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Le rayon X est l'allié indispensable de l'angioplasticien, mais l'irradiation du patient et du personnel soignant en salle peut être pourvoyeuse de complications radio-induites (radiodermite, cataracte, tumeur cérébrale, etc.). L'exposition à des doses élevées ou répétées expose à un risque de survenue d'effets déterministes. Et, l'opérateur, et le patient encourent un risque aléatoire d'apparition d'effets stochastiques. Ces risques sont intimement liés à la dose absorbée. Dans ce contexte, la radioprotection constitue un enjeu de santé publique. Elle repose sur le principe ALARA qui consiste à optimiser la dose, c'est-à-dire à utiliser autant de rayonnement utile pour fournir une imagerie adéquate mais pas plus de rayonnement que nécessaire. Ainsi, les mesures et principes de radioprotection, rappelés dans cet article, doivent être maîtrisés par tout cardiologue interventionnel. Dans une démarche d'amélioration des pratiques, il paraît indispensable d'évaluer et comparer les données dosimétriques liées aux procédures de cardiologie interventionnelle. Le registre France-PCI a permis de recueillir, sur l'année 2020, les données dosimétriques de 55 783 procédures coronaires menées dans 30 centres français. En moyenne, une coronarographie diagnostique nécessitait un temps de scopie de 4,4 minutes, un PDS de 1 767cGy.Cm2 et un Air Kerma de 257 Gy. Ces doses sont doublées voire triplées pour les procédures d'angioplasties. Enfin les traitements des occlusions chroniques apparaissaient comme responsables d'une irradiation plus de deux fois supérieures aux angioplasties conventionnelles. On constate par ailleurs une importante disparité des doses moyennes par procédure selon les centres considérés. Although indispensable, radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization procedures can cause specific radiation-induced diseases. These affect the patient but also the interventional cardiologist. Exposure to high or repeated radiation doses causes deterministic effects. Moreover, even low-dose exposure, especially when repeated, produces a risk of stochastic effets. In that respect, it is crucial to improve the radiation safety of cardiac angiography and interventions, to promote radiation protection and to maintain this exposure « As Low As Reasonably Achievable ». Thus, there is a necessity to spread knowledge about safety standards and recommandations to reduces the dose among interventionalists. Data collection and comparaison of practices are precious to this quality improvement process. For the year 2020, France-PCI registry had collected dosimetric datas related to 55 783 coronary angiographic and interventional procedures from 30 centers in France. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4,4 minutes for diagnostic procedures. Mean PDS was 1 767cGy.Cm2 and mean Air Kerma de 257Gy. Coronary percutaneous angioplasty procedures were related to approximately two to three times higher mean exposures. Mean exposure related to chronic coronary total occlusion treatment procedures was also two times higher than exposure related to non-CTO interventions. These data also highlighted wide disparities between centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iatrogenic aorto-coronary dissection (IACD) is a rare complication of interventional and surgical cardiac procedures, with a very high mortality burden. Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old female with a past medical history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, mild to moderate aortic insufficiency, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, who presented with classic anginal symptoms and underwent a cardiac catheterization, during which she suffered Iatrogenic right coronary artery (RCA) dissection and ascending aortic dissection resulting in sudden death. IACD is a rare complication, with a fatal prognosis. Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are considered safe, with a low risk of major complications including coronary perforations, and a very low risk of Iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD). The coronary injury occurs more commonly during PCI of chronic total occlusion (CTO) or RCA interventions and can extend to the aortic root. IAD is often fatal and has worse outcomes than spontaneous dissection., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Pamulapati et al.)

More than one million cardiac catheterization procedures are performed each year in the United States for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Obtaining access through the radial artery has gained popularity in recent years due to its economic as well as its morbidity and mortality benefits over femoral artery access. However, with any invasive procedure there are associated risks, including arteriovenous fistula formation. This case illustrates the formation of an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula as a complication of transradial coronary catheterization. Albeit rare, this case will discuss the presentation and clinical course of a patient who was diagnosed with a radial arteriovenous fistula seven weeks post-cardiac catheterization. Ultimately, she underwent direct surgical repair with ligation of the venous branches of the arteriovenous circulation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Senger et al.)

Abstract: Late‐onset paroxysmal AVB has been described as a rare complication after HT and has been associated with AR or CAV. We describe 4 pediatric HT recipients who developed paroxysmal AVB hours after routine cardiac catheterization in the absence of AR, CAV, or underlying conduction system disease. Four pediatric HT recipients who were >1 year post‐transplant had episodes of paroxysmal AVB hours after surveillance cardiac catheterization with EMB. Telemetry demonstrated high‐grade block, ranging from 2:1 AVB to complete AVB without ventricular escape for several seconds. None of the patients had significant AR or rapidly progressive CAV. Supplemental testing did not reveal underlying conduction system disease. Three of the 4 patients received permanent pacemakers, although subsequent interrogations showed minimal ventricular pacing. These pediatric HT recipients had paroxysmal AVB hours after cardiac catheterization in the absence of significant AR, CAV, or underlying conduction system disease. Subsequent pacemaker interrogations showed minimal ventricular pacing, suggesting these were isolated episodes. These cases suggest that mechanisms in addition to AR and CAV may cause paroxysmal AVB in pediatric HT recipients, warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat degenerative heart valve disease. The implantation requires a highly specific and interdisciplinary management approach. Currently, TAVI is performed with the patient under local or general anaesthesia. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of all TAVI procedures performed at the University Hospital of Regensburg between January 2009 and July 2015. All pre-, intra and postoperative data focusing on perioperative complications were recorded. Results: A total of 853 transfemoral- and transapical-TAVI patients were included in the study. All patients underwent general anaesthesia. The ASA classifications were primarily 3–4. The average logistic EuroScores for the transfemoral- and transapical-TAVI patients were 18 ± 12% and 21 ± 15% (p = 0.002), respectively. The anaesthesia coverage time was 170 ± 49 min., including 37 ± 12 minutes for anaesthetic management. Overall, 458 complications were recorded; with pneumonia, acute renal failure, indication for a permanent pacemaker and non-extubation in the operating theatre the most frequently recorded complications. Conclusion: In the present study, we showed that our patients’ outcomes are comparable to those reported in the available literature. Compared to TF, TA patients show an overall worse physical condition as well as a higher perioperative morbidity and mortality. Consequently TA patients need additional care and should only be operated in appropriately experienced medical centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the Fontan procedure, patients with single ventricle physiology with Glenn shunt are typically referred for cardiac catheterization to assess hemodynamics and potentially provide interventional measures. Currently, echocardiography provides detailed information which together with other non-invasive imaging such as CT scan and MRI may obviate the need for routine cardiac catheterization prior to the Fontan procedure. In this study, we examine the