Impact of the LAmbre device on left atrial appendage adjacent structures and left atrium / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of the LAmbre device and mitral annulus(MA), as well as left atrium(LA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) using real-time-three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE).Methods:Fity-six consecutive patients who underwent LAAC with the LAmbre device in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from June 2019 to March 2023 were retrospectively enrolled, with no or less than moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). All patients underwent pre-operative and follow-up two-and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE, 3D TEE) at 60 days after the operation. The quantitative parameters of MA and LA were obtained by offline analysis using QLab 13.0 (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA). Importantly, mitral annular measurements were made at seven time points throughout the cardiac cycle: early diastole, mid-diastole, late diastole, mitral valve closure, early systole, mid-systole, and late systole, which facilitates constructing the dynamic model of MA to assess the annular morphology and dynamics.Results:The values of AP diameter (APD), AL-PM diameter (ALPMD), 3D annulus circumference (3DAC), 3D annulus area (3DAA) decreased significantly compared with pre-operative values at all time points of the cardiac cycle (all P<0.05), while non-planar angle (NPA) and AH/CD were not apparently changed (all P>0.05 ). Throughout the cardiac cycle, MA showed regular changes, gradually increased in systole with the saddle shape deepened, and gradually decreased in diastole with the saddle shape shallowed.During systole, there was an increase in the rate of change of AP in MA [pre-operative (3.01±2.64)%, post-operative (3.81±3.51)%, P=0.037] after LAAC, with no significant difference in the rate of change of ALPM, 3DAC, and 3DAA.Meanwhile, we observed an evident reduction in LA minimal volume (LAVmin) [pre-operative (78.36±25.16)ml, post-operative (70.73±22.78)ml, P=0.004] and an obvious increase in LA ejection function [pre-operative (22.88±10.09)%, post-operative (31.41±12.28)%, P<0.05] during follow-up. Conclusions:3D TEE can accurately assess the impact of LAAC on the MA and LA. The LAmbre device can affect the morphology of MA, as well as the structure and function of LA, while the change of the dynamics of MA is not so prominent.

Fibroelastoma, uma Doença Incidentaloma? - Imagem de Casos de Fibroelastomas como Achados Incidentais em Quatro Pacientes, Quatro Valvas Diferentes / Fibroelastoma, an Incidentaloma Disease? - Image Cases of Fibroelastomas as Incidental Findings in Four Patients, Four Different Valves

Resumo Os fibroelastomas são o segundo tumor cardíaco benigno mais comum. São estruturas pequenas, avasculares, com uma dimensão média de 9mm, podendo atingir até 70mm, habitualmente aderentes à superfície das válvulas cardíacas (válvulas aórtica e mitral são as mais comumente afetadas, seguidas das válvulas tricúspide e pulmonar). A etiologia não é clara, sendo a hipótese de formação de microtrombos nas margens de coaptação das válvulas a mais aceite. Na ecocardiografia apresentam aspeto pediculado, móvel, com superfície filamentosa, tipicamente com uma aparência pontilhada nas margens e ecolucente. Do ponto de vista clínico, podem estar associados a fenómenos embólicos, no entanto, na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é incidental. Apresentamos de seguida quatro casos de diagnóstico incidental de fibroelastomas nas quatro válvulas cardíacas, diagnosticados por ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) (Vídeo 1; Figura 1). Vídeo 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente. Em: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figura 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente.

Abstract Fibroelastomas are the second most common benign cardiac tumor1. They are small avascular structures with a mean size of 9mm, ranging up to 70mm, usually attached to the heart valves' surface (aortic and mitral are the most affected, followed by tricuspid and pulmonary valves). Their etiology is unclear, but the hypothesis of coalescence of microthrombus at the coaptation margins of valves is the most widely accepted theory. On echocardiography, they are pedicled, mobile, with a filamentous surface, and usually have a speckled appearance with echolucencies and a stippled pattern near the edges. Clinically, they may be associated with embolic phenomena; however, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. We present a series of four clinical cases with an incidental diagnosis of fibroelastomas across the four cardiac valves as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (Video 1; Figure 1). Video 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient. Link: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figure 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient.

