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Patient positioning during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures has received minimal attention compared with surgical procedures performed in the surgical setting. However, prolonged endoscopic interventions on patients and the increasing requirement for general anesthesia have changed to need for patient positioning guidelines. The objective of this study was to test whether patient positioning guidelines for surgical procedures in surgical suites are suitable for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures without negatively impacting safety and procedure duration. This was an observational feasibility study with volunteers of different body mass index categories. Volunteers were positioned in supine, lateral, and prone positions on an operating table and thereafter on an endoscopy stretcher and asked for comfort levels. Except for arm and head positioning in lateral and prone positions, it was possible to replicate the patient positioning guidelines. Alternative options were explored for the positioning of arms and head to optimize oral access. Besides minor adjustments, we were able to replicate the positioning guidelines and adhere to pressure and nerve injury prevention guidelines. Concept endoscopic patient positioning guidelines were developed. It is recommended to review the "swimmer's" position. Endoscopic patient positioning guidelines should become part of the National Practice Standards and education curriculum of endoscopy nurses.

Surgically accessible lesions of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are classified as proximal or distal based on the distribution of thrombus burden in the pulmonary vasculature post operatively. Surgically accessible distal CTEPH lesions typically has a higher risk profile and worse clinical outcomes in less experienced centers, but the underlying molecular differences between proximal and distal CTEPH lesions remain unknown. Oxylipins, a diverse group of bioactive lipid mediators, have previously been implicated in a range of disorders including pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, we sought to characterize oxylipin profiles among patients with proximal and distal operable CTEPH lesions, as well as those with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). We studied 271 patients with proximal operable CTEPH (n=123), distal operable CTEPH (n=74), or IPAH (n=74). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze oxylipin profiles in each patient. We found that patients with distal operable CTEPH had elevated levels of proinflammatory oxylipins while those with proximal CTEPH had an increase in procoagulant oxylipins. Notably, the proinflammatory oxylipins elevated in distal operable CTEPH were similarly elevated in IPAH. These findings suggest that distal operable and proximal CTEPH represent heterogenous disease processes. Furthermore, oxylipin profiles may be useful for potential risk stratification and therapeutic targeting in CTEPH.

Background: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare and progressive subtype of severe pulmonary hypertension. Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) are common and can be a marker of cardiomyopathy. We aimed to describe the incidence, location and predictors of PVCs in CTEPH patients undergoing Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy surgery (PTE). Hypothesis: PVCs are common in CTEPH patients and the right ventricle would be the most common location of PVCs. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 883 consecutive patients who were referred for PTE. 12-lead ECGs were reviewed for presence of PVC. Demographics, baseline lab and imaging were extracted from chart review. Predictors of PVCs were analyzed using multivariate backward logistic regression. PVC location was identified using standard location algorithms based on the 12-lead ECG. Results: Overall, 6.5% (n=57) of patients had PVCs. Surprisingly, the majority of PVCs originated from the left ventricle (75.4%, N=43). The most common location was non-outflow tracts with LV non-outflow tract (59.3%, N=34), followed by RV non-out tract (19.3%, N=11). Within the non-outflow tract region, the majority of the PVC location appeared to be septal related (moderator band, posterior fascicle or posterior medial papillary muscle). The mitral annulus was also a common location (15.8%, N=9). In a multivariate model, heart failure (OR 2.8, p= Conclusions: PVCs are not uncommon in CTEPH patients undergoing PTE surgery. Overall, 6.5% of patients had PVCs with the majority originating in the left ventricle (75.4%). Using standard ECG criteria, the most common location was the LV non-outflow tract. Heart failure, CAD, sleep apnea and obesity increased the odds of having a PVC.

Background: Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a specialized cardiac surgery for treating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Sinus node dysfunction is seen in this population as patients often require epicardial pacing after cardiac surgeries. We aimed to define the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of sinus node dysfunction after PTE surgery. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that sinus node dysfunction requiring epicardial pacing is common after PTE surgery. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 883 consecutive patients who were referred to University of California San Diego for PTE. Demographics, lab results and imaging were extracted from chart review. Predictors and outcomes were analyzed using multivariate backward logistic regression model or independent samples T test respectively. Results: Overall, 60% (n=533) of patients required epicardial pacing for an average of 3.9 +/- 2.2 days. Strongest predictors of epicardial pacing were coronary artery disease (OR 2.6, p= Conclusions: The majority of patients undergoing PTE for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension develop sinus node dysfunction requiring temporary epicardial pacing. The mechanism of sinus node dysfunction appears transient as the average pacing requirement is 3.9 +/- 2.2 days, and ultimately only 1% (n=4) require permanent pacemaker placement. Patients who required epicardial pacing had significantly longer post-operative length of stay and ventilator days.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a treatment option for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Patient selection, BPA technique and resultant outcomes vary across centers. We aimed to determine hemodynamic changes and functional outcomes following serial BPA at a