findings in cardiac catheterization in this population to determine: (a) the accuracy of echocardiography in providing adequate information prior to the Fontan procedure, particularly in identifying those in need of per-catheter intervention, and (b) the percentage of patients requiring interventional procedures during cardiac catheterization. We performed a retrospective chart review of echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data for patients who underwent pre-Fontan cardiac catheterization at our center in the period from 02/01/2008 to 02/28/2017. We aimed to re-examine the necessity of routine cardiac catheterization in all single ventricle patients. This was performed through examining pre-catheterization echocardiography reports and comparing them to findings of the subsequent cardiac catheterization reports. Echocardiography reports were evaluated for accuracy in identifying significant anatomical or hemodynamic findings, which may impact success of Fontan procedure as well as the ability of echocardiography to predict findings important to know prior to the Fontan procedure. In this cohort of 40 children, 3 patients were found to have significant hemodynamic findings through cardiac catheterization which were not previously known by echocardiography. In addition, 28 out of 40 patients (70%) required interventional procedures to address significant abnormalities (systemic to pulmonary arterial collaterals, pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic arch stenosis, etc.). All cases of aortic arch stenosis were detected by echocardiography, however, all patients who required systemic to pulmonary arterial or left SVC embolization were not detected by echocardiography. Furthermore, echocardiography did not detect the need for branch pulmonary artery stenosis in 50% of cases. Cardiac catheterization appears to be an essential part of patient assessment prior to Fontan completion in patients with single ventricle physiology. This current practice may change in the future if a non-invasive screening tool is found to have high positive and negative predictive values in identifying the subset of patients who require potential intervention in pre-Fontan cardiac catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was designed to gain insight into the patient characteristics, results and possible complications of ablation procedures for symptomatic idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVC) and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT).Methods: Data were collected from all patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for symptomatic PVCs and idiopathic VT in the Catharina Hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015. The procedural endpoint was elimination or non-inducibility of the clinical arrhythmia. Successful sustained ablation was defined as the persistent elimination of at least 80% of the PVCs or the absence of VTs at follow-up. In case of suspected PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, the systolic left ventricular function was reassessed 3 months post procedure.Results: Our cohort consisted of 131 patients who underwent one or more ablation procedures; 99 because of symptomatic premature ventricular complexes, 32 because of idiopathic VT. In total 147 procedures were performed. The procedural ablation success rate was 89%. Successful sustained ablation rate was 82%. Eighteen (13.2%) patients had suspected PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. In 15 of them (83%), successful sustained ablation was achieved and the left ventricular ejection fraction improved from a mean of 39% (±8.8) to 55.4% (±8.1). Most arrhythmias originated from the right ventricular outflow tract (60%) or aortic cusps (13%). Complications included three tamponades.Conclusion: Catheter ablation therapy for idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias is very effective with a sustained success rate of 82%. In patients with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, it leads to improvement of systolic left ventricular function. However, risk for complications is not negligible, even in experienced hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Targeted temperature management (TTM) contributes to improved neurological outcome in adults who have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest with shockable rhythm. Endovascular cooling catheters are widely used to induce and maintain targeted temperature in the ICU. The aim of the study was to compare the risk of complications with cooling catheters and standard central venous catheters.Materials and Methods: In this prospective single-centre cohort study, we included all patients admitted to an intensive care unit for successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest that required endovascular TTM (Coolgard®, Zoll™ Medical corporation, MA, USA), between August 2012 and November 2014, inclusive. We matched the endovascular cooling catheter cohort with a retrospective historical cohort of 512 central femoral venous catheters from the 3SITES trial to compare thrombotic and infectious complications.Results: Overall, 108 patients were included in the cooling cohort, of which 89 had ultrasound doppler. The duration of catheterization was 4.9 days in the control group versus 4.2 days in the TTM group (p = 0.08). After propensity-score matching, there were significantly more thrombotic complications in the cooling (n = 75) than in the control (n = 75) group (12 of 75 (16%) versus 0 of 75 (0%), respectively, p = 0.005), and 4 patients presented major complications. There were 8 colonized catheters in each group (11%) (p > 0.99), and none of the patients had a catheter-related bloodstream infection.Conclusions: In our propensity-score matched study, endovascular cooling catheters were associated with an increased risk of venous catheter-related thrombosis compared to standard central venous catheters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation and disposition of low-risk chest pain (CP) patients in the emergency department (ED) is time consuming and expensive. Low-risk CP often results in hospital admission to rule out myocardial infarction, which leads to additional costs and delays.Objective: Our aim was to assess whether an immediate exercise stress echocardiogram (IESE) in the ED will allow safe, efficient, and cost-effective evaluation and discharge of patients with low-risk CP.Methods: Low-risk CP patients (TIMI [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction] score 0-1) presenting to the ED with normal electrocardiogram, no history of coronary artery disease, and negative troponin T received IESE. We followed these patients for major adverse cardiac events and compared them to a control cohort of similar-risk patients admitted with traditional care at 1 and 6 months.Results: We enrolled 216 patients, 117 IESE and 109 control. We obtained follow-up at 1 and 6 months in 94% of the IESE group and 88% in the control group. There was no difference in diagnostic catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention between the 2 groups (6.0% and 1.7% vs. 6.4% and 1.8%; p = 0.89). Median time from triage to discharge was significantly shorter with IESE (572.6 min vs. 1466.0 min), resulting in significantly lower cost ($4380.50 vs. $6191.70). There were no adverse events related to IESE or early discharge.Conclusions: In our study, IESE for low-risk CP patients presenting to the ED has the potential to be equally safe, more expeditious, and more cost effective than admission to an observation unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chyloptysis is reflux of chyle into the lungs and is a rare manifestation of primary chylous disorders.Case Presentation: Over 29 months, on the basis of x-rays, a 33-year-old female was repeatedly misdiagnosed with recurrent right-sided pneumonia; her symptoms included a recurrent cough, the appearance of cheese-like sputum, and diffuse pulmonary exudates. There was a history that abundant fluid in the pericardium was confirmed with echocardiography to have been present and asymptomatic for 4 years. Lymphangiography and surgery confirmed that the terminal portion of the thoracic duct was compressed by thick fibrous tissue and the vascular sheath of the internal jugular vein. Chyloptysis caused by high peribronchial lymphatic pressure was diagnosed and surgical intervention relieved the symptoms.Conclusion: Chyloptysis is rare and easy to misdiagnose but is a typical symptom of chylous reflux syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk standardization for adverse events