Percutaneous lead extraction in infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: In the last two decades, the increased number of implants of cardiac implantable electronic devices has been accompanied by an increase in complications, especially infection. Current recommendations for the appropriate treatment of cardiac implantable electronic devices-related infections consist of prolonged antibiotic therapy associated with complete device extraction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the importance of percutaneous extraction in the treatment of these devices infections. Methods: A systematic review search was performed in the PubMed, BVS, Cochrane CENTRAL, CAPES, SciELO and ScienceDirect databases. A total of 1,717 studies were identified and subsequently selected according to the eligibility criteria defined by relevance tests by two authors working independently. Results: Sixteen studies, describing a total of 3,354 patients, were selected. Percutaneous extraction was performed in 3,081 patients. The average success rate for the complete percutaneous removal of infected devices was 92.4%. Regarding the procedure, the incidence of major complications was 2.9%, and the incidence of minor complications was 8.4%. The average in-hospital mortality of the patients was 5.4%, and the mortality related to the procedure ranged from 0.4 to 3.6%. The mean mortality was 20% after 6 months and 14% after a one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Percutaneous extraction is the main technique for the removal of infected cardiac implantable electronic devices, and it presents low rates of complications and mortality related to the procedure.

Prevalencia de las complicaciones relacionadas con el retiro del tornillo de situación / Prevalence of complications related to the removal of the syndesmotic screw

Resumen: Antecedentes: El retiro del tornillo de situación es un procedimiento actualmente cuestionado. La mayoría de las publicaciones que exhortan a evitar este procedimiento consideran que la tasa de complicaciones es elevada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la tasa de complicaciones relacionadas con el retiro del tornillo de situación para comprobar la seguridad del procedimiento y comparar los resultados con la literatura internacional. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo y transversal en el cual se tomó una muestra de todos los casos operados de retiro de tornillo de situación en nuestro hospital de Febrero de 2015 a Enero de 2016 para obtener la prevalencia de las complicaciones relacionadas con este procedimiento. El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo. Resultados: Se estudió un total de 207 pacientes. Se observaron cinco pacientes con complicaciones (2.41%). Dos casos con dehiscencia de la herida, dos casos con infección superficial (1.92%) y un caso con diástasis subsecuente de la sindesmosis con dolor asociado a inestabilidad (0.48%), el cual requirió de cirugía de revisión. Conclusiones: En la muestra estudiada de nuestro hospital, la prevalencia de complicaciones relacionadas con el retiro del tornillo situacional fue menor que la reportada en la literatura hasta el momento; por ende, podríamos afirmar que es un procedimiento seguro, con una baja tasa de infección e inestabilidad postraumática del tobillo.

Abstract: Background: Removal of the syndesmotic screw is a currently-disputed procedure. Most of the publications that promote avoid this procedure considered that the rate of complications is high. The aim of this work was to determine the rate of complications related to the removal of the syndesmotic screw to learn about the safety and compare the results with the international literature. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study in which took a sample of all cases operated of removal of the syndesmotic screw at our hospital from February 2015 January 2016 for the prevalence of the complications associated with this procedure. The statistical analysis was descriptive. Results: A total of 207 patients were studied. Five patients with complications were observed (2.41%). Two cases with wound dehiscence, two cases with superficial infection (1.92%), and a case with subsequent diastasis of the syndesmosis, with pain associated to instability (0.48%) which required revision surgery. Conclusions: In the sample of our hospital, the prevalence of complications related to the syndesmotic screw removal was less than that reported in the literature so far; Thus we could say that is a safe procedure, with low risk for infection and post-traumatic instability of the ankle.

