Extremity Dysfunction After Large‐Bore Radial and Femoral Arterial Access

Background The use of large‐bore (LB) arterial access and guiding catheters has been advocated for complex percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the impact of LB transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA) on extremity dysfunction is currently unknown. Methods and Results The predefined substudy of the COLOR (Complex Large‐Bore Radial PCI) trial aimed to assess upper and lower‐extremity dysfunction after LB radial and femoral access. Upper‐extremity function was assessed in LB TRA‐treated patients by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and lower‐extremity function in LB TFA‐treated patients by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale questionnaire. Extremity pain and effect of access site complications and risk factors on extremity dysfunction was also analyzed. There were 343 patients who completed analyzable questionnaires. Overall, upper and lower‐extremity function did not decrease over time when LB TRA and TFA were used for complex percutaneous coronary intervention, as represented by the median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (6.8 at baseline and 2.1 at follow‐up, higher is worse) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale score (56 at baseline and 58 at follow‐up, lower is worse). Clinically relevant extremity dysfunction occurred in 6% after TRA and 9% after TFA. A trend for more pronounced upper‐limb dysfunction was present in female patients after LB TRA ( P =0.05). Lower‐extremity pain at discharge was significantly higher in patients with femoral access site complications ( P =0.02). Conclusions Following LB TRA and TFA, self‐reported upper and lower‐limb function did not decrease over time in the majority of patients. Clinically relevant limb dysfunction occurs in a small minority of patients regardless of radial or femoral access. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03846752.

Ultrasound Guided Vascular Access in The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Nationwide Survey

Ultrasound guided percutaneous vascular access (USG-PVA) is recommended by international practice guidelines but information regarding its use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is lacking. Our objective was to assess neonatologist’s perceptions and current implementation of USG-PVA in Spain. This was a nationwide online survey. The survey was composed of 37 questions divided in 4 domains: 1) neonatologist’s background, 2) NICU characteristics, 3) personal perspectives about USG-PVA and clinical experience in USG-PVA. One hundred and eighty survey responses from 59 NICUs (62% of Spanish NICUs) were analyzed. Most neonatologist (81%) perceive that competence in USG-PVA is indispensable or very useful in clinical practice. However, 64 (35.5%) have never used USG-PVA in real patients. Among neonatologists with some experience in USG-PVA most perform less than 5 procedures per year (59% in venous access and 80% in arterial access) and a 38% and 60% have never used USG for venous and arterial access respectively in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Spanish neonatologists report that residents/fellows training in USG-PVA is absent (52.2%) or unstructured (32%) in their units. The lack of adequate training is identified by a 60% of neonatologists as the most important barrier for implementation of USG-PVA and 87% would recommend that future neonatologists receive formal training. In conclusion, Spanish neonatologists perceive that USG-PVA is important in clinical practice but, currently these techniques are largely underused. Our results indicate that specific training in USG-PVA should be implemented in the NICU.

Dual-Layer Spectral CTA for TAVI Planning Using a Split-Phase Protocol and Low-keV Virtual Monoenergetic Images: Improved Image Quality in Comparison with Single-Phase Conventional CTA

Purpose Adaptation of computed tomography protocols for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) planning is required when a first-generation dual-layer spectral CT scanner (DLCT) is used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective image quality of aortic CT angiography (CTA) for TAVI planning using a split-phase technique with reconstruction of 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images (40 keV-VMI) obtained with a DLCT scanner. CT angiography obtained with a single-phase protocol of a conventional single-detector CT (SLCT) was used for comparison. Materials and Methods 75 CTA scans from DLCT were retrospectively compared to 75 CTA scans from SLCT. For DLCT, spiral CTA without ECG-synchronization was performed immediately after a retrospectively ECG-gated acquisition covering the heart and aortic arch. For SLCT, spiral CTA with retrospective ECG-gating was performed to capture the heart and the access route simultaneously in one scan. Objective image quality was compared at different levels of the arterial access route. Results 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images of DLCT showed a significantly higher mean vessel attenuation, SNR, and CNR at all levels of the arterial access route. With 40 keV-VMI of DLCT, the overall mean aortic attenuation of all six measured regions was 589.6 ± 243 HU compared to 492.7 ± 209 HU of SLCT (p < 0.01). A similar trend could be observed for SNR (23.6 ± 18 vs. 18.6 ± 9; p < 0.01) and CNR (21.1 ± 18 vs. 16.4 ± 8; p < 0.01). No deterioration was observed for vascular noise (27.8 ± 9 HU vs. 28.1 ± 8 HU; p = 0.599). Conclusion Using a DLCT scanner with a split-phase protocol and 40 keV-VMI for TAVI planning, higher objective image quality can be obtained compared to a single-phase protocol of a conventional CT scanner. Key Points: Citation Format