after congenital cardiac catheterization is needed to equitably compare patient outcomes among different hospitals as a foundation for quality improvement. The goal of this project was to develop a risk-standardization methodology to adjust for patient characteristics when comparing major adverse outcomes in the NCDR's (National Cardiovascular Data Registry) IMPACT Registry (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment).Methods: Between January 2011 and March 2014, 39 725 consecutive patients within IMPACT undergoing cardiac catheterization were identified. Given the heterogeneity of interventional procedures for congenital heart disease, new procedure-type risk categories were derived with empirical data and expert opinion, as were markers of hemodynamic vulnerability. A multivariable hierarchical logistic regression model to identify patient and procedural characteristics predictive of a major adverse event or death after cardiac catheterization was derived in 70% of the cohort and validated in the remaining 30%.Results: The rate of major adverse event or death was 7.1% and 7.2% in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Six procedure-type risk categories and 6 independent indicators of hemodynamic vulnerability were identified. The final risk adjustment model included procedure-type risk category, number of hemodynamic vulnerability indicators, renal insufficiency, single-ventricle physiology, and coagulation disorder. The model had good discrimination, with a C-statistic of 0.76 and 0.75 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Model calibration in the validation cohort was excellent, with a slope of 0.97 (standard error, 0.04; P value [for difference from 1] =0.53) and an intercept of 0.007 (standard error, 0.12; P value [for difference from 0] =0.95).Conclusions: The creation of a validated risk-standardization model for adverse outcomes after congenital cardiac catheterization can support reporting of risk-adjusted outcomes in the IMPACT Registry as a foundation for quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Transradial catheterization (TRC) is a dominant access site for coronary catheterization and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in many centers. Previous studies reported higher intimal thickness of the radial artery (RA) wall in patients with a previous history of TRC. In this investigation the aim was to assess the intimal changes of RA using the optical coherence tomography (OCT) intravascular imaging in a serial manner. Methods and results: 100 patients with the diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (nSTEMI) treated by PCI were enrolled (6 patients were excluded from this analysis because of occluded RA at follow-up [2 patients] and insufficient quality of OCT images [4 patients]). An 54mm long OCT run of the RA was performed immediately after the index PCI and repeated 9 months later. Volumetric analyses of the intimal layer and lumen changes were conducted. Median intimal volume at baseline versus 9 months was 33.9mm3 (19.0; 69.4) versus 39.0mm3 (21.7; 72.6) (p<0.001); and median arterial lumen volume was 356.3mm3 (227.8; 645.3) versus 304.7mm3 (186.1; 582.7) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the effect of any clinical factor on the RA volume changes. Conclusions: OCT volumetric analyses at baseline and 9 months showed a significant increase in the radial artery intimal layer volume and a decrease in lumen volume after transradial PCI. No significant factors affecting this process were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive video-assisted epicardial beating heart ablation for lone atrial fibrillation claims to be safe and effective. We, however, report on three patients with an atrioesophageal fistula after this procedure. The exact pathogenesis of this complication is unknown. All patients presented around 6 weeks after surgery with either fever or neurological deficits. Diagnosis can be made by computed tomography scan. We advocate an aggressive surgical approach with closure of the atrial defect on cardiopulmonary bypass and closure and reinforcement of the esophagus with an intercostal muscle flap in a single-stage surgery. Some caution as to the low-risk character of this procedure seems to be realistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subclinical leaflet thrombosis of bioprosthetic aortic valves after transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been found with CT imaging. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence of subclinical leaflet thrombosis in surgical and transcatheter aortic valves and the effect of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on the subclinical leaflet thrombosis and subsequent valve haemodynamics and clinical outcomes on the basis of two registries of patients who had CT imaging done after TAVR or SAVR.Methods: Patients enrolled between Dec 22, 2014, and Jan 18, 2017, in the RESOLVE registry, and between June 2, 2014, and Sept 28, 2016, in the SAVORY registry, had CT imaging done with a dedicated four-dimensional volume-rendered imaging protocol at varying intervals after TAVR and SAVR. We defined subclinical leaflet thrombosis as the presence of reduced leaflet motion, along with corresponding hypoattenuating lesions shown with CT. We collected data for baseline demographics, antithrombotic therapy, and clinical outcomes. We analysed all CT scans, echocardiograms, and neurological events in a masked fashion.Findings: Of the 931 patients who had CT imaging done (657 [71%] in the RESOLVE registry and 274 [29%] in the SAVORY registry), 890 [96%] had interpretable CT scans (626 [70%] in the RESOLVE registry and 264 [30%] in the SAVORY registry). 106 (12%) of 890 patients had subclinical leaflet thrombosis, including five (4%) of 138 with thrombosis of surgical valves versus 101 (13%) of 752 with thrombosis of transcatheter valves (p=0·001). The median time from aortic valve replacement to CT for the entire cohort was 83 days (IQR 33-281). Subclinical leaflet thrombosis was less frequent among patients receiving anticoagulants (eight [4%] of 224) than among those receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (31 [15%] of 208; p<0·0001); NOACs were equally as effective as warfarin (three [3%] of 107 vs five [4%] of 117; p=0·72). Subclinical leaflet thrombosis resolved in 36 (100%) of 36 patients (warfarin 24 [67%]; NOACs 12 [33%]) receiving anticoagulants, whereas it persisted in 20 (91%) of 22 patients not receiving anticoagulants (p<0·0001). A greater proportion of patients with subclinical leaflet thrombosis had aortic valve gradients of more than 20 mm Hg and increases in aortic valve gradients of more than 10 mm Hg (12 [14%] of 88) than did those with normal leaflet motion (seven [1%] of 632; p<0·0001). Although stroke rates were not different between those with (4·12 strokes per 100 person-years) or without (1·92 strokes per 100 person-years) reduced leaflet motion (p=0·10), subclinical leaflet thrombosis was associated with increased rates of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs; 4·18 TIAs per 100 person-years vs 0·60 TIAs per 100 person-years; p=0·0005) and all strokes or TIAs (7·85 vs 2·36 per 100 person-years; p=0·001).Interpretation: Subclinical leaflet thrombosis occurred frequently in bioprosthetic aortic valves, more commonly in transcatheter than in surgical valves. Anticoagulation (both NOACs and warfarin), but not dual antiplatelet therapy, was effective in prevention or treatment of subclinical leaflet thrombosis. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis was associated with increased rates of TIAs and strokes or TIAs. Despite excellent outcomes after TAVR with the new-generation valves, prevention and treatment of subclinical leaflet thrombosis might offer a potential opportunity for further improvement in valve haemodynamics and clinical outcomes.Funding: RESOLVE (Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute) and SAVORY (Rigshospitalet). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message Catheter-induced coronary dissection involving left main bifurcation is a rare complication during cardiac catheterization but can become lethal unless it is treated appropriately. Interventional cardiologists always have to pay attention to the risk of complications related to cardiac catheterization and prepare for determining the best bailout strategy for the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now an accepted pathway for aortic valve replacement for patients who are at prohibitive, severe and intermediate risk for traditional aortic valve surgery. However, with this rising uptrend and adaptation of this new technology, vascular complications and their management remain an Achilles heel for percutaneous aortic valve replacement. The vascular complications are an independent predictor of mortality for patients undergoing TAVR. Early recognition of these complications and appropriate management is paramount. In this article, we review the most commonly encountered vascular complications associated with currently approved TAVR devices and their optimal percutaneous management techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of radial artery occlusion (RAO) in patients undergoing coronary procedures via transradial catheterization (TRC). Methodology: This cross sectional study included patients who underwent coronary procedures successfully via TRC. Total duration of study was 6 months, from 3rd August 2015 to 2nd February 2016 and was done in Shifa International Hospital Islamabad. Information about coronary procedures, its length, RAO and interval of its occlusion was collected. Findings of the study were described as frequency and percentages. Secondary analysis of RAO with relation to age, gender, coronary procedures and its length was established. Results: Out of 141 patients that were enrolled for study, 68.8% were males . The mean age of patients was 57.62 ± 10.1years. Total of 39 (27.7%) patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiogram whereas 102 (72.3%) patients had PCI. RAO developed in 10 (7.1%) patients, statistically higher among age group above 50 years and in females. Conclusion: Relatively low incidence of RAO was found in our sample population undergoing coronary procedures via TRC, comparable with international studies and less than documented in other local studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Point-by-point catheter ablation is an established treatment for drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, it is time consuming, requires excellent technique to achieve complete pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, and is associated with severe complications.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a HotBalloon ablation (HBA) compared with antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ADT) for the treatment of PAF.Methods: A prospective multicenter randomized controlled study was conducted in Japan. Patients with symptomatic PAF refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs (Class I to IV) were randomized to HBA or ADT at a 2:1 ratio and assessed for effectiveness in a comparable 9-month follow-up period.Results: A total of 100 patients in the HBA group and 43 patients in the ADT group received treatment at 17 sites. HBA procedure produced acute complete PV isolation in 98.0% (392 of 400) of the PVs and in 93.0% (93 of 100) of patients in the HBA group. The chronic success rates after the 9-month effective evaluation period were 59.0% in the HBA group (n = 100) and 4.7% in the ADT group (n = 43; p < 0.001). The incidence of major complications was 11.2% (15 of 134 patients). The incidences of PV stenosis (>70%) and transient phrenic nerve injury were 5.2% and 3.7%, respectively. The mean fluoroscopy time was 49.4 ± 26.6 min (n = 134), and the mean procedure duration was 113.9 ± 31.9 min (n = 133).Conclusions: This study demonstrates the superiority of HBA compared with ADT for treatment of patients with PAF, and a favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of oral nicorandil on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. A total of 240 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60 mL/min or less, who were undergoing elective cardiac catheterization, were randomly assigned to nicorandil group ( n = 120, 10 mg nicorandil, three times daily from 2 days before to 3 days after procedure) or control group ( n = 120, matching placebo as the same method). The primary endpoint was the incidence of CIN defined as 25 % increase in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline or 44 μmol/L (0.5 mg/dL) increase in absolute value within 72 h after exposure to contrast medium. The secondary endpoints were: (1) the changes of SCr, Cystatin-C (Cys-C) and eGFR within 72 h; (2) major adverse events (MACE) occurring within 30 days. Baseline characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar. The incidence of CIN was significantly lower in nicorandil group compared with control group (6.67 vs. 17.5 %, P = 0.017). Compared with the control group, nicorandil group tended to have a lower SCr and Cys-C levels as well as a higher eGFR at 48 h after the procedure (all P < 0.05). There was no difference about the incidence of MACE within 30 days between nicorandil group and control group (4.16 vs. 5.83 %, P = 0.767). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that nicorandil was an independent protective factor against CIN (OR = 0.260, 95 % CI = 0.1-0.676, P = 0.006). Therefore, we concluded that oral nicorandil was associated with a decline in the incidence of CIN in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine whether ≥ moderate paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) independently impairs overall survival and how much the impact on survival is, we performed an updated meta-analysis pooling not unadjusted but adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). Methods Databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through January 2016 using PubMed and OVID. Search terms included paravalvular or perivalvular ; regurgitation , leak , or leakage ; percutaneous , transcatheter , transluminal , transarterial , transapical , transaortic , transcarotid , transaxillary , transsubclavian , transiliac , transfemoral , or transiliofemoral ; and aortic valve . Studies considered for inclusion met the following criteria: the design was an observational comparative study; the study population was patients undergoing TAVI; patients were divided into ≥ moderate and ≤ mild post-TAVI PAR; outcomes included ≥ 1-year all-cause mortality; and the adjustment method was a multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. An adjusted HR with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for ≥ moderate post-TAVI PAR was abstracted from each individual study. Results Our search identified 17 eligible studies including a total of 15,131 patients. A pooled analysis of all the 17 studies demonstrated a statistically significant 2.12-fold increase in mortality with ≥ moderate PAR (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.79 to 2.51; p < 0.00001). Exclusion of any single study from the meta-analysis did not substantively alter the overall result disfavoring ≥ moderate PAR. Although the statistical tests suggested funnel plot asymmetry, the corrected effect estimate from the trim-and-fill method demonstrated still a statistically significant 1.83-fold risk of mortality with ≥ moderate PAR. Conclusions ≥ Moderate post-TAVI PAR is associated with a 2.12-fold increase in overall (≥ 1-year) all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The efficacy of combining use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and sodium bicarbonate (SOB) in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear. Methods All relevant studies that compared the effect of combining the use of NAC and SOB with individual use on CIN in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and PCI were identified by searching the databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science without time and language limitation. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with full-text published were considered. Results Sixteen RCTs involving 4432 cases were included into this meta-analysis. The results showed there were no additional benefit in reduction of CIN in COM group (COM versus NAC: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70–1.03, P = 0.103; COM versus SOB: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71–1.16, P = 0.449), even in patients with diabetes mellitus (COM versus NAC: RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.71–1.75, P = 0.646; COM versus SOB: RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.45–2.47, P = 0.893), undergoing PCI procedure (COM versus NAC: RR0.76, 95% CI 0.39–1.47, P = 0.411; COM versus SOB: RR0.96, 95% CI 0.65–1.40, P = 0.814), or with baseline renal dysfunction (COM versus NAC: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.70–1.14, P = 0.366; COM versus SOB: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.67–1.36, P = 0.788). Conclusions The present study demonstrated combining use of NAC and SOB was not significantly superior to individual use method in the prevention of CIN after cardiac catheterization and PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been evaluated in several studies, but the pathomechanisms behind this phenomenon are not well described. Here, we assess the influence of TAVI on hemostasis-related biomarkers and their potential role in post-TAVI thrombocytopenia. Methods and Results We assessed perioperative platelet counts in 307 patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI. Additionally, hemostasis-related biomarkers including thrombin–anti-thrombin complex (TAT), prothrombin activation fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), plasmin–α₂-antiplasmin complex (PAP), and d-dimer were assessed in a subcohort of 35 patients. The course of these parameters was correlated with platelet counts and compared in patients with and without a relevant thrombocytopenia, i.e., a decline in platelet count of ≥ 50% compared to baseline. Levels of TAT (8.6 ± 8.7 μg/l), PAP (992 ± 597 μg/l), and d-dimer (1.43 ± 1.66 mg/l) were elevated above normal range before TAVI. TAT, F1 + 2, and d-dimer significantly increased after TAVI, and d-dimer as well as PAP remained elevated until day 7, indicating TAVI-induced increased thrombin formation associated with secondary fibrinolysis. Post-TAVI thrombocytopenia occurred in 17.9% of patients and was associated with a significantly higher incidence of post-TAVI complications, e.g. acute kidney injury and vascular complications. No impact of activated coagulation on thrombocytopenia was observed. Conclusions TAVI induces an increase in hemostasis-related biomarkers, which persists until 1 week after the procedure. The frequent finding of post-TAVI thrombocytopenia appears not to be linked to increased thrombin formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypotension, bradycardia, and contrast induced chest pain are potential complications of cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. Catheter-induced coronary spasm has been occasionally demonstrated, but its relationship to spontaneous coronary spasm is unclear. We describe a 64-year-old female who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in 1998 on the basis of an angiographic diagnosis of severe left main disease, who recently presented with increasingly frequent typical angina. Repeat coronary angiography was immediately complicated by severe chest pain, hypotension, and bradycardia but demonstrated only mild disease of the left main artery and entire coronary tree with complete occlusion of her prior grafts. This reaction was almost identical to that observed during her original coronary angiogram. We now believe her original angiogram was complicated by severe catheter-induced left main spasm, with the accompanying contrast reaction attributed to left main disease, and the occlusion of coronary grafts explained by the absence of significant left main disease. The combination of these symptoms has not been documented in the literature. In this instance, these manifestations erroneously led to coronary bypass surgery. It is unknown whether routine, systematic injection of intracoronary nitroglycerin prior to angiography might blunt the severity of such reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on transcatheter closure of secundrum atrial septal defect (ASD) and complications encountered by patients during the procedure.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) usually detected by s. creatinine, which rises after 48 hrs of insult causes delay in diagnosis and to take preventive or therapeutic measures. Hence amongst many neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is emerging as early, sensitive, and most promising biomarker of AKI both in urine and plasma. This prospective cross sectional observational study was carried out in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka from October 2011 to March 2012. A total of willing 100 adult patients undergoing elective coronary angiogram (CAG) with normal kidney function were included in this study. Our study defined contrast induced AKI (CI-AKI) as rise of serum creatinine by ≥25% or e"0.5 mg/dl from baseline after exposure to contrast media and urine NGAL e"100 ng/ml was taken as cut off value to predict AKI as calculated by ROC curve. The main outcome measures were urine NGAL at 4 hrs and serum creatinine at 48 hrs after CAG. Significant elevation of urine NGAL was noted in 9 patients after 4 hrs of CAG, of them 8 (8%) patients developed raised s. creatinine (AKI) after 48 hrs. Patient demographics and procedural factors were although statistically significant in few instances but none was predictive of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Arterial thrombosis is one of the most reported complications of cardiac catheterisation (CC) in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of arterial thrombosis in children with cardiac diseases (CDs). Methods During 12 consecutive months, all children aged 0-19 years undergoing CC of the femoral arteries were included in this observational study. After CC, clinical evaluation of impaired limb perfusion was performed according to local guidelines. Doppler ultrasonography was performed when decreased limb perfusion was suspected. Results 123 children (30% aged <12 months, 70% aged >12 months) underwent CC. Arterial thrombosis occurred in 14 of the 123 children (11.4%). Twelve cases (12/14=86%) of arterial thrombosis occurred in infants aged <12 months and 2 (2/14=14%) in older children. Overall younger age (p<0.01, OR (95% CI) 0.49 (0.28 to 0.86)) and low body weight (p<0.004, OR (95% CI) 0.78 (0.65 to 0.92)) were significantly associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis. Cyanotic CD (p=0.07, OR (95% CI) 2.87 (0.90 to 9.15)) showed a trend towards increased thrombotic risk. Conclusions Arterial thrombosis is a common complication of CC in infants. Diagnosis of CC-related arterial thrombosis remains a challenge. Well-defined clinical monitoring protocols may be valuable methods for timely detection and treatment of arterial thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain pediatric patients undergoing surgery for the most severe forms of congenital heart disease are exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation. The amount of cumulative radiation exposure from all modalities has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the cumulative radiation exposure in a contemporary cohort of patients with congenital heart disease undergoing single-ventricle palliation. This is a single-center, retrospective study of pediatric patients undergoing Fontan completion between May 2005 and May 2010. Radiation exposure from all procedures including cardiac catheterizations, computed tomography (CT) scans, plain film radiography, and nuclear medicine scans was evaluated. Radiation dose was calculated as the dose area product (μGy m) and was measured in all cardiac catheterizations, CT scans, and other imaging modalities. Seventy patients who underwent Fontan completion at a mean age of 3.6 ± 1.5 years (range 1.4-8 years) were included in the study. Mean number of chest X-rays was 32 ± 8 (range 10-285) with a mean cumulative total exposure of 1,320 μGy m (range 480-12,960) per patient. Mean number of cardiac catheterizations was 2.45 ± 1.3 (range 1-8), and mean fluoroscopy and cine angiography exposures per case were 1,103 ± 245 and 1,412 ± 273 μGy m giving a mean cumulative exposure of 9,054 μGy m (range 2,515-201,200) per patient for all catheterizations. Mean number of CT scans performed was 0.44 ± 0.4 (0-11), and the mean exposure was 352 μGy m, giving a mean cumulative total of 154 μGy m (range 0-3,872) per person. A total of five lung perfusion scans were carried out. Radiation exposure in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing single-ventricle palliation is quite variable. Most of the exposure to ionizing radiation occurs during cardiac catheterization. Strategies to utilize other imaging modalities such as MRI would decrease exposure in this particular group of patients who may be particularly vulnerable to its side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To derive and validate a risk score for prediction of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in the Chinese patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods: The hospital medical records of 3945 patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention were reviewed. Patients were randomly assigned into two cohorts: one was for derivation of risk score ( n = 2764) and another