Candida parapsilosis endocarditis without vegetations at Echocardiography: a case report / Endocarditis por Candida parapsilosis sin vegetaciones ecocardiográficas: Un reporte de caso

ABSTRACT Candida endocarditis is a very serious manifestation of candida infections, and it has increased in incidence over the past years. Of these, C. parapsilosis has been described as a cause of endocarditis in native valves of intravenous drug users and prosthetic valves. We report the case of a female that developed a cerebrovascular accident secondary to emboli from aortic prosthetic valve C. parapsilosis endocarditis, despite apparently normal echocardiography. She received antifungal therapy without surgical intervention.

RESUMEN La endocarditis por Candida spp. es una manifestación muy grave de las infecciones por este patógeno y su incidencia ha ido aumentando en los últimos años. La Candida parapsilosis se ha descrito como causa de endocarditis en válvulas nativas de usuarios de drogas intravenosas y prótesis valvulares. Presentamos el caso de una mujer que desarrolló un accidente cerebrovascular secundario a émbolos fúngicos procedentes de una prótesis valvular aórtica infectada por C. parapsilosis, a pesar de un ecocardiograma sin vegetaciones. La paciente recibió tratamiento antifúngico sin necesidad de intervención quirúrgica.

Transapical beating interventricular septal resection under the navigation of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immediate intraoperative transapical beating-heart septal myectomy (TA-BSM) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and explored the clinical value of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) during the procedure of TA-BSM.Methods:One hundred and thirty-seven HOCM patients who underwent TA-BSM surgery in Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from April 2022 to March 2023 were selected.During the operation, 3D-TEE was used to locate the position of the myocardial circumcision system and navigate the range of myocardial circumcision. The interventricular septal thickness( IVST) and peak pressure gradient of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT-PG) were measured, and the degree of mitral systolic anterior motion (SAM) and mitral regurgitation (MR) were evaluated in HOCM patients before and after the operation. The range of the incisal margin was measured, and the number of resection knives and the weight of the removed myocardium were recorded.Results:TA-BSM under 3D-TEE navigation was successfully performed in 137 HOCM patients. The number of resection was 7(5, 9), and the weight of the removed myocardium was 5.6(3.4, 8.9)g. During the operation, there were no adverse events such as death, aortic valve injury, and iatrogenic interventricular septal perforation. Compared with those before the operation, the wall thickness of basal and middle segments of the anterior and posterior interventricular septum decreased significantly (all P<0.001), and LVOT-PG decreased significantly ( P<0.001). After TA-BSM, the number of patients with SAM≥3 decreased from 94 cases (68.6%) to 2 cases (1.5%), and the number of patients with MR≥3+ decreased from 86 cases (62.8%) to 9 cases (6.6%)(all P<0.001). For the patients with different degrees of ventricular septal hypertrophy (mild, moderate, and severe), the postoperative IVST and LVOT-PG were significantly lower than the preoperative values, and the degree of MR and SAM signs was relieved considerably. The length of the incisal margin, the weight of excised myocardium, and the number of resection in the group with extensive septal hypertrophy in all three regions were significantly higher than those in the group with localized interventricular septal hypertrophy in single or two areas (all P<0.05). Conclusions:3D-TEE can guide and monitor the process of TA-BSM myocardial resection in real-time. By accurately evaluating the IVST and the range and hemodynamic characteristics of HOCM patients, it can effectively relieve LVOTO and significantly reduce MR to ensure the safety and effectiveness of TA-BSM in HOCM patients with different degrees and ranges of hypertrophy.

Efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in optimizing painless transesophageal echocardiography in elderly patients / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy in optimizing painless transesophageal echocardiography in elderly patients.Methods:Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ patients, regardless of gender, aged 60-75 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-23.9 kg/m 2, were randomized into 2 groups ( n=30 each) by a random number table method: group HFNC and conventional ventilation group (group C). Pure oxygen 10 L/min was inhaled for 3 min preoxygenation using the HFNC device in group HFNC. Group C inhaled pure oxygen at 6 L/min for 3 min preoxygenation via a nasal cannula. Sufentanil 0.1 μg/kg and remazolam 0.25-0.30 mg/kg were intravenously injected in turn. Group HFNC was connected to a high-flow humidification oxygen therapy device and inhaled pure oxygen at 60 L/min (37℃, FiO 2 100%). The flow rate of pure oxygen was maintained at 6 L/min (FiO 2 100 %) in group C. The patients were placed in left lateral decubitus position, esophageal ultrasound was performed after the eyelash reflex disappeared, and remazolam 0.1 mg/kg was intravenously injected intermittently when bucking and body movement were induced by operation stimulation. The occurrence of hypoxia-related adverse events, mandibular intervention and ventilation-related adverse events was observed during examination. The operation time, time of emergence from anesthesia and consumption of remazolam were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of severe hypoxia and rate of mandibular intervention were significantly decreased (7%/0 and 53%/17%, P<0.05), the lowest intraoperative SpO 2 was increased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the operation time, time of emergence from anesthesia and consumption of remazolam in group HFNC ( P>0.05). No ventilation-related adverse events occurred in both groups. Conclusions:HFNC can markedly optimize the ventilation management of elderly patients undergoing painless transesophageal echocardiography.

Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Objectives To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher's test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane's T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients < 60 years of age, 5.7% in patients between 60 and 70 years, and 5.2% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

Risk factors for cryptogenic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the potential risk factors for cryptogenic stroke (CS) in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO).Methods:Patients underwent PFO closure in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to evaluate the morphological characteristics of foramen ovale and right-to-left shunt (RLS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for CS in patients with PFO. Results:A total of 203 patients with PFO were enrolled. Their age was 41.9±14.3, and 116 patients (57.1%) were male. There were 102 patients in CS group and 101 patients in non-stroke group. The age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, and the constituent ratios of male, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking of the CS group were significant higher than those of the non-stroke group (all P<0.05). The PFO channel of the CS group was longer, wider and more combined with resting RLS (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [ OR] 1.065, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.022-1.111; P=0.003), PFO length ( OR 1.124, 95% CI 1.004-1.258; P=0.043) and resting RLS ( OR 5.449, 95% CI 2.283-13.004; P<0.001) were the independent risk factors for CS in patients with PFO. Conclusion:Systolic blood pressure, PFO length and the presence of resting RLS are the independent risk factors for CS in patients with PFO.

Role of transesophageal echocardiography in the intraoperative monitoring of left ventricular assist device implantation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in monitoring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.Methods:Between March 2019 and November 2021, 23 consecutive patients from TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, including 21 cases with dilated cardiomyopathy, 1 case with myocardial noncompaction and 1 case with ischemic cardiomyopathy, underwent HeartCon blood pump, a type of third generation LVAD implantation for severe heart failure. TEE was preformed in all cases before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. The dimensions of left-sided and right-sided cardiac chamber, ventricular function, de-airing, interventricular septal position, inlet cannulae position and the function of device were observed and recorded during LVAD implantation. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis of left-sided and right-sided heart parameters in pre- and post-operative measurements. Results:The left heart was dilated significantly and coexistent with right heart enlargement in some degree before LVAD implantation in total 23 cases. More than moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) in 16 cases and less than moderate MR in 7 cases were present. Mild or trace aortic regurgitation (AR) existed in 13 cases. More than moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in 4 cases and less than moderate TR in 16 cases were observed. Left atrial appendage thrombosis was detected in 2 cases. After LVAD implantation, TEE revealed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter reduced significantly (42 mm/m 2 vs 32.8 mm/m 2, P<0.05) and left ventricular ejection fraction increased accordingly (22.2% vs 34.0%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in right ventricular diameter and fractional area change between pre- and post-operative findings(all P>0.05). The ratio of left ventricular inner diameter to right ventricular inner diameter (2.09 vs 1.69, P<0.05) decreased in total 23 cases after LVAD implantation.Interventricular septal position became neutral position instead of pre-oprative rightward position. The severity of MR decreased in varying degrees in total 23 cases after LVAD implantation. All patients underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty with residual mild regurgitation in 8 cases. Conclusions:HeartCon blood pump can effectively unload the left ventricle with sufficient cardiac output in patients with severe congestive heart failure. TEE plays a major role in the clinical decision making during LVAD implantation, which can evaluate pre-operative cardiac abnormalities, intra-operative air embolism, inlet cannulae position, cannulas patency and cardiac function, especially blood volume status and the balance between double ventricles, which is critical for optimal functioning of the device.

