Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility

Abstract Objectives: Cluster headache is considered a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and may present with characteristic symptoms of sympathetic/parasympathetic activation on the affected side of the face, such as nasal discharge, tearing, and conjunctival injection. Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. Within this context, we sought to assess the feasibility of a new surgical technique for neurostimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a cadaver dissection model. Methods: The technique was developed through dissection of two cadaver heads. We divided the procedure into two stages: an endonasal endoscopic approach to expose the sphenopalatine ganglion and confirm electrode placement, and a cervicofacial approach to introduce the electrode array and position the internal pulse-generator unit. Computed tomography was performed to confirm implant placement at the end of the procedure. Results: The pulse-generator unit was successfully placed through a retroauricular incision, as is already standard for cochlear implant placement. This should reduce the incidence of perioperative sequelae, especially pain and swelling in the oral region, which are a common complication of previous approaches used for this purpose. Control imaging confirmed proper electrode placement. The device used in this study allows the patient to modulate the intensity of the stimulus, reducing or even obviating the need for drug therapy. Conclusion: The novel technique described herein, based on percutaneous access guided by transmaxillary endoscopy, can provide great precision in electrode array positioning and decreased perioperative morbidity, combining the advantages of endoscopic approaches with those of the retroauricular route. Level of evidence: 3.

Efetividade e Segurança da Remoção de Cabos-Eletrodos Transvenosos de Marca-Passos e Desfibriladores Implantáveis no Cenário da Prática Clínica Real / Effectiveness and Safety of Transvenous Removal of Cardiac Pacing and Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Leads in the Real Clinical Scenario

Resumo Fundamento Remoção de cabos-eletrodos de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis (DCEI) é procedimento pouco frequente e sua realização exige longo treinamento profissional e infraestrutura adequada. Objetivos Avaliar a efetividade e a segurança da remoção de cabos-eletrodos de DCEI e determinar fatores de risco para complicações cirúrgicas e mortalidade em 30 dias. Métodos Estudo prospectivo com dados derivados da prática clínica. De janeiro/2014 a abril/2020, foram incluídos, consecutivamente, 365 pacientes submetidos à remoção de cabos-eletrodos, independentemente da indicação e técnica cirúrgica utilizada. Os desfechos primários foram: taxa de sucesso do procedimento, taxa combinada de complicações maiores e morte intraoperatória. Os desfechos secundários foram: fatores de risco para complicações intraoperatórias maiores e morte em 30 dias. Empregou-se análise univariada e multivariada, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 96,7%, sendo 90,1% de sucesso completo e 6,6% de sucesso clínico. Complicações maiores intraoperatórias ocorreram em 15 (4,1%) pacientes. Fatores preditores de complicações maiores foram: tempo de implante dos cabos-eletrodos ≥ 7 anos (OR= 3,78, p= 0,046) e mudança de estratégia cirúrgica (OR= 5,30, p= 0,023). Classe funcional III-IV (OR= 6,98, p<0,001), insuficiência renal (OR= 5,75, p=0,001), infecção no DCEI (OR= 13,30, p<0,001), número de procedimentos realizados (OR= 77,32, p<0,001) e complicações maiores intraoperatórias (OR= 38,84, p<0,001) foram fatores preditores para mortalidade em 30 dias. Conclusões Os resultados desse estudo, que é o maior registro prospectivo de remoção de cabos-eletrodos da América Latina, confirmam a segurança e a efetividade desse procedimento no cenário da prática clínica real. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1114-1124)