for validation ( n = 1181). The CIN was defined as an increase of serum creatinine level ≥44.2 μmol/L or ≥25 % and beyond its upper limit of normal value within 72 h following the procedure. On the basis of the odds ratio obtained from multivariate logistic regression, risk score of CIN was built up. The discrimination of the risk score was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results: The incidences of CIN in the derivation and validation cohorts were 4.6 and 4.2 %, respectively. Independent predictors included age >60 years, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, use of intra-aortic balloon pump, decreased glomerular filtration rate and contrast volume >100 mL. The incidence of CIN was increased with increment of risk score. Both the derivation and validation cohorts showed adequate discrimination (an area under the ROC curve, 0.76 and 0.71, respectively) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic test, P = 0.50 and P = 0.54, respectively). Conclusion: A simple risk score for prediction of CIN development after cardiac catheterization in Chinese patients was built up by this study. Use of this risk score may help clinicians to perform early preventative strategies to minimize the risk of CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The Amplatzer™ Amulet™ (Amulet) is the evolution of the Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug, a dedicated device for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion. The new device has been designed to facilitate the implantation process, improve the sealing performance and further reduce the risk of complications. The objective of the study was to describe the initial experience with the Amplatzer Amulet for percutaneous LAA occlusion. Methods: This was a prospective single-center study of patients undergoing percutaneous LAA occlusion. The indication for LAA closure was a formal contraindication for oral anticoagulation or previous history of stroke due to INR lability. All procedures were done under general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed 24h after the procedure in order to rule out procedural complications before discharge. Further follow-up was done with a clinical visit and TEE at 1–3months. Results: Between July-2012 and June-2013, 25 patients with a mean CHA2DS2-VASC of 4.3±1.7 underwent LAA occlusion with the Amplatzer Amulet. The device was successfully implanted in 24 patients (96%) without any procedural stroke, pericardial effusion or device embolization. None of the patients presented any clinical event at follow-up. Follow-up TEE showed complete LAA sealing in all patients with no residual leaks >3mm and no device embolization. One patient (4.1%) presented a device thrombosis at follow-up without clinical expression. Conclusion: In this initial series of patients, the Amulet showed a remarkable acute and short-term performance in terms of feasibility and safety as depicted by the high successful implantation rate and the low incidence of complications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radiation exposure from pediatric cardiac catheterization may be substantial, although published estimates vary. We sought to report patient radiation dose across a range of diagnostic and interventional cases in a modern, high-volume pediatric catheterization laboratory. We retrospectively reviewed diagnostic and interventional cases performed in our pediatric catheterization laboratory from 1 April 2009 to 30 September 2011 for which radiation usage data were available as reported by the Artis Zee (Siemens Medical Solutions) system. Electrophysiology cases were excluded. Radiation dose was quantified as air kerma dose (mGy) and dose-area product (DAP; μGy m). The DAP was converted to an effective dose millisievert (mSv) using the Monte Carlo method. Radiation usage data were available from 2,265 diagnostic and interventional cases with an overall median air kerma dose of 135 mGy [interquartile range (IQR) 59-433], median DAP of 760 μGy m (IQR 281-2,810), of which 75 % (IQR 59-90 %) was derived from fluoroscopy, and median effective dose of 6.2 mSv (IQR 2.7-14.1). Air kerma dose from a single camera >2,000 mGy occurred in 1.8 % of cases. Significant differences in all measures of radiation exposure existed based on procedural and interventional types ( p = 0.0001), with interventional cases associated with the highest effective dose after adjusting for patient weight category ( p < 0.001). Patient weight, age, fluoroscopy time, and proportional use of digital acquisition were independent predictors of exposure ( p ≤ 0.001; R = 0.59-0.64). In a modern, large-volume pediatric catheterization laboratory, the median effective dose is 6.2 mSv with a wide range of exposure based on patient- and procedure-specific factors. Radiation monitoring is an important component of a pediatric laboratory and further dose reduction strategies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate measurement of oxygen consumption (VO) is important to precise calculation of blood flow using the Fick equation. This study aimed to validate the breath-by-breath method (BBBM) of measuring oxygen consumption VO compared with respiratory mass spectroscopy (MS) for intubated children during cardiac catheterization. The study used MS and BBBM to measure VO continuously and simultaneously for 10 min in consecutive anesthetized children undergoing cardiac catheterization who were intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube, ventilated mechanically, and hemodynamically stable, with normal body temperature. From 26 patients, 520 data points were obtained. The mean VO was 94.5 ml/min (95 % confidence interval [CI] 65.7-123.3 ml/min) as measured by MS and 91.4 ml/min (95 % CI 64.9-117.9 ml/min) as measured by BBBM. The mean difference in VO measurements between MS and BBBM (3.1 ml/min; 95 % CI −1.7 to +7.9 ml/min) was not significant ( p = 0.19). The MS and BBBM VO measurements were highly correlated ( R = 0.98; P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good correspondence between MS and BBBM, with a mean difference of −3.01 and 95 % limits of agreement ranging from −26.2 to +20.0. The mean VO indexed to body surface area did not differ significantly between MS and BBBM (3.4 ml/min m; 95 % CI −1.4 to 8.2; p = 0.162). The mean difference and limits of agreement were −3.8 ml/min m (range, −19.9 to 26.7). Both MS and BBBM may be used to measure VO in anesthetized intubated children undergoing cardiac catheterization. The two methods demonstrated excellent agreement. However, BBBM may be more suited to clinical use with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to present the incidence of the vascular complications that had to be surgically treated during the two-year period of transfemoral cardiac catheterization procedure and to identify the risk factors associated with the complications. Methods: A retrospective two-year study of post-catheterization complications with the six-month postoperative follow-up and analysis of risk factors was done. Patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent therapeutic or diagnostic coronary angiography in the period of 2012-2013 were included in the study. A total of 1320 patients were subjected to catheterization for coronary angiography, of which 24 had vascular complications that had to be surgically treated. Indications for operative treatment included rapid growth of pseudoaneurysm, hemorrhage, large hematoma, hemodynamic instability, failure of the targeted compression therapy. Results: Twenty-four patients experienced some kind of post-operative complication. Infection and dehiscence of surgical wound were the two most common complications. There were no fatalities. The average length of a hospitalization was 4 days. The important risk factors are gender (women more than man), obesity, concomitant use of anticoagulation therapy and antiplatelet therapy after catheterization. Conclusion: Insufficient length of the compression of the punctured place and increased risks of a pseudoaneurysm formation, such as female gender, obesity, and use of a combined anticoagulant therapy are the main causes of these complications. Late vascular complications are not uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cardiac catheterization was considered gold standard for confirmation of diagnosis and analyzing various management issues in congenital heart diseases. In spite of development of various non invasive tools for investigation of cardiac disorders diagnostic catheterization still holds an important place in pediatric patients. Methods: 300 consecutive diagnostic cardiac catheterization performed since April 2007 were included in this study. The study was undertaken to evaluate the profile of patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization, its results, assess its safety and its contribution toward solving various management issues. Result & Conclusion: Children who underwent cardiac catheterization ranged in weight from 1.6 kg to 35 kg, with their age range 0 day–12 years. The information obtained was of great importance for further management in over 90% cases. The procedure of cardiac cath is invasive, still it was proved to be quite safe even in smallest baby. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives This study assessed and compared vascular complications in CATHs and PCIs using an Angio-Seal™ vascular closure device (VCD) versus manual compression (MC). Methods Secondary data analysis of a population-based multiyear cohort database was conducted to compare femoral access-related vascular outcomes in cardiac procedures using VCD and MC between May 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. The primary outcome was any vascular complication. Propensity score adjusted analysis was conducted to reduce bias associated with covariate imbalance between the groups compared. Results Of the 11,897 procedures, 7,063 (59.4%) used a VCD. Vascular complications occurred in 174/8,796 (2.0%) of CATHs and 82/3,004 (2.7%) of PCIs. In the CATH sample, the odds of vascular complication were 57% lower if a VCD was used (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.60). For the PCI sample, the risk was 49% lower if a VCD was used (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.81). Conclusions A low incidence of vascular complications was observed with the use of an Angio-Seal VCD relative to MC for both procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One factor which may be important for determining proper lesion creation during atrial ablation is catheter-endocardial contact. Little information is available that relates geometric contact, depth and angle, to ablation lesion formation. We present an electrothermal computer model of ablation that calculated lesion volume and temperature development over time. The Pennes bioheat equation was coupled to a quasistatic electrical problem to investigate the effect of catheter penetration depth, as well as incident catheter angle as may occur in practice. Biological experiments were performed to verify the modelling of electrical phenomena. Results show that for deeply penetrating tips, acute catheter angles reduced the rate of temperature buildup, allowing larger lesions to form before temperatures elevated excessively. It was also found that greater penetration did not lead to greater transmurality of lesions. We conclude that catheter contact angle plays a significant role in lesion formation, and the time course must be considered. This is clinically relevant because proper identification and prediction of geometric contact variables could improve ablation efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring diagnostic and/or therapeutic cardiac catheterization has been increasing. However, there have been few studies on the complications of performing cardiac catheterization in adults with CHD. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of complications during congenital cardiac catheterization in both adults and pediatric patients. A total of 2134 consecutive cardiac catheterizations performed between 2003 and 2008 were prospectively analyzed. Complications were graded from 1 to 5 based on severity and these, with ≥grade 3 being defined as major. During the study period, 576 procedures (393 diagnostic, 90 interventional, and 93 electrophysiological) were performed in adult patients (≥18 years). Complex heart disease was present in 435 of 576 procedures (75.6 %). A total of 65 complications (11.3 %) with 13 major complications including 1 death (2.3 %) were encountered. The most common complications were arrhythmias. The majority of complications were successfully treated or temporary, and all but one of the patients were without residua. Of the 1558 pediatric procedures performed during the same period, we found a total of 229 complications (14.7 %), of which 89 (5.7 %) were major complications including 5 deaths. The safety of performing cardiac catheterization for adult CHD appears to be similar to that for pediatric patients. The complication rates in adults with CHD are low, but not negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examined a 63-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea. Two years prior to admission to our hospital, she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with a cumulative dose of 164 g. In addition, 2 months earlier, she had been diagnosed with connective tissue disease-related pulmonary artery hypertension. We performed an electrocardiogram and noted complete atrioventricular block. Atransthoracic echocardio- gram showed pulmonary hypertension. Due to the unclear nature of the pulmonary hypertension, we performed cardiac catheterization and right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. Cardiac catheterization revealed that pulmonary hypertension was due to left ventricular dysfunction. Electron microscopy of the cardiac biopsy demonstrated a curvilinear body, diagnostic of HCQ toxicity.Thus, we diagnosed pulmonary hypertension owing to left heart disease and complete atrioventricular block that resulted from HCQ toxicity. Insertion of a permanent pacemaker and discontinuation of HCQ dramatically improved the disease state. This is the first report of this type of cardiac complication with HCQ; it raises the awareness that HCQ may cause cardiac complications despite a small cumulative dose relative to doses reported in other cases. Furthermore, we emphasize that cardiac catheterization played a critical role in the differential diagnosis from pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tiSSUe disease. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have reported a significant increase in eye lens opacities among staff in the cardiac catheterization laboratory but indicated further studies are needed to confirm the findings. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of opacities in eyes of cardiologists, radiographers and nurses working in interventional cardiology. Methods: The eyes of 52 staff in interventional cardiology facilities and 34 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls were screened in a cardiology conference held in Kuala Lumpur by dilated slit-lamp examination, and posterior lens changes were graded. Individual cumulative lens X-ray exposures were calculated from responses to a questionnaire in terms of workload and working practice. Results: The prevalence of posterior lens opacities among interventional cardiologists was 53%, while in nurses and radiographers it was 45%. Corresponding relative risks were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2-5.4) and 2.2 (95% CI: 0.98-4.9), for interventional cardiologists and support staff, respectively. Conclusions: This study confirms a statistically significant increase in radiation-associated posterior lens changes in the eyes of interventional cardiology staff. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A right coronary artery origin from the left coronary sinus and a left coronary origin from the right sinus although rarely encountered during routine cardiac catheterization, they represent two relatively common autopsy findings in young patients suffering sudden cardiac death. The interarterial course of the aberrant artery, between the aortic root and the pulmonary artery has been considered as a malignant variant, because of the higher risk of myocardial ischemia and sudden death. We present two rare cases of ectopic coronary origin from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The complication of cardiac arrhythmias during pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) may be related to the position of the patient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of patients'' positions on incidence of arrhythmias and the time required to place the pulmonary artery catheter. Design: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Setting: A tertiary university hospital. Participants: One hundred forty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Interventions: Patients were divided into 2 groups. In the study group (n = 70), patients were positioned with their head down at 10° first and then 10° up and tilted right laterally when the PACs