Feasibility of transesophageal echocardiography-guided transthoracic micro-incisions for the treatment of aortic dissection / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided transthoracic micro-incisions for the treatment of aortic dissection.Methods:Ten patients with aortic dissection who received TEE before surgery between March 2017 and March 2019 in Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China were included in this study. They were divided into group A (involving the aorta, n = 5) and group B (aortic arch ulcer, n = 5). Diagnosis before and after surgery was analyzed in each group. Whether guide sheath tube and guide wire rapidly entered the interlayer during the surgery was assessed. In addition, the stability and position of the occluder device and its effect on local blood flow were assessed. Results:TEE findings revealed that occlusion treatment was effective and TEE-guided transthoracic micro-incisions successfully occluded the breaks of the aortic dissection. In group A, the occluded breaks of the aortic dissection disappeared, and thrombi formed in the false lumen. Blood flow velocity decreased from 230 cm/s to 120 cm/s. In group B, aortic wall was tightly bounded to the occluder device and the breaks disappeared. The velocity of the blood flow in the arch of the aorta was 120 cm/s. The occluder device was stable before and after occlusion. It had no effect on the velocity of local blood flow. At 40 days after surgery, the position of the occluder was not deviated.Conclusion:TEE before surgery for aortic dissection can effectively assess the injury degree and avoid missed diagnosis. TEE can guide the placement of the occluder device during the surgery. TEE can also help accurately assess the surgical outcomes.

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography evaluation of changes in parameters of mitral value pre- and post-left atrial appendage closure / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between Watchman occluder and structure of mitral valve apparatus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after left atrial appendage closure(LAAC) by transesophageal echocardiography.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2020, 29 patients [20 male, 9 female, (69.55±10.06)years old] with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation underwent LAAC in Zhongshan Hospital (implanted Watchman occluder), and all patients underwent pre-operative and follow-up two and three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(2DTEE, 3DTEE) at 60 days after the operation. The quantitative parameters of mitral valve apparatus were obtained by offline analysis using the MVA module in QLab 13.0 (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA), the differences between pre-operation and post-operation were compared, and the relationship between occluder compression ratio and mitral valve parameters with significant changes after operation was analyzed.Results:①The values of AL-PM diameter(AL-PM), 3D annulus circumference(3DAC), 2D annulus area(2DAA), 3D annulus area(3DAA), tenting volume(TnV), tenting area(TnA) and commissural diameter(CD) decreased significantly compared with pre-operative values(all P<0.05), while the annulus sphericity index(SPI) increased significantly ( P<0.05). ②In the quantitative mitral value parameters with significant pre- and post-operation changes, TnV was correlated with the occluder compression ratio ( r=0.403, P=0.030), but AL-PM, SPI, 3DAC, 2DAA, 3DAA, TnA, CD were not correlated with it(all P>0.05). Conclusions:3DTEE can accurately evaluate the effect of Watchman occluder on the morphology of mitral valve device. Implanting Watchman occluder in left atrial appendage can make three-dimensional mitral valve apparatus flat and decrease annulus left-right diameter and annulus area; the pre-operative TnV, the more susceptible to the occluder implantation, and TnV is correlated with the compression ratio.

Preliminary experience of transesophageal echocardiography guided DragonFly? system for edge-to-edge tricuspid regurgitation repair / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) guidance for transcatheter DragonFly? system edge-to-edge tricuspid regurgitation (TR) repair.Methods:Five cases who were chosen in the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2020 to January 2021 with surgical high-risk and severe functional TR underwent transcatheter DragonFly edge-to-edge repair with the guidance of TEE. Preoperative TEE was used to evaluate the tricuspid valve anatomy and the origin and etiology of regurgitation in detail; intra-procedure guidance of TEE was performed during the DragonFly system for tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair intervention and after release of the DragonFly clip, the effect of surgery was assessed immediately and compared with pre-procedure TEE.Results:A total of 10 DragonFly clips were implanted in 5 patients (3 in each of patients, 2 in 1 patient, and 1 in each of patients). One of the 3 clips in 1 patient fell off unilaterally from the septal valve after release, and the other 9 clips were well positioned and fixed. Immediately post-operation assessment by TEE depicted the TR in 3 patients declined to mild and 2 to moderate. The vena contracta area by using three-dimensional color blood flow quantitative assessment was reduced[(0.93±0.26)cm 2 vs (0.20±0.11)cm 2]. No complications such as serious tricuspid valve injury, pericardial tamponade, thromboembolism occurred in the 5 patients. Conclusions:TEE plays an important role in guiding and monitoring transcatheter DragonFly system edge-to-edge TR repair during the entire procedure.