Abstract Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is an uncommon procedure and requires specialized personnel and adequate facilities. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the removal of CIED leads and to determine risk factors for surgical complications and mortality in 30 days. Methods Prospective study with data derived from clinical practice. From January 2014 to April 2020, we included 365 consecutive patients who underwent TLE, regardless of the indication and surgical technique used. The primary outcomes were: success rate of the procedure, combined rate of major complications and intraoperative death. Secondary outcomes were: risk factors for major intraoperative complications and death within 30 days. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used, with a significance level of 5%. Results Procedure success rate was 96.7%, with 90.1% of complete success and 6.6% of clinical success. Major intraoperative complications occurred in 15 (4.1%) patients. Predictors of major complications were: lead dwelling time ≥ 7 years (OR = 3.78, p = 0.046) and change in surgical strategy (OR = 5.30, p = 0.023). Functional class III-IV (OR = 6.98, p <0.001), renal failure (OR = 5.75, p = 0.001), CIED infection (OR = 13.30, p <0.001), number of procedures performed (OR = 77.32, p <0.001) and major intraoperative complications (OR = 38.84, p <0.001) were predictors of 30-day mortality. Conclusions The results of this study, which is the largest prospective registry of consecutive TLE procedures in Latin America, confirm the safety and effectiveness of this procedure in the context of real clinical practice. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1114-1124)

The application of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of female neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction / 中国医师杂志

Trauma,iatrogenic injury,and neurological disorders can lead to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).However,there are some special causes in women,including radical hysterectomy,mid-urethral suspension,pelvic organ prolapse repair,Fowler syndrome,interstitial cystitis etc.Traditional behavioral therapy,drug treatment and surgeries may work less well in patients with NLUTD and may even lead to progression and deterioration of the diseases.A review of current literatures revealed that there is an increasing evidence on the application of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the treatment of NLUTD in female.This review will provide a summary of the known mechanisms of female NLUTD and the effectiveness of SNM.

Application of sacral neuromodulation in lower urinary tract diseases related to pelvic floor dysfunction / 中国医师杂志

Pelvic floor dysfunction associated with lower urinary tract diseases,is a common disease in women.Sacral neuromodulation is a safe and effective new technique with small trauma,which has significant advantages for patients with refractory pelvic floor dysfunction-related lower urinary tract diseases and has good clinical application prospects.

La colocación de los electrodos para el registro electronistagmográfico

Fundamento: la calidad de un registro nistagmográfico durante los estudios del sistema vestibular, depende de la adecuada selección y colocación de los electrodos, los cuáles suelen ser ubicados en puntos específicos de la órbita ocular para permitir la recolección de la variación de potencial eléctrico generado entre la córnea y la retina causada por las sacudidas del nistagmo inducido o natural. Objetivo: presentar los resultados experimentales que demuestran esta influencia al cuantificar el efecto sobre los registros. Desarrollo: se empleó la técnica de estimulación visual con blanco móvil a diferentes frecuencias de movimiento, y los registros se realizaron en las condiciones de iluminación establecidas para electrooculografía, se utilizó un amplificador biomédico (electronistagmógrafo) de dos canales con frecuencia de muestreo de 1 kHz. Los Resultados obtenidos reflejan el cambio de las tensiones en los registros de acuerdo a la zona de colocación de los electrodos, al existir una zona óptima para el adecuado registro electronistagmográfico. Conclusiones: se demostró la afectación por zonas en los registros en el dominio temporal y de la frecuencia, y su influencia en la generación de errores en el diagnóstico topográfico de enfermedades que afectan el Sistema Vestibular.

Background: quality of record of electronystagmography during the studies of the vestibular system depends on the proper selection and placement of the electrodes, which are usually located at specific points in the eye socket to allow the collection of the variation of electric potential generated between the cornea and the retina caused by the jerking of the induced or natural nystagmus. Objective: to present the experimental results that demonstrate this influence by quantifying the effect on the records. Development: it was used the technique of visual stimulation with moving target at different frequencies of movement, and the records were made under the lighting conditions established in the published standard for electrooculography, using a two-channel amplifier with a sampling frequency of 1 kHz. The results obtained reflect the change in the tensions in the records according to the electrode placement zone, there being an optimal zone for the adequate record of electronystagmography. Conclusions: the affectation by zones in the records in the temporal domain and the frequency was demonstrated, and its influence in the generation of errors in the topographic diagnosis of diseases that affect the Vestibular System.