Incidence of phlebitis associated with the use of peripheral IV catheter and following catheter removal / Incidência de flebites durante o uso e após a retirada de cateter intravenoso periférico / Incidencia de flebitis durante el uso y después de la retirada de catéter intravenoso periférico

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the incidence of phlebitis and its association with risk factors when using peripheral IV catheters (PIC) and following their removal - (post-infusion phlebitis) in hospitalized adults. Method: a cohort study of 171 patients using PIC, totaling 361 punctures. Sociodemographic variables and variables associated with the catheter were collected. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. Results: average patient age was 56.96 and 51.5% of the sample population was male. The incidence of phlebitis was 1.25% while using PIC, and 1.38% post-infusion. The incidence of phlebitis while using PIC was associated with the length of time the catheter remained in place, whereas post-infusion phlebitis was associated with puncture in the forearm. Ceftriaxone, Clarithromycin and Oxacillin are associated with post-infusion phlebitis. Conclusions: this study made it possible to investigate the association between risk factors and phlebitis during catheter use and following its removal. The frequency of post-infusion phlebitis was larger than the incidence of phlebitis with the catheter in place, with Phlebitis Grade III and II being the most frequently found in each of these situations, respectively. Aspects related to post-infusion phlebitis can be explained, given the limited number of studies addressing this theme from this perspective.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a incidência de flebites e a associação de fatores de risco com a sua ocorrência durante o uso e após a retirada do cateter intravenoso periférico - CIP (Flebite pós-infusão) em adultos hospitalizados. Método: estudo de coorte com 171 pacientes com CIP, totalizando 361 punções. Foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao cateter. Análise estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: dos pacientes, 51,5% eram homens e a média de idade foi de 56,96 anos. A incidência de flebites durante o uso do CIP foi de 1,25% e a pós-infusão foi de 1,38%. Associou-se à flebite durante o uso do CIP ao tempo de permanência do cateter e, com a flebite pós-infusão, a punção em antebraço. Os medicamentos Ceftriaxona, Claritromicina e Oxacilina foram associados à flebite pós-infusão. Conclusões: este estudo possibilitou investigar a associação de fatores de risco e a ocorrência de flebites durante o uso e após a retirada do cateter. A frequência da flebite pós-infusão foi maior do que o número de flebites durante a permanência do cateter, sendo as de grau III e II, respectivamente, as mais frequentes. Podem ser elucidados aspectos relacionados à flebite pós-infusão, considerando-se poucos estudos abordam o tema sob esta perspectiva.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar la incidencia de flebitis y la asociación de factores de riesgo con su ocurrencia durante el uso y después de la retirada del catéter intravenoso periférico (CIP) (flebitis post-infusión) en adultos hospitalizados. Método: estudio de cohorte con 171 pacientes con CIP, totalizando 361 punciones. Fueron recolectadas variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas al catéter. Análisis estadístico descriptivo y analítico. Resultados: de los pacientes, 51,5% eran hombres y el promedio de edad fue de 56,96 años. La incidencia de flebitis durante el uso del CIP fue de 1,25% y de post-infusión fue de 1,38%. Se asoció la flebitis durante el uso del CIP al tiempo de permanencia del catéter y con la post-infusión (punción en el antebrazo). Los medicamentos Ceftriaxona, Claritromicina y Oxacilina fueron asociados a la flebitis post-infusión. Conclusiones: este estudio posibilitó investigar la asociación de factores de riesgo y la ocurrencia de flebitis durante el uso y después de la retirada del catéter. La frecuencia de la flebitis post-infusión fue mayor que el número de flebitis asociada a la permanencia del catéter, siendo las de grado III y II, respectivamente, las más frecuentes. Se trato de elucidar aspectos relacionados a la flebitis post-infusión, considerando que existen pocos estudios que abordan el tema bajo esta perspectiva.