Gasparyan method of total autologous reconstruction of the aortic valve

Abstract In this case report, I describe a new technique for total reconstruction of the aortic valve with autologous pericardium. The parameters of the cusps were calculated using very simple formulas after measurement of the aortic root intercommissural distances. Glutaraldehyde-treated pericardium was trimmed along the marked line, leaving 2 mm of tissue along the fibrous annulus attachment margin for the suture and small wings on both commissural margins to secure the commissural coaptation between right and noncoronary cusps. The annular margin of each pericardial cusp was sutured to the corresponding fibrous annulus with running 4/0 polypropylene suture. The commissures of pericardial patch and the commissural coaptation between right and noncoronary cusps were secured with mattress 4/0 polypropylene sutures. The coaptation of the three cusps was checked with negative pressure on the left ventricular vent before closure of the aortotomy. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a peak pressure gradient of 10 mmHg and trivial aortic regurgitation.

Implante Percutâneo Transeptal de Bioprótese em Disfunção de Prótese Valvar Cirúrgica Mitral - Experiência Multicêntrica Brasileira / Percutaneous Transseptal Bioprosthetic Implantation in Failed Prosthetic Surgical Mitral Valve - Brazilian Multicenter Experience

Resumo Fundamento A intervenção percutânea em pacientes com disfunção de prótese biológica mitral apresenta-se como uma alternativa ao tratamento cirúrgico convencional. Objetivo Relatar a primeira experiência brasileira de implante transcateter de bioprótese valve-in-valve mitral via transeptal (TMVIV-via transeptal). Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes portadores de disfunção de bioprótese cirúrgica submetidos ao TMVIV-transeptal em 12 hospitais brasileiros. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos valores de p<0,05. Resultados Entre junho/2016 e fevereiro/2019, 17 pacientes foram submetidos ao TMVIV-via transeptal. A mediana de idade foi 77 anos (IIQ,70-82), a mediana do escore STS-PROM foi 8,7% (IIQ,7,2-17,8). Todos os pacientes tinham sintomas limitantes de insuficiência cardíaca (CF≥III), tendo 5 (29,4%) sido submetidos a mais de uma toracotomia prévia. Obteve-se sucesso do TMVIV-via transeptal em todos os pacientes. A avaliação ecocardiográfica demonstrou redução significativa do gradiente médio (pré-intervenção, 12±3,8 mmHg; pós-intervenção, 5,3±2,6 mmHg; p<0,001), assim como aumento da área valvar mitral (pré-intervenção, 1,06±0,59 cm2; pós-intervenção, 2,18±0,36 cm2; p<0,001) sustentados em 30 dias. Houve redução significativa e imediata da pressão sistólica de artéria pulmonar, com redução adicional em 30 dias (pré-intervenção, 68,9±16,4 mmHg; pós-intervenção, 57,7±16,5 mmHg; 30 dias, 50,9±18,7 mmHg; p<0,001). Durante o seguimento, com mediana de 162 dias (IIQ, 102-411), observou-se marcada melhora clínica (CF≤II) em 87,5%. Um paciente (5,9%) apresentou obstrução de via de saída de ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE), evoluindo para óbito logo após o procedimento, e outro morreu aos 161 dias de seguimento.Conclusão: A primeira experiência brasileira de TMVIV-transeptal demonstra a segurança e a efetividade dessa nova técnica. A obstrução da VSVE é uma complicação potencialmente fatal, reforçando a importância da seleção dos pacientes e do planejamento do procedimento. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background Percutaneous intervention in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction is an alternative to conventional surgical treatment. Objectives To report the first Brazilian experience with transseptal transcatheter bioprosthetic mitral valve-in-valve implantation (transseptal-TMVIV). Methods Patients with surgical bioprosthetic dysfunction submitted to transseptal-TMVIV in 12 Brazilian hospitals were included. The significance level adopted was p<0.05. Results From June/2016 to February/2019, 17 patients underwent transseptal-TMVIV. Their median age was 77 years (IQR,70-82) and median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality (STS-PROM) score was 8.7% (IQR,7.2-17.8). All patients had limiting symptoms of heart failure (FC≥III) and 5 (29.4%) had undergone more than one previous thoracotomy. Transseptal-TMVIV was successful in all patients. Echocardiographic assessment showed a significant reduction in mean mitral valve gradient (pre-intervention, 12±3.8 mmHg; post-intervention, 5.3±2.6 mmHg; p<0.001), in addition to an increase in mitral valve area (pre-intervention, 1.06±0.59 cm2; post-intervention, 2.18±0.36 cm2; p<0.001) sustained for 30 days. There was a significant and immediate reduction in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure, with an additional reduction in 30 days (pre-intervention, 68.9±16.4 mmHg; post-intervention, 57.7±16.5 mmHg; 30 days, 50.9±18.7 mmHg; p<0.001). During follow-up (median, 162 days; IQR, 102-411), significant clinical improvement (FC≤II) was observed in 87.5% of the patients. One patient (5.9%) had left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and died right after the procedure, and another died at 161 days of follow-up. Conclusion The first Brazilian experience with transseptal-TMVIV shows the safety and effectivity of the new technique. The LVOT obstruction is a potentially fatal complication, reinforcing the importance of patients' selection and of procedural planning. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Management of a bi-caval dual lumen cannula clot obstruction after TEE guided diagnosis: a case report / Conduta em obstrução por coágulo em cânula de duplo lúmen bicaval após diagnóstico guiado por ETE: relato de caso