A lost cable: «reel¼ syndrome / Un cable suelto: síndrome del «carrete¼

Abstract: Lead dislodgement syndromes (twiddler, ratchet or reel syndromes) are rare causes of cardiac stimulation device malfunction that can occur most commonly early after device implantation. In most cases, lead replacement (due to extensive damage) or reposition (due to displacement) is needed. We present a case of reel syndrome involving the left ventricular lead of a (AU)

Resumen: Los síndromes de desprendimiento de los cables (síndrome de "tweedler", trinquete o carrete) son causas raras de disfunción del dispositivo de estimulación cardiaca, que generalmente ocurren en el periodo temprano después del implante. En la mayoría de los casos, se requiere el reemplazo del cable (debido a daños extensos) o el reposicionamiento (debido al desplazamiento). Presentamos un caso de síndrome del carrete que involucra de manera exclusiva el cable ventricular izquierdo de un dispositivo de resincronización-desfibrilador cardiaco.(AU)

Comparison between left ventricular quadripolar leads and traditional left ventricular bipolar leads / 心血管康复医学杂志

While receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) ,traditional left ventricular lead implantation may fail due to anatomical abnormality of heart vein ,poor left ventricular pacing threshold ,lead dislocation and ra-dial nerve stimulation etc .So left ventricular quadripolar leads rise in response to the proper time and condition .The present article made a brief review on research progress of application of left ventricular quadripolar leads in clinic .

Marcapasos permanente: a propósito del diagnóstico tardío del desplazamiento del electrodo / Permanent pacemaker: report of a late diagnosis of displacement of the electrode

Fundamento: en los últimos años el implante de marcapasos permanente se ha convertido en un procedimiento seguro con bajo índice de complicaciones pero cuando estas se presentan, pueden ocasionar un desenlace fatal en la vida del paciente debido a la disfunción del dispositivo. Objetivo: analizar el diagnóstico tardío del desplazamiento del electrodo de marcapasos permanente en una paciente. Caso clínico: paciente de 68 años de edad, con historia de hipertensión arterial de alrededor de 25 años de evolución, con tratamiento diario de amlodipino e hidroclorotiazida de 10 y 25 mg, respectivamente. Hacía cinco años se le había implantado un marcapasos permanente, por bloqueo auriculoventricular de tercer grado y síncope, con buena evolución y sin complicaciones al alta hospitalaria. A los cuatro meses de operada presentó otro síncope y acudió a consulta de programación de marcapasos, sin problemas con la estimulación del dispositivo. Continuó con mareos y pérdida del conocimiento, por lo que recurrió a las consultas programadas de seguimiento especializado. Finalmente se le diagnostica el desplazamiento del electrodo, se reinterviene y se coloca un nuevo cable. En el seguimiento posterior no presento más síncope ni mareos. Conclusiones: el método clínico constituye el elemento principal para el diagnóstico de complicaciones en el seguimiento de pacientes con marcapasos permanentes, aun así un solo medio diagnóstico no es suficiente para descartar la misma, por lo que se deben utilizar otros medios diagnósticos.

Background: in the last years, the placement of permanent pacemakers has become a safe procedure with low rates of complications; however, when these complications present they can cause a fatal end for patients due to the dysfunction of the device. Objective: to analyze the late diagnosis of displacement of the electrode in the permanent pacemaker of a patient. Clinical case: a sixty-six-year-old female patient with a history of high blood pressure of 25 years of evolution. The patient was under a daily treatment with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide, 10 and 25 mg respectively. Five years ago, because of third-degree atrioventricular block and syncope, she underwent the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. The patient had a good progress and no complications when discharged from the hospital. Four months after the operation she presented syncope and went to the pacemaker program consultation; there were no problems with the stimulation of the device. She continued presenting dizziness and loss of consciousness so she went to the specialized programmed follow-up consultations. Finally, the patient is diagnosed with displacement of the electrode. She underwent another procedure to place a new lead. She did not present dizziness or syncope in the follow-up. Conclusions: the clinical method is the main element for the diagnosis of complications in the follow-up of patients with permanent pacemakers; still, only one diagnosis element is not enough to discard the problem so is necessary to use other diagnostic means.

