Fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis guiada por catéter en la embolia pulmonar de riesgo intermedio / Mechanical fragmentation and catheter-guided thrombolysis in intermediate risk pulmonary embolism

La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda (TEPA) sigue siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. Su diagnóstico, estratificación de riesgo y tratamiento precoz son fundamentales, siendo su pilar la anticoagulación. En pacientes de bajo riesgo cardiovascular, el pronóstico es excelente y solo basta con la administración de anticoagulantes. No obstante, debido al pobre pronóstico de los pacientes con riesgo elevado (descompensación hemodinámica), el enfoque terapéutico es más agresivo, utilizándose trombolíticos sistémicos que disminuyen la mortalidad pero incrementan el riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas mayores. En el TEPA de riesgo intermedio (evidencia de falla de ventrículo derecho, sin descompensación hemodinámica), la relación riesgo-beneficio del tratamiento con trombolíticos es más equilibrada por lo que la decisión es controvertida. La fragmentación mecánica con trombólisis dirigida por catéter es una alternativa con potenciales beneficios. Presentamos dos casos de TEPA de riesgo intermedio, en los que se realizó fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis dirigida por catéter.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its diagnosis, risk stratification and early treatment are essential. The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation. In patients with low cardiovascular risk, the prognosis is excellent and the treatment consists only of the administration of anticoagulants. Due to the poor prognosis of patients with high risk (hemodynamic decompensation), the approach is more aggressive using systemic thrombolytics, which reduce mortality but increase the risk of major hemorrhagic complications. In the intermediate-risk patients (evidence of right ventricular failure, without hemodynamic decompensation), the risk-benefit relationship of thrombolytic treatment is more balanced, so the choice is controversial. Mechanical fragmentation with catheter-directed thrombolysis is an alternative with potential benefits. We present two cases of intermediate-risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism to whom mechanical fragmentation and catheter-directed thrombolysis was applied.

Monitorizacion del gasto cardiaco con ecocardiografia transtoracica y cateter de Swan Ganz. Estudio comparativo en pacientes en ventilacion mecanica con presión positiva espiratoria final elevada / Cardiac output measured by transthoracic echocardiography and Swan-Ganz catheter. A comparative study in mechanically ventilated patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar las medidas de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica y por catéter arterial pulmonar en pacientes en ventilación mecánica con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada. Evaluar el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide. Métodos: Se estudiaron 16 pacientes en ventilación mecánica. El gasto cardiaco se midió con el catéter arterial pulmonar y por ecocardiografía transtorácica. Las medidas se realizaron en diferentes niveles de presión positiva al final de la espiración (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, y 20cmH2O). Se evalúo el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide sobre la medida de gasto cardiaco. Se estudió el coeficiente de correlación intraclase; el error medio y los límites de concordancia se estudiaron con el diagrama de Bland-Altman. Se calculó el porcentaje de error. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 44 pares de medidas de gasto cardiaco. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,908, p < 0,001; el error medio fue 0,44L/min para valores de gasto cardíaco entre 5 a 13L/min. Los límites de concordancia se encontraron entre 3,25L/min y -2,37L/min. Con insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,791, sin insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,935. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide aumentó el porcentaje de error de 32 % a 52%. Conclusiones: En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada la medida de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica es comparable con catéter arterial pulmonar. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide influye en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada, el uso de ecocardiografía transtorácica para medir gasto cardiaco es comparable con las medidas invasivas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare cardiac output measurements by transthoracic echocardiography and a pulmonary artery catheter in mechanically ventilated patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure. To evaluate the effect of tricuspid regurgitation. Methods: Sixteen mechanically ventilated patients were studied. Cardiac output was measured by pulmonary artery catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Measurements were performed at different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, and 20cmH2O). The effect of tricuspid regurgitation on cardiac output measurement was evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient was studied; the mean error and limits of agreement were studied with the Bland-Altman plot. The error rate was calculated. Results: Forty-four pairs of cardiac output measurements were obtained. An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.908 was found (p < 0.001). The mean error was 0.44L/min for cardiac output values between 5 and 13L/min. The limits of agreement were 3.25L/min and -2.37L/min. With tricuspid insufficiency, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.791, and without tricuspid insufficiency, 0.935. Tricuspid insufficiency increased the error rate from 32% to 52%. Conclusions: In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, cardiac output measurement by transthoracic echocardiography is comparable to that with a pulmonary artery catheter. Tricuspid regurgitation influences the intraclass correlation coefficient. In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, the use of transthoracic echocardiography to measure cardiac output is comparable to invasive measures.

Cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital guiado por ultrassonografia / Right heart catheterization through ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach

Introdução: As complicações no cateterismo cardíaco direito estão quase sempre relacionadas ao local de acesso. As veias do antebraço podem ser um alvo para reduzir tais complicações durante o procedimento. No entanto, dados relativos à ampla aplicação desta técnica são escassos. Métodos: Série de casos que relata nossas primeiras experiências com o cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital. Resultados: Tentamos realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito em 20 pacientes com abordagem antecubital em janeiro de 2016. A abordagem antecubital foi bem-sucedida em 19 casos (95,0%). Todos os acessos venosos foram obtidos guiados por ultrassonografia. Os cateterismos cardíacos direito e esquerdo foram realizados simultaneamente em 12 casos (60,0%). O cateterismo cardíaco esquerdo foi realizado através da artéria radial direita em 11 casos (91,7%), e da artéria braquial direita em 1 caso (8,3%). O acesso antecubital foi obtido pela veia basílica em 18 (94,7%) casos, e pela veia cefálica em 1 (5,3%) caso. Conclusões: O cateterismo cardíaco direito através das veias da prega antecubital parece ser viável e seguro. Outros estudos controlados são necessários para estabelecer o melhor local de acesso para realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito

Background: Complications in right heart catheterization are almost all access-site related. Forearm veins may be a target to reduce access-site complications during the procedure. However, data regarding wide application of this technique is scarce. Methods: This is a case-series that reports our first experiences in right heart catheterization through the antecubital approach. Results: We attempted to perform right heart catheterization in 20 patients using antecubital approach on January 2016. The antecubital approach was successful in 19 (95.0%) cases. All venous access were obtained with ultrasound guidance. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization was performed in 12 cases (60.0%). Left heart catheterization was performed through right radial artery in 11 cases (91.7%) and through the right brachial artery in 1 case (8.3%). Antecubital access was obtained through the basilic vein in 18 (94.7%) cases and through the cephalic vein in 1 (5.3%) case. Conclusions: Right heart catheterization through the antecubital fossa veins appears to be feasible and safe. Further controlled studies are required to establish the best access site to perform right heart catheterization

Severe tracheobronchial compression in a patient with Turner's syndrome undergoing repair of a complex aorto-subclavian aneurysm: Anesthesia perspectives.

We present a case of severe tracheobronchial compression from a complex aorto‑subclavian aneurysm in a patient with Turner’s syndrome undergoing open surgical repair. Significant airway compression is a challenging situation and requires careful preoperative preparation, maintenance of spontaneous breathing when possible, and consideration of having an alternative source of oxygenation and circulation established prior to induction of general anesthesia. Cardiopulmonary monitoring is essential for safe general anesthesia and diagnosis of unexpected intraoperative events.

Comparison between continuous non-invasive estimated cardiac output by pulse wave transit time and thermodilution method.

Aims and Objectives: Cardiac output (CO) measurement is essential for many therapeutic decisions in anesthesia and critical care. Most available non‑invasive CO measuring methods have an invasive component. We investigate “pulse wave transit time” (estimated continuous cardiac output [esCCO]) a method of CO measurement that has no invasive component to its use. Materials and Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 14 adult (21–85 years) patients undergoing surgery and requiring pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) for measuring CO, were included. Postoperatively CO readings were taken simultaneously with thermodilution (TD) via PAC and esCCO, whenever a change in CO was expected due to therapeutic interventions. Both monitoring methods were continued until patients’ discharge from the Intensive Care Unit and observer recording values using TD method was blinded to values measured by esCCO system. Results: Three hundred and one readings were obtained simultaneously from both methods. Correlation and concordance between the two methods was derived using Bland‑Altman analysis. Measured values showed significant correlation between esCCO and TD (r = 0.6, P < 0.001, 95% confidence limits of 0.51-0.68). Mean and (standard deviation) for bias and precision were 0.13 (2.27) L/min and 6.56 (2.19) L/min, respectively. The 95% confidence interval for bias was ‑ 4.32 to 4.58 L/min and for precision 2.27 to10.85 L/min. Conclusions: Although, esCCO is the only true non‑invasive continuous CO monitor available and even though its values change proportionately to TD method (gold standard) with the present degree of error its utility for clinical/therapeutic decision‑making is questionable.

