Safety and Ease of Sheath Insertion During Endovascular Treatment Via the Common Femoral Artery After Endarterectomy With Autologous Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Endovascular treatment (EVT) using the common femoral artery (CFA) for access after endarterectomy (EA) may result in sheath insertion difficulties because of subcutaneous scar tissue, as well as difficulties with hemostasis. We evaluated the safety of CFA access and the ease of sheath insertion over time after EA. Method We included 19 patients (21 limbs, 40 cases) in whom the CFA was used after EA with autologous repair as an access route in EVT for peripheral arterial disease in our institution from January 2013 to December 2020. Nine limbs underwent simple closure repair and 12 underwent autologous patch repair. Difficult sheath insertions were defined as those in which additional devices (stiff guidewire or a smaller diameter sheath for dilation) were used for scheduled sheath insertion. The inability to insert a sheath with the scheduled diameter was defined as a failed sheath insertion. We evaluated the EVT timing after EA for difficult sheath insertions, and whether the CFA was repaired with simple closure or autologous patch repair during EA surgery. Results There were 10 (25%) difficult sheath insertions, with one (2.5%) failure. The rate of difficult sheath insertions peaked from 6 months to 1 year after EA and gradually decreased (47% from 6 months to 3 years, 14% thereafter). There were more statistically significant difficult sheath insertions with simple closure repair (50%) than with autologous patch repair (12%) (P = 0.018). Hemostasis devices were used in 90% of EVT cases. The median maximum sheath diameter was 6 Fr (mean = 5.8 Fr). None of the cases required surgical procedures to achieve hemostasis after EVT. Conclusion EVT may be performed safely using the CFA after EA. The difficulty of sheath insertion may differ depending on the EVT timing after EA; it was more difficult with simple closure than with autologous patch repair, possibly related to scar formation.

Peripheral vascular access from the arms for invasive cardiac investigation using ultrasound guidance

Introduction Vascular access for invasive cardiac investigations has traditionally been gained from the femoral vessels, however, a “radial-first” approach has become increasingly popular for coronary interventions [1]. Transradial access has shown lower complication rates, shorter admission times, and reduced healthcare costs for coronary interventions [4]. A “superior” approach via the jugular and subclavian veins have been reported for electrophysiology (EP) studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) but is associated with an increased risk of complications such as pneumo- and haemothorax [9]. Purpose EP procedures often require the use of both venous and arterial catheters, and the potential advantage of non-femoral peripheral access is yet to be investigated. This study was performed to provide comprehensive anatomical evidence that the vessels of the arms are suitable for use during EP procedures, as assessed by vascular ultrasound. Methods A portable ultrasound device was used to measure the diameter of the brachial artery, brachial vein, basilic vein & cephalic vein on the left and right upper limbs of 63 healthy adult volunteers. Measurements were also taken of the circumference at the elbow and at the mid-bicep level on both arms. A subgroup of 15 volunteers had additional measurements taken of the same veins and artery on both arms with a tourniquet at the upper bicep level. Results The basilic vein was found to have the largest diameter with a median of 4.6 mm and 4.5 mm (right and left diameter, respectively), followed by the cephalic (median of 3.1 and 3.0 mm) and the brachial vein (median of 2.8 mm for both arms). 100% of volunteers had at least one vein that was equal to a 3 mm diameter (which would allow for a 8F sheath insertion), with 98% having 2 suitable veins and >80% having 3 suitable venous vessels. More than 90% had a suitable diameter of more than 3 mm for both the right and left brachial artery. There was significant correlation between gender, and basilic vein and brachial artery diameters. There was no correlation between BMI, height, weight and elbow or bicep circumference. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the feasibility of adopting peripheral access in the electrophysiology lab. 100% of volunteers examined had one vein which was at least 3mm in size and would be suitable for 8F sheath insertion. We demonstrate the anatomic evidence that the vessels in the arm are capable of housing the size of sheath and catheters commonly used in the EP lab. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 2. measurements Figure 3. Vessel diameters

Difficulty removing a leadless pacemaker in a post-transfusion patient

A 99-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation bradycardia and symptomatic long pauses underwent a leadless pacemaker implantation after red blood cell transfusion due to anaemia. The patient’s blood tests after transfusion showed hypercoagulability; haematocrit, haemoglobin and fibrinogen levels were increased from 24.5% to 33.2%, 76 g/L to 111g/L, and 346 mg/dL to 646 mg/dL, respectively. Blood tests showed no hereditary hypercoagulability disorder and she had no history of thrombophilia. A leadless pacemaker was implanted in the correct position in the right ventricle. Heparin was administered after sheath insertion and the leadless pacemaker system was thoroughly flushed with heparinised saline before the tether was cut; however, removing the tether after leadless pacemaker implantation was difficult because clots had formed on the tether.