Abstract Background: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an established therapy for patients with refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). One complication related to the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is thrombosis despite proper anticoagulation. We report the diagnosis and management of a clot-obstruction in a single site cannula placed through the internal jugular vein, guided by transesophageal echocardiography. Case report: A 39 year-old male developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and hemodynamic instability after an episode of pulmonary aspiration in the ICU. Eight hours after placement of a single site veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, suddenly the perfusionist noticed a reduction in flow. TEE showed a thrombus-like mass obstructing the inflow port in SVC and inflow at IVC was intact. After unsuccessful attempts to reposition the cannula, the team decided to insert additional femoral inflow cannula through the IVC. The single site catheter was then pulled out until its tip was positioned in the right atrium and all three ports of the catheter were switched to the infusion ports. After this, flows and oxygenation improved significantly. Unfortunately, despite all of the efforts, the patient died 2 days later. Discussion: The diagnosis of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula obstruction is based on reduced inflow rates, hemodynamic instability and poor oxygenation of blood. TEE allows evaluation of the flows inside the cannula and in this case, an obstruction was found. The management presented points to the fact that in a situation of catheter obstruction caused by a clot, there is a feasible alternative to assure minimal interruption of the hemodynamic support offered by the veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Resumo Justificativa: A oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa é terapia estabelecida para pacientes com a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Uma complicação relacionada ao uso da oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa é trombose apesar de anti-coagulação adequada. Relatamos o diagnóstico e conduta em obstrução por coágulo em cânula de acesso único inserida pela veia jugular interna, guiada por ecocardiografia transesofageana. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino de 39 anos desenvolveu síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo e instabilidade hemodinâmica após episódio de aspiração pulmonar na UTI. Oito horas após a instalação de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa de acesso único, o perfusionista notou repentina redução no fluxo. A ETE revelou massa semelhante a um trombo obstruindo o portal de fluxo de entrada na VCS e o fluxo de saída na VCI estava intacto. Após tentativas sem sucesso para reposicionar a cânula, a equipe decidiu inserir cânula de entrada de fluxo adicional pela VCI. O catéter de acesso único foi, então, puxado até que sua ponta se posicionasse no átrio direito e todos os três portais do catéter fossem transferidos para os portais de infusão. A seguir, os fluxos e oxigenação melhoraram significativamente. Infelizmente, apesar dos esforços, o paciente foi a óbito 2 dias depois. Discussão: O diagnóstico de obstrução de cânula da oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa se baseia em velocidades reduzidas de entrada de fluxo, instabilidade hemodinâmica e oxigenação pobre do sangue. A ETE permite a avaliação dos fluxos dentro da cânula, e nesse caso foi encontrada obstrução. A técnica apresentada aponta para o fato de que em situação de obstrução de catéter causada por coágulo, existe alternativa factível para garantir interrrupção mínima do suporte hemodinâmico oferecido pela oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa.