Correlação entre gasometria atrial direita e índice cardíaco no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Correlation between right atrial venous blood gasometry and cardiac index in cardiac surgery postoperative period

OBJETIVO: Determinar a confiabilidade em se correlacionar o índice cardíaco com os dados fornecidos pela gasometria do sangue venoso atrial direito em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca, durante o período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: A partir das amostras de sangue arterial e venoso do átrio direito, colhidas no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, foram determinados os parâmetros de oxigênio do sangue venoso do átrio direito. Estes parâmetros foram então comparados com o índice cardíaco determinado pela termodiluição. RESULTADOS: Houve boa correlação entre a saturação de oxigênio do sangue venoso do átrio direito (SvO2), diferença artério-venosa do conteúdo de oxigênio do sangue colhido no átrio direito e o índice cardíaco aferido pela termodiluição, com boa sensibilidade e especificidade e alto valor preditivo positivo e negativo. A pressão do sangue do átrio direito (PvO2) apresentou baixa sensibilidade na estimativa de baixo débito cardíaco. CONCLUSÃO: No pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, a SvO2e a diferença artério-venosa do conteúdo de oxigênio (C(av)O2) apresentaram-se como parâmetros confiáveis correlacionados a baixo débito cardíaco. A PvO2 foi pouco sensível no diagnóstico de baixo débito no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, even during postoperative period, the confiability of the cardiac index correlate with the data data given by a central atrial venous blood gasometry in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. METHODS: From the sample of arterial and venous blood of right atrium gathered in postoperative of cardiac surgery, it was determinated the hemoglobin concentration and the gasometric study through what was observed of the venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and the partial pressure of oxygen from venous blood gathered in right atrium (PvO2), add to the calculation of artery-venous difference of the oxygen content - radial artery / right atrium (C( a-v )O2). Afterwards, these parameters were compared with the cardiac index determined by thermodilution. RESULTS: There was good correlation between SvO2, C(av)O2 of the venous right atrial blood and cardiac index meansured by termodiluition method, with sensibility and especificity good and high positive predict value and negative predict value. The PvO2 demonstrated poor sensibility in the estimative of low output. CONCLUSION: In cardiac surgery postoperative, the SvO2and the C(a-v)O2 were safe parameters correlated with low cardiac output. The PvO2 demonstrated poor sensibility in the estimative of low output in postoperative cardiac surgery.

new echo-cardiographic approach in assessing pulmonary vascular bed in patients with congenital heart disease

We thought to test whether the ratio of peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity [TRV, m/sec], to the right ventricular out flow tract time-velocity integral [TVIRVOT, Cm/sec] obtained by Doppler echocardiogrophy [TRV/TVI[RVOT]] provides a clinically reliable method to determine pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR]. Simultaneous Doppler echocadiographic examination and right-heart catheterization were performed in 25 patients. The ratio of TRV/TVI[RVOT] was then correlated with invasive PVR measurements using regression analysis. An equation was modeled to calculate PVR in wood units [WU], using echocardiography, and the results were compared with invasive PVR measurement using the Bland-Altman analysis. As calculated by Doppler echocardiography, TRV/TVI[RVOT] results correlated well [r=0.92] with invasive. PVR measurements the Bland-Altman analysis between PVR obtained invasively and that by echo cardiography, using the equation: PVR=TRV/TVI[RVOT] x 10 + 0.16, showed satisfactory limits of agreement. Doppler echocardiography may provide a reliable, non invasive method to determine PVR

Avaliação da variabilidade de intervenções baseadas no cateter de artéria pulmonar: experiência brasileira / Variability in interventions with pulmonary artery catheter data: Brazilian experience