The “no-touch” technique in the flexible ureteroscopic approach of renal stones

Large meta-analyses demonstrated that ureteral access sheaths (UAS) have specific complications during and after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). The present study focused on the technical aspects, advantages, drawbacks, and limitations of the latest “no-touch” technique (NTT) in the flexible ureteroscopic therapeutic approach of renal stones. A total of 288 patients with a single pyelocaliceal stone (largest diameter between 11 and 29 mm) underwent fURS: 144 using the 12/14 Fr UAS (group 1) and 144 without UAS (group 2). For NTT, we used four types of ureteroscopes: Olympus URF-V2 (8.5 Fr) – 33 cases, Storz Flex X2 (8.4 Fr) – 60 cases, single-use PUSEN PU 3022 (9.5 Fr) – 37 cases, and single-use PUSEN – PU 3033A (7.5 Fr) – 14 cases. For group 1, we used the Olympus URF–V2 ureteroscope in 44 cases, the Storz Flex X2 in 58 cases, and the single-use PUSEN PU 3022 in 42 cases. We compared the operative time, hospitalization periods, and complications. Successful access sheath insertion was noted in 83.3% of cases from group 1, and successful ureteroscope insertion was noted in 90.9% of cases from group 2. The average operative time was slightly higher in group 1 vs. group 2 (47 vs. 39 min). Stone-free rates (SFRs) were overall lower in group 2 (76.3% vs. 86.8%) at 1 month. At 3 months, we did not find a significant difference between these two groups. Superficial mucosal ureteral wall lesions were found in 38.8% of patients from group 1 and 4.1% from group 2. Hospitalization periods were longer in group 1 vs. group 2 (21 vs. 29 hours, respectively). The single-use 7.5 Fr ureteroscope should receive a special mention: the insertion was simple, we did not encounter any mucosal ureteral wall lesions, and all patients were discharged on the same day. Despite the clear advantages of routine UAS usage, there are many adverse events for the patient. Larger diameter sheaths involve a greater risk of ureteral wall injury. NTT seems to improve peri- and postoperative safety while preserving therapeutic efficiency. The new 7.5 Fr ureteroscopes appear to optimize surgical efficiency and diminish complications in the flexible ureteroscopic treatment of renal stones.

Practical tips for performing resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta

Background: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma settings. Non-compressible torso hemorrhage, which is caused by abdominopelvic and thoracic injuries, is an important cause of subsequent organ dysfunction and poor outcomes in multiple trauma patients. The management of hemodynamically unstable patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage has changed, and the concept of damage control resuscitation has been developed in the last decades. Currently, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) as a method of temporary stabilization is the modern evolution of bleeding control, and it is in the middle of a paradigm shift as a treatment for non-compressible torso hemorrhage. Despite its effectiveness in patients with hemorrhagic shock, the application of REBOA remains limited because of lack of experience and troubleshooting guidelines. Objectives: The aim of study was to provide useful tips for the implementing a step-by-step procedure for REBOA in various hospital settings and capabilities. Methods: We introduced REBOA procedures using a REBOA-customized 7 Fr balloon catheter through the animation models or radiography from preparation to access, catheter management, and device removal after procedure completed. Results: We have described REBOA procedures as follows: identification of the common femoral artery, arterial access for placement of a guidewire, precautions during a sheath insertion, guidewire and balloon positioning in the aorta, occlusion zones and adjustment of balloon location, REBOA strategy for extending the occlusion time, balloon deflation and removal, sheath removal, and medical records. Conclusion: We believe that the practical tips mentioned in this article will help in performing the REBOA procedure systematically and developing an effective REBOA framework.