Analgesic efficacy of lidocaine and multimodal analgesia for chest tube removal: A randomized trial study / Eficácia analgésica da lidocaína e analgesia multimodal na remoção do dreno torácico: Um estudo randomizado controlado / Eficacia analgésica de la lidocaína y la analgesia multimodal para la remoción del tubo torácico: Un estudio con ensayo aleatorio

Objective: to assess the analgesic efficacy of subcutaneous lidocaine and multimodal analgesia for chest tube removal following heart surgery. Methods: sixty volunteers were randomly allocated in two groups; 30 participants in the experimental group were given 1% subcutaneous lidocaine, and 30 controls were given a multimodal analgesia regime comprising systemic anti-inflammatory agents and opioids. The intensity and quality of pain and trait and state anxiety were assessed. The association between independent variables and final outcome was assessed by means of the Chi-squared test with Yates' correction and Fisher's exact test. Results: the groups did not exhibit significant difference with respect to the intensity of pain upon chest tube removal (p= 0.47). The most frequent descriptors of pain reported by the participants were pressing, sharp, pricking, burning and unbearable. Conclusion: the present study suggests that the analgesic effect of the subcutaneous administration of 1% lidocaine combined with multimodal analgesia is most efficacious.

Objetivo: avaliar a eficiência analgésica de lidocaína subcutânea e analgesia multimodal na remoção do dreno torácico após cirurgia cardíaca. Método: sessenta voluntários foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos; 30 participantes no grupo experimental receberam lidocaína subcutânea 1%, e outros 30 do grupo controle receberam o regime de analgesia multimodal compreendendo agentes anti-inflamatórios e opióides sistêmicos. A intensidade e qualidade da dor e Ansiedade Traço Estado foram avaliados. A associação entre variáveis independentes e desfecho final foi avaliada através do Teste Qui-quadrado com correção de Yates e o Teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: os grupos não apresentaram diferenças significante, no que diz respeito à intensidade da dor na remoção do dreno torácico (p= 0,47). Os descritores de dor mais comuns relatados pelos participantes foram dor: de pressão, aguda, como uma picada, queimar/arder e intolerável. Conclusão: o presente estudo sugere que o efeito analgésico da administração de lidocaína 1% combinada com a analgesia multimodal é mais eficiente.

Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia analgésica de la lidocaína subcutánea y la analgesia multimodal para la remoción del tubo torácico después de la cirugía cardíaca. Métodos: sesenta voluntarios fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos; 30 participantes en el grupo experimental recibieron lidocaína subcutánea al 1%, y 30 controlos recibieron un régimen de analgesia multimodal que comprende agentes antiinflamatorios sistémicos y opioides. La intensidad y calidad del dolor y rasgo y estado de ansiedad se evaluaron. La asociación entre las variables independientes y el resultado final han sido evaluados por medio de la prueba de Chi-cuadrado con corrección de Yates y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: los grupos no mostraron diferencias significativas con respecto a la intensidad del dolor después de la retirada del tubo torácico (p= 0,47). Los descriptores de dolor más frecuentes informados por los participantes fueron apretado, agudo, punzante, ardiente e insoportable. Conclusión: el presente estudio sugiere que el efecto analgésico de la administración subcutánea de lidocaína al 1% combinada con la analgesia multimodal es eficaz.

Effects of Terazosin and Tolterodine on Ureteral Stent Related Symptoms: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of terazosin and tolterodine on ureteral stent discomfort. Materials and Methods Of 163 patients assessed for eligibility, 104 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 2 mg of terazosin twice daily, 2 mg of tolterodine daily, or both terazosin plus tolterodine during the stenting period. Prior to stenting and at stent removal, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the IPSS quality of life (QoL) subscore and the Visual Analog Scale for Pain were determined. The patients also reported their analgesic use during the stenting period. Results Ninety-four patients completed the study. We noted significant decreases in the total IPSS scores (p = 0.002), irritative subscore (p = 0.039), QoL (p = 0.001), flank pain (p = 0.013), voiding pain (p = 0.01) and amount of analgesics used (p = 0.02) in the groups. However, neither the obstructive subscore nor the suprapubic pain improved significantly (p = 0.251 and p = 0.522, respectively). The patients receiving terazosin plus tolterodine experienced significant reductions in the total IPSS, irritative symptoms, QoL, flank pain, voiding pain and decreased analgesics use compared with those patients receiving placebo. However, compared with placebo, terazosin monotherapy did not affect pain levels, and tolterodine monotherapy did not improve QoL, flank pain or analgesics use. Conclusions Terazosin plus tolterodine improves ureteral stent-related complications, including irritative symptoms, the amount of analgesics used, QoL, flank pain and voiding pain but does not decrease obstructive symptoms or suprapubic pain. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01530243. .