Effectiveness of epicardial atrial pacing using a bipolar steroid-eluting endocardial lead with active fixation in an experimental model

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of bipolar epicardial atrial pacing using an active fixation bipolar endocardial lead implanted on the atrial surface in an experimental model. METHODS: A total of ten Large White adult pigs underwent pacemaker implantation under general anesthesia. Atrial pacing and sensing parameters were obtained at the procedure, immediate postoperative period and on the 7th and the 30th postoperative in unipolar and bipolar configurations. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully performed. There were no perioperative complications and no early deaths. Atrial pacing and sensing parameters for both unipolar and bipolar modes remained stable throughout the study. We observed a progressive increase in atrial thresholds, ranging from 0.49 ± 0.35 (at implantation) to 1.86 ± 1.31 volts (30th postoperative day), in unipolar mode. Atrial impedance measurements decreased slightly over time, ranging from 486.80 ± 126.35 Ohms (at implantation) to 385.0 ± 80.52 Ohms (30th postoperative day). Atrial sensing measures remained stable from the immediate postoperative period until the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The bipolar active fixation endocardial lead implanted epicardially can provide stable conditions of pacing and sensing parameters throughout the postoperative follow-up.

Implante de eletrodo em veia ázigos: uma opção terapêutica para limiar de desfibrilação elevado / Azygos vein lead implantation: a therapeutic option for elevated defibrillation threshold

A avaliação do limiar de desfibrilação (DFT) durante o implante do cardioversor-desfibrilador (CDI) é uma etapa relevante do procedimento, uma vez que, em até 16% dos pacientes, podemos encontrar elevados DFT. Relatamos o caso de um paciente portador de cardiomiopatia dilatada (CMPD) idiopática submetido a implante de CDI biventricular. Durante o procedimento, apresentou elevado DFT e se mostrou resistente às modalidades terapêuticas usuais. Optamos pelo implante de eletrodo de desfibrilação em veia ázigos, com resolução do quadro.

The evaluation of the defibrillation threshold (DFT) during the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an important stage of the procedure, as a high DFT can be found in up to 16% of patients. We report a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) submitted to a biventricular ICD implantation. During the procedure, the patient showed a high DFT and showed to be resistant to usual therapeutic modalities. We opted for the azygos vein defibrillation lead implantation, with good resolution.

Analysis of intracranial electroencephalogram records during seizure onset using wavelet transform / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To study the wavelet entropy of intracranial electrode recording electroencephalogram (EEG) during the seizure onset,and explore the prospect of applying it for automatic detection of EEG.Methods Twenty-eight seizure events of 9 epilepsy patients whose outcome were Engel class Ⅰ were retrospective analyzed,by comparing the pre-ictal,initial ictal and ictal wavelet energy entropy variations of both seizure onset zone (SOZ) contacts and non-SOZ contacts.Results The wavelet energy entropy of SOZ contacts increased from pre-ictal (0.053 ± 0.047 ) to initial ictal (0.326 ± 0.250),while it declined during the ictal (0.138 ± 0.097,F =30.904,P =0.000).There was no obvious change of the wavelet energy entropy of non-SOZ contacts in different periods.By further applying time-window wavelet entropy to the detection of intracranial EEG,the results showed that the time-window wavelet energy entropy could be sensitive to reflect the seizure onset time and electrodes.Conclusion The wavelet energy entropy of contacts inside SOZ increased significantly at scizurc onset,and this conclusion can be used to assist in presurgical localization of epilepsy.