Application of real-time 3D-transesophageal echocardiography in aorta valve replacement with bovine pericardium / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To observe the application value of real-time 3D-transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE) in aortic valve replacement with bovine pericardium. Methods: Totally 66 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with bovine pericardium were enrolled. Parameters and abnormalities of aortic valve were measured before cardiopulmonary and during intraoperation by using real-time 2D-transesophageal echocardiography (RT-2D-TEE) and RT-3D-TEE,and the examination outcomes were compared with the results of surgical operation. The correlations of transesophageal echocardiography and intraoperative measurements of aortic valve parameters were observed, and the degrees of leaflet damage were assessed. The aortic related parameters and valve function were observed using RT-3D-TEE 1 and 6 months later. Results: The coincidence rate of initial diagnosis of RT-2D-TEE and RT-3D-TEE with intraoparetive diagnosis was all 100%. The secondary diagnosis of RT-2D-TEE was inconsistent with intraoparetive diagnosis in 5 cases (coincidence rate 92.42%, 61/66), also of RT-3D-TEE (coincidence rate 96.97%, 64/66) in 2 cases among them. Comparing RT-2D-TEE and RT-3D-TEE in the diagnosis of number of leaflets, leaflet perforation, leaflet vegetation and rheumatic aortic valve damage) in all 66 cases, the coincidence rate of RT-3D-TEE was higher than that of RT-2D-TEE. The diameter of aortic annular, aortic sinus and aortic sinus tube, effective height (eH) measured with RT-2D-TEE were lower than those with RT-3D-TEE and intraoperative measurement (both P0.05). RT-3D-TEE measured values were closer to intraoperative measurement compared with RT-2D-TEE. Six months after aortic valve replacement, less than moderate aortic regurgitation was found in 60 patients (60/66,90.91%). Conclusion: RT-3D-TEE measurement can reflect the actual situation realistically and evaluate the feasibility of surgical operation, therefore being valuable for guiding aortic valve replacement with bovine pericardium.

Feasibility of 3D printing of mitral valve model based on echocardiographic data / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) data to generate 3D patient-specific model of mitral valve (MV) using 3D printing. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 30 patients, including 10 cases with normal MV, 10 cases with MV stenosis and 10 cases with MV prolapse. 3D-TEE volumetric data of 30 patients were acquired and postprocessed, and then soft MV models were made through injecting silicone into the molds. Measurements of MV annulus antero-posterior diameters, anterolaterior and posteromedial diameters, perimeter, area and MV opening width obtained from 3D-TEE images and from 3D models were compared, and the absolute differences of these values were calculated. Results: 3D-TEE volumetric data were successfully postprocessed, and then 3D MV models were made in all patients. The differences of MV parameters measured from 3D models were not statistically significant with those from 3D-TEE images (all P>0.05). Only less absolute differences of MV parameters were found between 3D models and 3D-TEE images. Conclusion: 3D printing of MV models based on 3D-TEE is feasible with high conserved fidelity.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve combined with infective endocarditis / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To explore the value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) in diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) combined with infective endocarditis (IE). Methods: Ultrasonic data of 53 BAV combined with IE patients were retrospective reviewed. The ultrasonic findings of BAV combined with IE included vegetation, leaflet perforation, abscess and fistula. The ultrasonic features and diagnostic value of TTE and 3D-TEE were evaluated taken surgical findings as the gold standards. Results: The sensitivity and positive predictive value of 3D-TEE were both higher than those of TTE in detecting vegetation, leaflet perforation, abscess and fistula (100% vs.90.20%, 96.87% vs.90.62%, 92.86% vs.67.86%, 94.12% vs.70.59% and 100% vs.95.83%, 100% vs.93.55%, 96.30% vs.86.36%, 100% vs.85.71%, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The echocardiographic detection rate of BAV combined with IE is very high. 3D-TEE has better visibility and higher spatial resolution than TTE, therefore having higher sensitivity and positive predictive value in diagnosis of BAV combined with IE.