Withdraw of the Ureteroscope Causes Fragmented Ureter Stones to Disperse

Introduction Ureteroscopy has improved from the first use of ureteroscope in the 1970's. Although the success rate increased in the last years, (1) new treatment techniques are being developed for impacted and large proximal ureter stones (2). Pneumatic lithotripsy has high efficiency with low complication rates (2). However, in case of steinstrasse and large (> 1 cm) ureter stones, fragmented small stones may obstruct insertion of a ureteroscope after initial lithotripsy. In order to triumph over this issue, multiple ureteroscopic passages and manipulations needed for extraction of these small stones by forceps or basket catheters. The overall incidence of stricture was found upto 14.2% when the fragments were removed with a grasping forceps or a basket (3). We present our technique to disperse small fragmented stones in order to contact non-fragmented rest stone. Materials and Methods Ureteral lithotripsy was performed with an 8-9.8F semirigid ureteroscope using a pneumatic lithotripter (Swiss LithoClast, EMS, Nyon, Switzerland). The stone was fragmented into small pieces as small as 2-3 mm. by pneumatic lithotripter. Eventually, these fragmented stones interfered with vision and the lithotripter to get in touch with the rest stone. After fragmenting distal part of the large stone, the ureteroscope was pulled back out of ureter. While pulling back, the operating channel was closed and irrigation fluid was flowing in order not to decrease pressure behind the stones. Simultaneously, a person tilted the operating table to about 30° in reverse Trendelenburg position. When the ureteroscope was out of ureteral orifice, the operating channel was opened and irrigation fluid was stopped. This maneuver aided decreasing pressure in the bladder more rapidly in addition to feeding tube. Stone dust and antegrade fluid flow were easily seen out of the ureteral orifice. Ureteroscope was re-inserted after 30-60 seconds. While reaching the ...

Extubação precoce na sala de operação após cirurgia cardíaca infantil / Early extubation at operation room in children after cardiac heart surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: A extubação precoce está relacionada à diminuição do tempo de internação e de complicações. OBJETIVO: Análise das características clínicas e evolução imediata dos pacientes extubados em sala após cirurgia cardíaca infantil com CEC. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos dados. RESULTADOS: Entre março de 2006 e janeiro de 2008, 15 pacientes, com idade de 4 a 216 meses (média 76,1 meses) foram extubados em sala. A duração da CEC variou de 30 a 95 minutos (média 51,4 min) e anóxia de 14 a 67 minutos (média 35,2 min). Um paciente apresentou acidose respiratória. CONCLUSÃO: Extubação precoce é factível em casos selecionados.

INTRODUCTION: Early extubation is related to short lenth of hospitalization and less complications. OBJECTIVE: Data analisys from children extubated atsurgical room after cardiac surgery with ECC. METHODS: Retrospective data analisys. Results: From March 2006 to January 2008, 15 children submitted to heart surgery were extubated at surgery room. Age in months was 4 to 216 (76.1 months). ECC time: 30 to 95 min (51.4 min), anoxia: 14 to 67 min (35.2 min). One patient had respiratory acidosis. CONCLUSION: Early extubation in seleted patients is possible.

Does prophylactic use of dexamethasone have a role in reducing post extubation stridor and reintubation in children.

