter ASD closure with the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). The mean age of the patients was 15 years, and the mean follow-up period was 25.9 ± 12.4 months. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, electrocardiographic parameters, and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) examination were evaluated before the ASD closure, then 1 day, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly afterward. Transcatheter ASD closure was successfully performed for 112 (96%) of the 117 patients. The mean ASD diameter measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was 14.0 ± 4.2 mm, and the mean diameter stretched with a sizing balloon was 16.6 ± 4.8 mm. The mean size of the implanted device was 18.6 ± 4.9 mm. The Qp/Qs ratio was 2.2 ± 0.8. The mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 40 ± 10 mmHg. At the end of the mean follow-up period of 2 years, the indexed right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic diameter had decreased from 36 ± 5 to 30 ± 5 mm/m2 ( p = 0.005), and the indexed left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter had increased from 33 ± 5 to 37 ± 6 mm/m2 ( p = 0.001), resulting in an RV/LV ratio decreased from 1.1 ± 0.2 to 0.8 ± 0.2 ( p = 0.001). The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional capacity of the patients was improved significantly 24 months after ASD closure (1.9 ± 0.5 to 1.3 ± 0.5; p = 0.001). At the 2-year follow up electrocardiographic examination, the P maximum had decreased from 128 ± 15 to 102 ± 12 ms ( p = 0.001), the P dispersion had decreased from 48 ± 11 to 36 ± 9 ms ( p = 0.001), and the QT dispersion had decreased from 66 ± 11 to 54 ± 8 ms ( p = 0.001). Five of six patients experienced resolution of their preclosure arrhythmias, whereas the remaining patient continued to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A new arrhythmia (supraventricular tachycardia) developed in one patient and was well controlled medically. Transcatheter ASD closure leads to a significant improvement in clinical status and heart cavity dimensions in adults and children, as shown by intermediate-term follow-up evaluation. Transcatheter ASD closure can reverse electrical and mechanical changes in atrial myocardium, resulting in a subsequent reduction in P maximum and P dispersion times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase is critically involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury resulting from combined burn and smoke inhalation injury. We hypothesized that 7-nitroindazole, a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, blocks central molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of this double-hit insult. Twenty-five adult ewes were surgically prepared and randomly allocated to 1) an uninjured, untreated sham group (n = 7), 2) an injured control group with no treatment (n = 7), 3) an injury group treated with 7-nitroindazole from 1-h postinjury to the remainder of the 24-h study period (n = 7), or 4) a sham-operated group subjected only to 7-nitroindazole to judge the effects in health. The combination injury was associated with twofold increased activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and oxidative/nitrosative stress, as indicated by significant increases in plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations, 3-nitrotyrosine (an indicator of peroxynitrite formation), and malondialdehyde lung tissue content. The presence of systemic inflammation was evidenced by twofold, sixfold, and threefold increases in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, IL-8, and myeloperoxidase lung tissue concentrations, respectively (each P < 0.05 vs. sham). These molecular changes were linked to tissue damage, airway obstruction, and pulmonary shunting with deteriorated gas exchange. 7-Nitroindazole blocked, or at least attenuated, all these pathological changes. Our findings suggest 1) that nitric oxide formation derived from increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity represents a pivotal reactive agent in the patho- physiology of combined burn and smoke inhalation injury and 2) that selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition represents a goal- directed approach to attenuate the degree of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to obtain ventilation and haemodynamic data of healthy piglets under general anaesthesia for future patho-physiological experimental studies. A total of 34 domestic piglets of the Czech Black Pied (Preštice) breed were used in the study. The animals (male to female ratio 8 : 9) were six weeks old and their average body mass was 22 kg. A general anaesthetic (fentanyl and azaperon) was introduced via a pulmonary artery catheter and the spontaneously breathing animals were monitored for 60 min. Cardiac output and haemodynamic indicators were established using intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution. Blood gas data were deduced using fan dynamic parameters of ventilation and ventilation indices. The study yielded reliable data of dynamic lung indicators (p < 0.05); e.g. the tidal volume 6.00 ± 0.82 ml/kg, hypoxemic index 350.47 ± 42.50 mmHg, lung compliance 0.63 ± 0.12 ml/cmH2O/kg, and haemodynamic indicators (p < 0.01) such as cardiac output 2.12 ± 0.75 l/min, pulmonary vascular resistance 3.92 ± 0.52 and systemic vascular resistance 15.8 ± 6.81 Woods units. Reliable data regarding lung dynamics, cardiac output, preload and afterload of both heart ventricles in spontaneously breathing healthy piglets under general anaesthesia were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic dilatation of pulmonary arteries (IDPA) is a rare abnormality of