Clinical study on mesial temporal lobe epilepsy monitored by stereotactic implantation of depth electrode into hippocampus / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To observe the effects of stereotactic implanting depth electrode into the hippocampus on monitoring mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods Thirteen patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy were included in the present study.The epilcptogenic zone might be located in the hippocampus based on the symptoms and MRI data.Eight-contact depth electrode was implanted into the patients' hippocampus by stereotactic procedures to record the electroencephalogram(EEG).The duration of monitoring lasted for 24-72 hours or more,so as to be sure if the epileptogenic zone was located in the hippocampus,and to provide evidences for surgical resection of epileptic focus.Results Thirteen patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy underwent video electroencephalogram monitoring for 72 hours.Twentynine epileptic seizures in 7 patients were detected.Ictal EEG changes manifested as paroxysmal slow wave or spike and slow waves on the background.The epileptiform discharges started from some electrode points,and then propagated to others or the contralateral electrode. After 1-2 seconds of delay,high amplitude slow waves with the frequency of 3-4 Hz were observed on the ipsilateral scalp EEG. Clinical epileptic seizures were not detected in 6 patients during monitoring,depth electrode showed paroxysmal focal high amplitude slow wave or spike and sharp waves,scalp EEG did not find abnormality.Six of thirteen patients received surgical resection of epileptic foci,the outcome during follow-up of 3-8 months was satisfactory.Conclusions To record hippocampal EEG in patients with intractable epilepsy by stereotactic implanting depth electrode into the hippocampus might be a safe and reliable method.It might provide strong evidences for the diagnosis of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy,and for the location of epilcptogenic zone.

Management of a Remnant Electrode in a Patient With Cardioverter-Defibrillator Infection After Refusal of Intravascular Electrode Removal

Treatments of choice for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are the removal of the entire CIED system, control of infection, and new device implantation. Occasionally, a complete CIED removal can not be performed for several reasons, such as very old age, severe comobidity, limited life expectancy, or refusal by a patient. We encountered a male patient who developed traumatic CIED infection five years after cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. An intravenous electrode could not be removed by a simple transvenous extraction procedure, and he refused surgical removal of the remnant electrode. After control of local infection, the tips of the electrode were separated and buried between muscles, and the wound was closed with a local flap. CIED infection did not recur for 12 months even without relying on long-term antimicrobial treatment.

Eletrodo de marca-passo mal posicionado no ventrículo esquerdo / Pacemaker electrode misplaced in the left ventricle / Electrodo de marcapasos mal posicionado en el ventrículo izquierdo

Relatamos caso de implantação anômala de eletrodo de marca-passo VVI no ventrículo esquerdo (VE), diagnosticada durante avaliação de rotina, dois anos pós-implante. Trata-se de mulher de 65 anos e soropositiva para doença de Chagas. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) apresentava padrão de bloqueio do ramo direito. A radiografia de tórax em perfil mostrou trajeto com curvatura posterior do eletrodo. No ecocardiograma transtorácico, o diagnóstico final mostrou cateter que penetrava o átrio direito, atravessava o septo interatrial e descia pelo átrio esquerdo e orifício valvar mitral para se implantar na parede lateral do VE. Abordam-se os seguintes aspectos relacionados: possíveis trajetos de implantação, quadro clínico, radiológico, eletrocardiográfico, ecocardiográfico, complicações e opções terapêuticas.

This study reports the case of an anomalous implantation of VVI pacemaker electrode in the left ventricle (LV) diagnosed during routine evaluation, two years after implantation. The patient is a 65-year-old woman with Chagas disease. Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a pattern of right branch block. Profile chest X-ray showed electrode with posterior curvature path. In transthoracic echocardiography, the diagnosis revealed that the catheter penetrated the right atrium, crossed the atrial septum, descended through the left atrium and mitral valve orifice and deployed on the LV wall. The following related aspects are addressed: potential deployment routes, clinical, radiological, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic pictures, complications and treatment options.