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A utilização do cateter de artéria pulmonar (CAP) é ainda fonte de debates, devido aos questionamentos sobre sua segurança e eficácia. Este estudo reproduz, entre uma amostra de médicos brasileiros, outra pesquisa, na qual foi evidenciada a heterogeneidade de condutas guiadas através dos dados fornecidos pelo CAP entre médicos norte-americanos. MÉTODO: Durante o Congresso Brasileiro de Medicina Intensiva (Curitiba, 2004), foram distribuídos formulários nos quais constavam três casos com dados de CAP e, na metade deles, de ecocardiografia. Foi solicitado aos médicos que assinalassem uma entre seis opções terapêuticas. Determinou-se que uma resposta homogênea resultaria em uma escolha selecionada por pelo menos 80 por cento dos respondedores. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e trinta e sete médicos responderam os formulários. Em todos os três casos foram observadas escolhas de intervenção terapêutica completamente distintas, nenhuma delas obtendo mais de 80 por cento de concordância. Quando se comparam as escolhas direcionadas pelos resultados da ecocardiografia, observou-se a persistência da variação de escolhas e que nenhuma delas alcançou número suficiente para ser considerada homogênea. CONCLUSÕES: Semelhantemente ao estudo original, observou-se total heterogeneidade nas condutas dirigidas pelo CAP, o que, em última instância, pode indicar conhecimento inadequado de conceitos fisiopatológicos básicos, e que o ensino nos cursos médicos precisa ser revisto e aprimorado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Use of Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) is still a debatable issue, mainly due to questions raised about its security and efficacy. This study reproduced in a sample of Brazilian physicians, another one conducted amidst American doctors, in which was pointed out the heterogeneity of clinical decisions guided by data obtained from PAC. METHODS: During the Brazilian Congress of Intensive Care Medicine (Curitiba 2004), doctors were asked to answer a survey form with three vignettes. Each of them contained PAC data and one half of the surveys contained echocardiographic information. Every doctor was asked to select one of six interventions for each vignette. A homogeneous answer was considered when it was selected by at least 80 percent of the respondents. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty seven doctors answered the questionnaires. They selected completely different therapeutic interventions in all three vignettes and none of the interventions achieved more than 80 percent agreement. Variability persisted with the choices guided by echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: As in the original study, we observed total heterogeneity of therapeutic interventions guided by CAP and echocardiography. These results could be caused by lack of knowledge about basic pathophysiologic concepts and maybe we had to improve its teaching at the medical school benches.

Transcatheter closure of native pulmonary artery for the elimination of accessory pulmonary blood flow after bidirectional Glenn shunt.

We report a case where excessive accessory pulmonary blood flow via the native pulmonary valve after cavopulmonary anastomosis resulted in pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. This flow was successfully eliminated in the cardiac catheterization laboratory using an Amplazter duct occluder that was placed across the native pulmonary valve.

Percutaneous transseptal left atrial monitoring in open heart surgery [PTLAM] - a new technique

Between January and August 1991, 37 patients who underwent open mitral valve repair or replacement had left atrial monitoring by a new technique. A percutaneons transvenous line, similar to the one used to measure the central venous pressure, was used to monitor left atrial pressure after penetrating the atrial septum during heart surgery. This technique was useful in the postoperative period for evaluation of the left ventricular function in a similar manner to that obtained by measuring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. It was also useful in cases of mitral valve repair to evaluate mitral valve function just after the patient is off bypass. Useful information was also obtained after mitral valve replacement. This technique was useful in the postoperative period for evaluation of the left ventricular function in a similar manner to that obtained by measuring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. It was also useful in cases of mitral valve repair to evaluate mitral valve function just after the patient is off bypass. Useful information was also obtained after mitral valve replacement. Evaluation of the patients before discharge from hospital by colored flow Doppler cardiography was done. In all occasions the septum was intact sand no delectable shunt could be demonstrated. Percutaneous Transseptal left atrial Monitoring [PTLAM] is a simple technique, can be done in all cases in whom the evaluation of left ventricular function is needed; and/or in cases of mitral valve repair or replacement. PTLAM is more accurate than the indirect methods of measuring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure which can be affected by the pressure of pathological changes in the pulmonary vasculature. It also avoids the complications of insertion of Swan Ganz catheter, furthermore it is safer than the use of superior pulmonary vein