Time from ECG Diagnosis to sheath insertion is a strong predictor for mortality in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction admitted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction If reperfusion can be performed within 120 minutes, pPCI is the ESC guideline recommended treatment in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aims Historically, prognosis is dependent on time from diagnosis to reperfusion in patients with STEMI. We sought to investigate this in a contemporary patient population by assessing mortality as function of time from ECG diagnosis to sheath insertion in the Norwegian registry for invasive cardiology (NORIC). Methods NORIC, which is a part of the Norwegian Cardiovascular Disease Registry, is a national, mandatory and non-consensual person-identifiable health registry. Data from NORIC were linked with the National Population Register. Data were registered from 1st of January 2013 to 31st of June 2019. Results During this period complete data were available for n=5754 patients with 526 events. ECG diagnosis to sheath insertion was a predictor of mortality with the 4th (>106 min) vs 1st quartile (<54 min) with a HR of 1.74 (95% CI 1.36–2.22), p-value <0.00001. The HR increased by 1.20 (95% CI 1.11–1.30) per quartile (p-value for trend <0.00001). Nationally 62% percent of the patients received pPCI within the ESC recommended 90 minutes from ECG-diagnosis with large geographical variation (range 38–89%). Nationally 80% received pPCI within 115 minutes (range 75–202 minutes). Conclusion In a contemporary STEMI population, time from ECG diagnosis to sheath insertion is a strong predictor for mortality in patients admitted for pPCI for STEMI. However, the data also demonstrate large variations between different geographical health regions in Norway that should be addressed. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Haukeland University Hospital

Transradial access by cardiology catheter lab nurses

Introduction Nurse led radial arterial access (RAA) is emerging as an attractive alternative to traditional physician-led access.[1] Methods A multidisciplinary program was developed by the nursing and medical teams in a busy tertiary cardiac centre performing over 3000 interventional cardiology procedures of which 90% of cases are done radially. Phase 1 of the training programme consisted of 50 procedures per nurse performed under direct consultant operator supervision. Phase 2 consisted of routine nurse led radial artery cannulation on unselected patients. In addition 2 sub-studies were performed an audit of patient experience comparing the two nurse practitioners with cardiology trainees. An audit of the time to sheath insertion was carried out. Results Technical success was defined as access within two puncture attempts. In phase 1 of the training two nurses were successful in 84% of cases. In this case cohort there were no identified vascular complications. One patient needed an alternate access route. In Phase 2 311 cases were performed independently on unselected patients. The technical success rate was 86.5% for both nurses in total in this cohort. This included a mixture of both right radial (249 cases) and left radial (25 cases) access. 8 of these were also PPCI cases. No major vascular complications were identified. In cases where no access after two attempts was secured access was gained by a consultant. In 6 cases ultrasound guidance was used by the consultant. A patient discomfort score was recorded immediately via a questionnaire post access procedure. Results were compared with cardiology trainees performing RAA in parallel, demonstrating excellent outcomes. Similarly when comparing difference between patient on table to sheath insertion times between trainees and nurses performing the radial access, nurse radial access had competitive outcomes. Discussion Nurse led RAA procedure is an advanced practice skill which can be adopted by appropriately trained and experienced senior members of the nursing team. The advantages include facilitating flow through the catheter lab, greater advocacy of patients through their clinical pathway and high levels of patient satisfaction. Median Time Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Comparison between PeRcutanEous and surgical femoral aCcess for endovascuLar aOrtic repair in patientS with typE III aortic Dissection (PRECLOSE Trial)

Objectives Aortic dissections are cardiovascular events with high mortality and morbidity rates. Management might be either with medical or interventional approach. Recently, thoracic endovascular intervention (TEVAR) becomes the first treatment of choice because of its better results and lower rates of complications in patients with type III aortic dissections. The intervention might be performed via femoral artery either with percutaneous or with surgical approach. Because of large sheath insertion to femoral artery, Pre-close technique is described in literature. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the outcomes and safety of ‘Pre-close technique’ to surgical approach in patients with type III aortic dissections who underwent TEVAR with femoral access ≥22 F. Methods A total of 96 patients whom had type III aortic dissection and was performed TEVAR were retrospectively included in the study. Fifty-six patients had TEVAR with percutaneous approach and these patients are named as P-TEVAR group, and 40 patients had TEVAR with surgical approach and these patients are named as S-TEVAR group. Pre- and post-procedural data with complications and procedural data during TEVAR were evaluated for both groups and compared in between. Results The main finding was that there was no significant difference between S-TEVAR and P-TEVAR groups in terms of complications and technical success. Operating room time was significantly decreased in P-TEVAR group ( P < 0.001). Overall success rate for femoral approach in patients with Pre-close technique was 94.6% and was 100% for surgical approach. P-TEVAR group had post-operative complications in three patients and S-TEVAR group had in four patients. Conclusions Total percutaneous approach with Pre-close technique using Pro-Glide device is a safe and feasible method of femoral access in patients with type III aortic dissections.