Relatamos caso de implantación anómala de electrodo de marcapasos VVI en el ventrículo izquierdo (VI), diagnosticada durante evaluación de rutina, dos años post implante. Se trata de mujer de 65 años y seropositiva para enfermedad de Chagas. El electrocardiograma (ECG) presentaba estándar de bloqueo de rama derecha. La radiografía de tórax de perfil mostró trayecto con curvatura posterior del electrodo. En el ecocardiograma transtorácico, el diagnóstico final mostró catéter que penetraba el atrio derecho, atravesaba el septo interatrial y descendía por el atrio izquierdo y orificio valvar mitral para implantarse en la pared lateral del VI. Se abordan los siguientes aspectos relacionados: posibles trayectos de implantación, cuadro clínico, radiológico, electrocardiográfico, ecocardiográfico, complicaciones y opciones terapéuticas.

The application of implantation temporary cardiac pacing by balloon-tipped floating catheter for the peroperative period patients / 中国医师杂志

Objective To discuss the application of implantation temporary cardiac pacing by balloon-tipped floating catheter for peroperative period patients. Method Thirty-three patients with severe bradyarrhythmia were received the balloon-tipped floating catheter to RV by Seldinger puncture technique.Meantime, the pacing signals of ECG were observed. The threshold and QRS waves to ensure the electrode position were determined. Result All of 33 cases were successfully punctured and 32 cases get paced, except 1 case had the electro - mechanical dissociation (EMD). Pacing threshold was less than 0. 9V, and mean remaining time was 12.47 ～ 161 (67. 05 ±34. 48) hours. Apical pacing was operated in 23 patients,and right ventricular outflow tract pacing in 10 patients. No severe complications were occurred. Conclusion The implantation method of temporary cardiac pacing by balloon-tipped floating catheter was convenient and safe. It could help the patients get safety in anesthesia and peroperative period.

The study on the application of active fixation electrodes in patients with right ventricular outflow tract septal pacing / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) septal pacing. Methods Fifty-two patients implanted with pacemaker were randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent the RVOT septal pacing with active fixation electrodes (active fixation electrodes group, 22 cases),and the other group underwent the right ventricular apical pacing with passive fixation electrodes (passive fixation electrodes group, 30 cases). The parameters of two groups in operation were recorded. Results The successful rate of RVOT septal pacing was 100%, active fixation electrodes group took more time to plant electrodes and expose in X-ray than passive fixation electrodes group [ (56.13±1.18)min vs (15.42±1.24) min, (18.77±6.14) min vs (10.12±8.14) min, P<0.05]. The width of the QRS wave of active fixation electrodes group was narrower than that of passive fixation electrodes group [(0.14±0.02)ms vs (0.16±0.04) ms, P< 0.05]. The parameters of two groups were stable in follow-up period and none of electrodes was extracted. Conclusion The usage of active fixation electrodes in patients with RVOT septal pacing is feasible and safe.

Comparative study between right ventricular septal pacing and right ventricular apical pacing / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of right ventricular septal pacing with active fixation electrodes.Methods This was a randomized and control clinical trial.Patients implanted with pacemaker were randomly divided into two groups.One group underwent the right ventrieular high septal pacing with the active fixation electrodes(RVS group),and the other group underwent the right ventricular apical pacing with the passive fixation electrodes(control group).The parameter was recorded in two groups in and after operation and compared accordingly.Results (1)There were no significant differences in the procedure time between two groups[averaged(59.6±3.2)and(60.2±3.7)minutes respectively].But the time of exposing X-ray was significant longer in RVS group.(2)There was no significant difference in acute implanting measurement,except perioperative and postoperative threshold 1 month in RVS group was higher than that in control group(P＜0.05 or＜0.01).After 3 months,there was no significant difference.(3)Impedance decreased significantly in 1 month and 3 months in RVS group[P＜0.01 or＜0.05).(4)There was no difference in R-wave sensing between two groups.(5)After 100%pacing,the mean QRS duration Was shorter in RVS group,but the difference was not significant.(6)Operations in two groups came off smoothly and there were no complications.Conclusion It is feasible and secure to pace from RVS with active fixation electrodes.