470 Percutaneous arterial closure devices and ultrasound-guided trans-femoral puncture observational investigation: insights from the PETRONIO registry

Aims To evaluate the safety of a single and combined use of ultrasound-guided femoral puncture (U) and percutaneous arterial closure devices (P) in femoral artery procedures (FAP) compared to fluoroscopic guidance (F) and manual compression (M) in a large radial-focused interventional centre. U and P, taken individually, have improved safety in femoral arterial access procedures compared to traditional techniques. Methods and results All FAP performed between July 2017 and December 2018 in our centre were divided into three phases: (i) control period with F and M mainly performed; (ii) phase out period where U and P were introduced; and (iii) intervention period where a 6-month expertise on the novel techniques was acquired. The overall population was further stratified into subgroups: F/M, U/M, F/P, and U/P. The primary study endpoint was in-hospital access site bleeding events (BE) according to the BARC criteria. The secondary endpoint was vascular site complications (VASC). 418 procedures (14%) out of 3025 were performed via FA access during the study period. The overall access-site in-hospital BE were 97 (23%). Decreasing rates of BE (phase 1: n = 46, 29%; phase 2: n = 38, 22% e phase 3: n = 13, 15%; P = 0.027) and VASC were observed during the three periods. BE occurred significantly more often in F/M group (F/M: n = 48; 32%; U/M: n = 12, 16%; F/P: n = 18, 21%; U/P: n = 19, 17%; P = 0.008). F/M subgroup was an independent predictor of BE both in multivariable analysis and propensity score matching analysis. Conclusions The introduction of ultrasound-guided femoral puncture and percutaneous arterial closure devices has reduced access site bleeding with a progressive improvement after the first 6 months learning period.

Hemorrhagic complications after endovascular interventions and the effectiveness of vascular closure devices

Aim. To identify the factors associated with hemorrhagic complications after endovascular interventions, as well as to assess the effectiveness of vascular closure devices.Material and methods. The study included 423 patients after endo - vascular intervention with femoral arterial access: 118 — manual compression, 305 — hemostasis using vascular closure devices (VCDs). The development of following complications was recorded: retroperitoneal hematoma, false aneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, bleeding, thigh soft-tissue hematoma. Time to hemostasis, immobilization period, and length of stay were assessed.Results. The complication rate was lower in VCD group compared to manual hemostasis (2,95 vs 11%, p=0,021). In VCD group, hemostasis characteristics significantly differed from the manual compression group: time to hemostasis — 3,1 vs 22,3 min (p=0,001), immobilization duration — 4,1 vs 20 hours (p=0,001), length of stay — 4 vs 8 days (p=0,001), respectively. The risk of complications increased with following factors: anticoagulant therapy, female sex, age >65 years, diabetes, body mass index >30 kg/m2 , vascular access calcification, introducer diameter >6 Fr, prior puncture. There were following independent predictors of complications: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor therapy, superficial or deep femoral artery puncture.Conclusion. VCDs significantly reduces the hemorrhagic complication rate and improves hemostasis parameters as compared to manual compression.

Simultaneous radio-ulnar cannulation: shifting gears from ‘feasibility’ to ‘applicability’

Conventionally, routes of vascular access commonly include femoral and radial arteries with brachial, ulnar and subclavian arteries being rarely used for coronary interventions. Non-femoral arterial access is being increasingly preferred to minimise groin puncture site complications, prolonged immobilization and duration of hospital stay. However, radial artery cannulation is also fraught with fears of tortuosity, loops, vascular spasm, perforation, pseudoaneurysm formation, arm hematoma and arterial occlusion. In contemporary practice when most of the coronary procedures are being done via transradial access, encountering one of the above-mentioned hurdles often forces the operator to switchover to femoral access. Here, we explore the rationale, feasibility, operational logistics, clinical implications and future directions for using simultaneous radio-ulnar arterial access in the same extremity.