Intra-procedural imaging of the left atrial appendage: Implications for closure with the AmplatzerTM cardiac plug / Evaluación de la orejuela izquierda durante el cierre percutáneo con el dispositivo AmplatzerTM cardiac plug

Objectives: To evaluate intra-procedural imaging with transesophageal echocardiography and angiography during left atrial appendage occlusion using the Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug with regard to sizing and final device shape. Methods: Left atrial appendage ostium dimensions and diameter at a depth of 10 mm from the ostium were measured by transesophageal echocardiography (0-180°) and angiography (RAO 30° - Cranial 20°) in consecutive patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion using the ACP with an oversizing strategy of 10-20% relative to the baseline measurements. After delivery, ACP dimensions were measured and device shape was assessed. Results: Twenty-seven consecutive patients underwent successful uncomplicated left atrial appendage closure with Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug. We found a significant difference between the largest and smallest left atrial appendage diameter measured with transesophageal echocardiography (22.3 ± 4.2 vs. 18.1 ± 4.1 mm, p <0.001). By the end of the procedure (by angiography), ACP had an optimal shape in 17 patients (63%), a strawberry-like shape in 7 patients (26%), and a square-like shape in 3 patients (11%). ACP was oversized on average by 1.5±2.7 and 3.3±2.3mm compared to transesophageal echocardiography and angiography, respectively. The final shape of the device was not significantly associated with the degree of oversizing. Conclusions: We found a considerable variability in the assessment of the left atrial appendage, using transesophageal echocardiography and angiography. The degree of Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug expansion within the left atrial appendage and the final shape of the device were not associated with the degree of oversizing.

Objetivos: Evaluar las dimensiones de la orejuela izquierda antes del cierre percutáneo y la correlación de sus dimensiones finales y la forma del dispositivo Amplatzer™ cardiac plug con ecocardiografia transesofágica y angiografia. Métodos: Se midieron las dimensiones de la orejuela izquierda a una distancia de 10 mm a partir del ostium con ecocardiografia transesofágica (0 a 180°) y angiografia (RAO 30° Craneal 20°). Se utilizó una estrategia para sobre dimensionar el tamano del dispositivo del 10 al 20% con respecto a las mediciones iniciales. Se evaluaron las dimensiones y la forma final del dispositivo. Resultados: Se realizó el procedimiento en 27 pacientes. Se encontró una diferencia significativa entre el diámetro mayor y menor de orejuela izquierda medido por ecocardiografia transesofágica (22.3±4.2 vs 18.1 ±4.1 mm, p< 0.001). Una vez liberado el dispositivo, se encontró que en 17 pacientes (63%) adoptó una forma óptima, de "fresa" en 7 (26%) y cuadrada en 3 (11%). El tamaño del dispositivo seleccionado se sobre dimensionó en promedio 1.5 ± 2.7mm con la ecocardiografia transesofágica y 3.3 ± 2.3 mm con la angiografia. La forma final del dispositivo no se asoció de manera significativa con el grado de sobre dimensionamiento del mismo. Conclusiones: Existe variabilidad considerable en la evaluación de la orejuela izquierda entre la ecocardiografia transesofágica y la angiografia. No se encontró asociación entre el grado de expansión del dispositivo dentro de la orejuela izquierda ni de su forma final con el grado de sobre dimensionamiento del mismo.

Utilidad de la gasometría capilar para evaluar el intercambio gaseoso con FiO2 al 21% y al 100% en el sujeto con enfermedad cardiopulmonar estable a 2, 240 metros sobre el nivel del mar / Capillary blood gas test usefulness to evaluate gas exchange with 21% and 100% of oxygen inspired fractions in subjects with stable cardiopulmonary disease at 2, 240 meters above sea level

OBJECTIVE: Capillary blood gas test has had ample use in the infantile population. In the adult population, the information is limited and controversial. The agreement between capillary-arterial gases seems to parallel the pH and the carbon dioxide pressure in different studied populations. In order to know the degree of agreement between these gases, we evaluate them at breathing room air and at 100% of oxygen fractions at 2,240 meters above sea level. METHODS: We obtained capillary-arterial blood gases simultaneously from subjects with stable cardiopulmonary disease in both conditions of inspired oxygen. Demographic, hemodynamic, diagnostic, and laboratory variables were gathered. Statistical analysis: agreement was analyzed with the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman procedure. RESULTS: We studied 101 subjects, 48 men and 53 women, whose respective ages were 55 +/- 16 and 56 +/- 16. Mean systemic arterial pressure was 94.96 +/- 10.57 mmHg. Hemoglobin was 15.94 +/- 2.48 g/dl. The agreement between the variables with the inspired oxygen fractions, 21%, 100%, and the mean difference in parenthesis was respectively: potential hydrogen, 0.94 (0.0091), 0.94 (0.0039); oxygen pressure, 0.90 (2.94), 0.84 (74.99); carbon dioxide pressure, 0.97 (0.079), 0.97 (0.179); bicarbonate, 0.93 (-0.067), 0,96 (0.262); total dissolved carbon dioxide, 0.94 (-0.142), 0.93 (0.161); base excess: 0.94, (-0.125), 0.92 (0.235); oxygen saturation, 0.98 (0.764), 0.97(0.202). CONCLUSIONS: Capillary blood gas test could be a useful alternative to the arterial one, nevertheless, it is limited by its low agreement with the oxygen pressure in both oxygen inspired fractions.