pulmonary arteries, the reported incidence in literature being as low as 0.007% in autopsy samples. With the improvement in diagnostic modalities, antemortem diagnosis of IDPA has been increasingly established by excluding diseases that induce pulmonary arterial enlargement. Here, we present a rare case of idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery admitted with shortness of breath where IDPA was diagnosed as an incidental finding using computed tomography pulmonary angiography and cardiac catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left atrial dissection (LAD) is a rare complication and is defined as a gap from the mitral or tricuspid annular area to the interatrial septum or left atrial wall. Because of its low incidence, this entity is not fully understood. LAD is related to mitral valve surgery as well as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, trauma, and tumors, and occurs spontaneously. Transesophageal echocardiography is the most useful diagnostic modality for LAD, but multimodality investigation supports accurate diagnosis. We experienced a case of LAD related to retrograde cardioplegia cannula insertion which was treated successfully with internal drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlates and consequences of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are poorly understood. Patients undergoing pulmonary artery catheterization within 6 months of an overnight polysomnography showing OSA were included in the present analysis. A total of 83 patients with complete data were analyzed (no PH, n = 25 [30%]; PH, 58 [70%]; of these, 18 had a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of <15 mm Hg). No significant differences were observed between the PH and no PH groups regarding age or apnea-hypopnea index. The correlates of PH were elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (p <0.001), body mass index (p = 0.026), female gender (p = 0.01), nocturnal desaturation (82% vs 18%), and forced vital capacity <70% (p = 0.04) on univariate analysis and female gender (p = 0.03), age <49 years (p = 0.02), body mass index of ≥26 kg/m2 (p = 0.08), and right ventricular systolic pressure of ≥30 mm Hg (p <0.001) on multivariate analysis. Patients with PH had a lower 6-minute walk distance (285.5 ± 122 m vs 343 ± 213 m, p = 0.4). The survival rate at 1, 4, and 8 years for patients with PH was 93%, 75%, and 43% compared to 100%, 90%, and 76% for patients without PH, respectively. Patients with severe PH (n = 27; 33%) had more nocturnal desaturation (p = 0.045), worse pulmonary hemodynamics, and greater mortality (37%) than the groups with mild or moderate PH (16%) or no PH (16%). In conclusion, our results have shown that, although generally mild to moderate, severe PH can occur in patients with OSA. Female gender, younger age, obesity, and nocturnal desaturation were associated with PH. PH can cause functional limitations and increased mortality in patients with OSA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The accurate measurement of Cardiac output (CO) is vital in guiding the treatment of critically ill patients. Invasive or minimally invasive measurement of CO is not without inherent risks to the patient. Skilled Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing staff are in an ideal position to assess changes in CO following therapeutic measures. The USCOM (Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor) device is a non-invasive CO monitor whose clinical utility and ease of use requires testing. Objectives: To compare cardiac output measurement using a non-invasive ultrasonic device (USCOM) operated by a non-echocardiograhically trained ICU Registered Nurse (RN), with the conventional pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) using both thermodilution and Fick methods. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting and participants: Between April 2006 and March 2007, we evaluated 30 spontaneously breathing patients requiring PAC for assessment of heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension at a tertiary level cardiothoracic hospital. Methods: SCOM CO was compared with thermodilution measurements via PAC and CO estimated using a modified Fick equation. This catheter was inserted by a medical officer, and all USCOM measurements by a senior ICU nurse. Mean values, bias and precision, and mean percentage difference between measures were determined to compare methods. The Intra-Class Correlation statistic was also used to assess agreement. The USCOM time to measure was recorded to assess the learning curve for USCOM use performed by an ICU RN and a line of best fit demonstrated to describe the operator learning curve. Results: In 24 of 30 (80%) patients studied, CO measures were obtained. In 6 of 30 (20%) patients, an adequate USCOM signal was not achieved. The mean difference (±standard deviation) between USCOM and PAC, USCOM and Fick, and Fick and PAC CO were small, −0.34±0.52L/min, −0.33±0.90L/min and −0.25±0.63L/min respectively across a range of outputs from 2.6L/min to 7.2L/min. The percent limits of agreement (LOA) for all measures were −34.6% to 17.8% for USCOM and PAC, −49.8% to 34.1% for USCOM and Fick and −36.4% to 23.7% for PAC and Fick. Signal acquisition time reduced on average by 0.6min per measure to less than 10min at the end of the study. Conclusions: In 80% of our cohort, USCOM, PAC and Fick measures of CO all showed clinically acceptable agreement and the learning curve for operation of the non-invasive USCOM device by an ICU RN was found to be satisfactorily short. Further work is required in patients receiving positive pressure ventilation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]