were passed from the right atrium to the right ventricle and then the right ventricle to the pulmonary capillary wedge position, respectively. In the control group (n = 70), patients remained in a supine position during pulmonary artery catheterization. Measurement and Main Result: During the catheterization, arrhythmias were recorded and classified into benign (1-3 premature ventricular contractions) and severe (more than 3 premature ventricular contractions or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia). The time for PACs to pass from the right atrium to the right ventricle and the right ventricle to the pulmonary capillary wedge position was measured as T1 and T2, respectively. The incidence of benign arrhythmias between groups was not significantly different (49% for study and 34% for control group, p = 0.196), whereas the incidence of severe arrhythmias was significantly higher in the control group (20% v 5.8%, p = 0.036). The time used for each technique (T1 and T2) in both groups was not significantly different (p = 0.362 and 0.468, respectively). One patient in the study group was excluded because of difficulty in passing the catheter from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Conclusions: Adjusting patients in the head-up and right lateral position while passing the PAC can reduce the incidence of severe arrhythmias, but not in the time taken to place it. This position may have clinical implications, particularly in high-risk patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization via the transradial approach has increased in the United States over the past few years; however, wide-scale adoption still lags in comparison to many international health care systems. Transradial catheterization has a unique set of complications and risks that each operator must appreciate. Radial artery spasm and radial artery occlusion are the most common complications, while bleeding complications such as hematomas and perforations are much less frequent. Each of these issues can be managed successfully with minor changes to one''s practice. In this review of the current state of the art, the reader will develop an appreciation for the prevalence of each of the common complications as well as the less common, but potentially highly morbid, events. Throughout this evidence-based review, practical prevention strategies and specific treatment pathways are described for each issue that is covered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Femoral arterial sheath thrombosis and distal embolization are well-recognized complications of cardiac catheterization but the occlusion is extremely rare. Heparinized saline flushes are used during diagnostic coronary angiography to prevent thrombus formation within the sheath lumen. However, the use of prophylactic intravenous heparin following the femoral arterial sheath insertion is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 2000 units of intravenous heparin bolus in comparison to a saline placebo on the thrombus formation within the arterial sheath during the diagnostic coronary angiography. Methods: Eligible patients were randomized to receive either a study drug or placebo at the time of femoral sheath insertion. The sheath was aspirated and flushed for any presence of thrombus after each catheter exchange and at the end of the procedure. Five milliliters of blood were extracted and visualized on clean gauze followed by a saline flush. The primary end-point was the effectiveness of the study drug on reducing the incidence of sheath-thrombus formation. Results: Three hundred and twenty patients were randomized into two arms. Three hundred and four patients were analyzed: 147 patients in heparin arm and 157 patients in placebo arm after exclusion of 13 patients in heparin arm and three in placebo arm because of incomplete reports. The baseline characteristics were similar and sheath-thrombi formation was observed in 20% of the total cohort. Of the heparin arm, 12% (19 patients) developed sheath-thrombus formation, whereas 26% (42 patients) in the placebo arm, p-value=0.002. An adjusted logistic regression model showed that the only predictor for the sheath-thrombus formation was the study drug (i.e. heparin). The odds ratio of developing a thrombus in the control arm was 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4–4.5, p =0.003). There were no bleeding events observed. Conclusion: The risk of thrombus formation is significant and intravenous heparin significantly reduced thrombus formation during diagnostic coronary angiography, with no excess bleeding events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study on the association between right ventricular (RV) failure in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and reduced efficiency of myocardial oxygen utilization. The study involved patients in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and class III. The patients underwent right heart catheterization and positron emission tomography (PET). Both groups had similar RV power and oxygen supply. Class II had lower RV oxygen extraction compared with class III.

Current recommendations discourage elective radiofrequency ablation in patients <5 years old and/or weighing <15 kg, primarily because of the greater complication rate. To describe the current use, complications, and immediate outcomes of cryoablation in this patient population, a multicenter retrospective review of all patients <5 years old and/or weighing <15 kg who were treated with cryoablation for arrhythmia was performed. Eleven centers contributed data for 68 procedures on 61 patients. Of those, 34% were elective and 24% (n = 16) were both cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation. The median age and weight at ablation was 3.5 years (range 8 days to 9.9 years) and 15.2 kg (range 2.3 to 23), respectively. Congenital heart disease was present in 23% of the patients. The immediate success rate of cryoablation alone was 74%. No major complications occurred with cryoablation only; however, 2 of the 16 patients who underwent cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation had major complications. Of the 50 patients receiving cryoablation, 8 (16%) had variable degrees of transient atrioventricular block. The recurrence rate was 20% after cryoablation and 30% after cryoablation plus radiofrequency ablation. In conclusion, cryoablation appears to have a high safety profile in these patients. Compared to older and larger patients, the efficacy of cryoablation in this small, young population was lower and the recurrence rates were higher. Cryoablation''s effect on the coronary arteries has not been fully elucidated and requires additional research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aim: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Amplatzer septal/duct occluder (ASO/ADO) is an established, safe, and efficient procedure with high success. However, device embolization remains a major complication requiring immediate intervention (either percutaneous or surgical) for retrieval and correction of the heart defect. The aim of this study is to share the experience of managing embolized ASO/ADO. Methods: Of the 284 cases of device closure performed from October 2002 to December 2010, four patients (1.4%) had device embolization requiring immediate surgical retrieval. Two adult female patients with secundum ASD had ASO device implanted. One embolized to the right ventricle and the other into the ascending aorta. An eight-month-old boy and a four-year-old girl with hypertensive PDA had device closure. Device embolization occurred into the descending aorta and right pulmonary artery, respectively. Results: All four devices were retrieved and the defects closed successfully with a low morbidity and no mortality. Conclusion: Careful consideration should be given to surgical or transcatheter closure of a heart defect. Life-threatening complications although rare can occur. Our experience strongly suggests that these devices should only be inserted in facilities where cardiac surgical support is immediately available. (J Card Surg 2011;26:254-258) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the author's views over the procedural risks of cardiac catheterization. The author states that major risks of the heart catheterization include death of the patient caused by perforation of the heart, Q-wave myocardial infarction and occurrence of the radial spasm resulting in low-rate of vascular-access complications and major bleeding. Several statistical data and tables related to the risks of cardiac catheterization are also presented.