All children aged from 4 weeks to <5 year, were intubated for at least 48 hours [n=51] during 6 months. Data of the patients treated with DEX (0.5 ml/kg every 6 hours for 3 doses, beginning 6-12 hours prior to extubation) (n=30) were compared with control patients (who had not received medication) (n=21). The DEX and control groups were similar in age i.e., mean ages of DEX group were 16.85±14 months, and that of control group were 19.02 ± 19 months, mean duration of intubation and mechanical ventilation in DEX group was 5.17 ± 4.58 days, and that in control group was 3.98 ± 3.60 days. There was no significant difference between DEX and control group in the incidence of postextubation stridor [17% (5/30) vs. 10% (2/ 21); p = 0.5] and the reintubation rate [7% (2/30) vs. 10% (2/21); p = 0.7]. Our data revealed that the prophylactic use of dexamethasone in planned extubation of high risk children were not effective.

Remoção de braquetes cerâmicos com alicate de How associado à broca diamantada: avaliação da topografia do esmalte / Removal of ceramic brackets with How-type pliers in association with diamond drill: a topographic evaluation of the enamel

OBJETIVO: avaliar a topografia do esmalte dentário após a descolagem de braquetes cerâmicos Allure (GAC/Dentsply) através de dois diferentes métodos. METODOLOGIA: foram utilizados 20 incisivos inferiores permanentes bovinos divididos em dois grupos (n = 10). Em ambos os grupos foram feitas colagens de braquetes cerâmicos Allure utilizando-se Concise (3M Unitek) seguindo as recomendações do fabricante. Após a colagem, os espécimes foram mantidos em estufa, a 37ºC por 24 horas, para completa polimerização do compósito. Após isso foi realizada a remoção dos braquetes, sendo que no grupo A foi utilizado alicate de corte de amarrilho e no grupo B alicate tipo How em braquete previamente fragilizado com broca diamantada. Em ambos os grupos o remanescente de compósito foi removido com broca de carboneto de tungstênio. Após descolagem, os espécimes foram preparados para análise em microscopia eletrônica de varredura, para posterior análise da superfície do esmalte. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: os resultados mostraram maior quantidade de arranhões nos dentes do grupo A, esses resultados foram estatisticamente superiores ao grupo B com p < 0,05. Dessa maneira, verificou-se que o uso do alicate tipo How em braquete previamente fragilizado produziu menores arranhões à superfície de esmalte, indicando-o para uso clínico.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the topography of the tooth enamel after debonding Allure ceramic brackets using two different methods. METHODS: Twenty bovine permanent lower incisors were divided into two groups (n = 10). In groups A and B Allure ceramic brackets were bonded to the teeth using Concise composite according to manufacture's recommendations. After the bonding procedures, the samples were kept in stove at 37ºC for 24 hours for complete composite polymerization. Next, the brackets of group A were removed by using wire pliers, whereas the brackets of group B, which had been previously weakened with diamond drill, were debonded by using How-type pliers. In both groups the composite remnant was removed by using a tungsten carbide-tipped drill. Following the debonding procedures, the samples were prepared for scanning electronic microscopy so that their enamel surfaces could be analyzed. RESULTS AND COCLUSION: showing more scratch marks on the surfaces of the group A teeth were statistically superior to those found in group B (p < 0.05). Therefore, it was observed that the use of How-type pliers for debonding pre-weakened brackets caused less scratches on the enamel surface, which supports their clinical use.

Pericardium Plug in the Repair of the Corneoscleral Fistula After Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Explantation

We report four cases in which a pericardium (Tutoplast(R)) plug was used to repair a corneoscleral fistula after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) explantation. In four cases in which the AGV tube had been exposed, AGV explantation was performed using a pericardium (Tutoplast(R)) plug to seal the defect previously occupied by the tube. After debridement of the fistula, a piece of processed pericardium (Tutoplast(R)), measured 1 mm in width, was plugged into the fistula and secured with two interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. To control intraocular pressure, a new AGV was implanted elsewhere in case 1, phaco-trabeculectomy was performed concurrently in case 2, cyclophotocoagulation was performed postoperatively in case 3 and anti-glaucomatous medication was added in case 4. No complication related to the fistula developed at the latest follow-up (range: 12~26 months). The pericardium (Tutoplast(R)) plug seems to be an effective method in the repair of corneoscleral fistulas resulting from explantation of glaucoma drainage implants.

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of fentanyl and sufentanil for chest tube removal after cardiac surgery.

Chest tube removal in the postcardiac surgical patients is a painful and distressful event. Fentanyl and sufentanil have not been used for pain control during chest tube removal in the postoperative period. We compared efficacy offentanyl and sufentanil in controlling pain due to chest tube removal. One hundred and forty one adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were recruited in a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Patients were randomized to receive either 2 microg/Kg fentanyl IV or 0.2 microg/Kg sufentanil IV or 2 ml isotonic normal saline, 10 min before removing chest tubes. Pain intensity was assessed by measuring visual analog scale pain score 10 minutes before removing chest tubes and 5 min and 20 min after removing chest tubes. Level of sedation, heart rate, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate were recorded by a blinded observer at the same time intervals. Mean pain intensity scores 10 minutes before removal of chest tubes infentanyl, sufentanil and control groups were 23.88+/-5.2, 25.10+/-5.39 and 23.64+/-6.10 respectively. The pain scores 5 minutes after chest tube removal were reduced to 20.11+/-6.9 (p<0.05) in the fentanyl group and 13.60+/-6.60 (p<0.05) in the sufentanil group, whereas in control group pain scores increased to 27.97+/-8.39 (p<O.05). The pain scores in sufentanil group were significantly lower compared with fentanyl or control group. Sedation scores remained low in all groups and patients remained alert and none of the patients showed any adverse effects of opioids. Heart rate, arterial pressure and respiratory rate had least variations in sufentanil group than fentanyl or control group.

Resultados del retiro precoz de sonda Foley luego de prostatectomía radical retropúbica / Results of early catheter withdrawal after retropubic radical prostatectomy

El tiempo que una sonda Foley se mantiene in situ luego de una prostatectomía radical (PR) ha disminuido progresivamente de acuerdo a la técnica quirúrgica y la experiencia del cirujano. El retiro precoz de la sonda Foley, en la literatura, se describe siempre precedida de la realización de una cistografía. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar los resultados del retiro precoz de sonda Foley luego de PR retropúbica sin realización previa de una cistografía. Material y métodos: Entre marzo de2000 y marzo de 2005 fueron realizadas 197 PR retropúbicas consecutivas por un cirujano. La sonda Foley se retiró entre el 3º y 5º día postoperatorio sin la realización previa de una cistografía. Se evaluó la presentación de retención urinaria, filtración de orina, estenosis de la anastomosis y continencia. Resultados: Cuatro pacientes presentaron retención urinaria (2 por ciento), 3 de ellas inmediatas al retiro de sonda y una a los 3 meses de operado, esta última secundaria a granuloma de la anastomosis. Se pesquisó filtración de orina en dos pacientes (1 por ciento), al 5º y 9º día, que se manejaron satisfactoriamente con reinstalación de la sonda Foley. Dos pacientes (1 por ciento) presentaron litiasis vesical. La continencia urinaria evaluada al tercer mes fue: continencia total 89 por ciento, continencia parcial (un paño) 6,6 por ciento e incontinencia (2 o más paños)4,4 por ciento. No se presentó estenosis de la anastomosis clínicamente significativa. Conclusión: La frecuencia de 4 por ciento de eventos adversos (retención urinaria, filtración de orina y litiasis vesical) nos permite afirmar que el retiro precoz de sonda Foley en la PR retropúbica es seguro.

Bladder catheter duration after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) has become shorter according to surgical technique and surgeon’s experience. Early catheter withdrawal has been described with a previous cystography. Our aim is to evaluate results of early catheter withdrawal after RRP without cystographic evaluation. Methods: Between March 2000 and March 2005 197 consecutive RRP were performed by a single surgeon. Foley catheter was withdrawn between 3rd and 5th day postoperatory without previous cystographic evaluation. Urinary retention, urine leakage, anastomotic stenosis and postoperatory continence were reviewed for the study. Results: Four patients (2 percent) presented urinary retention, 3 of them immediately after catheter withdrawal and the other 3 months postoperatory. Urine leakage was verified in 2 (1percent) patients between 5th and 9th day postoperatory. Catheter was reinstalled in these patients. Two patients (1 percent) presented bladder lithiasis. Urinary continence assessed at 3 months postoperatory was 89 percent; 6,6 percent and 4,4 percent for total continence, partial continence (1 pad) and incontinence (2 or more pads. There was no clinically significant anastomoses stenosis in the series. Conclusion: Early catheter withdrawal without previous cystographic evaluation is safe and feasible. It is associated with a 4 percent occurrence of adverse events.

Infección de dispositivos intracardíacos: marcapasos y cardiodefibriladores / Infections of intracardiac devices: pasemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators

El uso de marcapasos definitivos y defibriladores automáticos implantables se encuentra en un creciente aumento a nivel mundial, incluyendo nuestro país, esperándose que la tasa de implantes siga experimentando un aumento sostenido en los próximos años. A pesar del progreso en las técnicas de implante y del diseño de estos dispositivos, las complicaciones infecciosas asociadas a su uso constituyen una preocupación permanente pues se relacionan con morbilidades potencialmente graves, especialmente el desarrollo de endocarditis infecciosa, incluyendo tasas variables de mortalidad, y un significativo incremento en los costos de salud. La aparición de complicaciones infecciosas asociadas al uso de estos dispositivos pueden ser precoces o tardías en relación al momento del implante, y pueden comprometer sólo el bolsillo del dispositivo o extenderse a tejidos más profundos y, a través de la colonización de el o los electrodos, afectar el endocardio mural y valvular. La mayor parte de las veces la infección del bolsillo se produce por la contaminación en el momento del implante o por la erosión, transcurrido un tiempo, de los tejidos que cubren el dispositivo. El diagnóstico de esta complicación exige al clínico un alto índice de sospecha pues la mayoría de los casos los síntomas y signos son sólo locales. En los casos de sospecha de endocarditis infecciosa, el ecocardiograma, especialmente la técnica transesofágica, constituye a la fecha el examen complementario de mayor rendimiento diagnóstico. Si bien la etiología puede ser variada, la mayor parte de las veces el agente aislado es el estafilococo aureus en las infecciones precoces y diversas cepas de estafilococo coagulasa negativo en el caso de las infecciones tardías, lo que debe considerarse en el momento de seleccionar la terapia antibiótica. Una ves diagnosticada la infección, el tratamiento más ampliamente aceptado consiste en una estrategia mixta, conformada por antibioterapia según cultivos y remoción de todo el sistema, dispositivo y electrodo(s), aun cuando no se haya demostrado infección de estos últimos. La extracción del sistema, la mayor parte de las veces mediante cirugía, conlleva sus propios riesgos, algunos potencialmente fatales. Sólo la implementación y cumplimiento de rigurosas normas de prevención podrá limitar la incidencia de esta temida complicación asociada al uso de marcapasos definitivos y defibriladores internos.

Intraaortic balloon entrapment--a rare complication of intraaortic balloon pump.

Intraaortic balloon entrapment syndrome is a rare complication of intraaortic balloon catheter. The leakage of blood into the balloon produces clots if the catheter is not immediately removed. Later removal is usually not possible and can be complicated by laceration of the aorta or its branches. The authors report a seventy year old woman who had an intraaortic balloon inserted via her right femoral artery because of heart failure secondary to severe coronary artery stenosis. Blood appeared in the balloon before emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, but the catheter was left to be removed after surgery. After successful triple coronary bypass grafting, pulling the catheter resulted in hypovolemic shock secondary to avulsion of the right common iliac artery. Immediate laparotomy and replaement of the torn artery with prosthetic vascular graft was successfully performed. This rare and life threatening complication of intraaortic balloon catheter can be prevented by immediate removal of the catheter when blood appears in the balloon.