TCTAP C-005 Conundrum of a ‘Primary’ Angioplasty: Provisional Stenting of Left Main Stem / Left Anterior Descending During STEMI With Double Bifurcation

Clinical Information Patient Initials or Identifier Number: R Relevant Clinical History and Physical Exam: A 64-year-old lady with underlying dyslipidemia presented to our emergency department with typical chest pain. Immediate electrocardiogram was performed which showed sinus rhythm, ST elevation at lead 1, aVL and V1, hyperacute T wave at V2 till V3 with ST depression at leads II, III and aVF. Hence a diagnosis of acute anterolateral myocardial infarction, Killip 1 was given and urgent referral to cardiologist was made. Subsequently, she was subjected for primary angioplasty. Relevant Test Results Prior to Catheterization: Blood results showed sodium of 134 mmol/L, potassium of 3.5 mmol/L, urea of 3.2 mmol/L and creatinine of 67 mmol/L. Liver enzymes were within normal limits with aspartate transaminase of 38 U/L and alkaline phosphatase of 91 U/L. Creatinine kinase was 330 U/L but increased to 2861 U/L during subsequent day. In addition, COVID-19 RTK antigen was negative. Relevant Catheterization Findings: Coronary angiogram revealed mild disease at proximal right coronary artery and proximal left circumflex. Minimal disease was noted at distal left main stem, but severe disease was observed from proximal left anterior descending till mid left anterior descending. Heterogenous plague suggesting thrombus was seen at ostial first diagonal as well. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] Interventional Management Procedural Step: Right femoral assess was obtained with 7Fr sheath, and SL 3.5 7Fr guiding catheter was engaged to left coronary artery. Intracoronary heparin and tirofiban were given prior to wiring. First diagonal was wired with Sion Blue while left anterior descending was wired with Runthrough Floppy. Post-wiring both vessels, coronary flow remained TIMI 3 and hence we decided to proceed with IVUS. From IVUS, noted fibrous elastic plague with heavy thrombus burden. Intracoronary streptokinase was given and noted improvement of thrombus from IVUS. BMW wired to left circumflex. Lesion predilated with scoring balloon and associated with no reflow events, resolved post vasodilators. Left main stem was stented with Onyx 3.5 x 26 mm and deployed at 16 atm. Both side branches wires were rewired into same branches via Crusade microcatheter. LMS stent was post dilated with NC Euphora 4.5 mm at nominal pressure. Noted impingement of both ostium diagonal and circumflex branches. Balloon kissing inflation was performed for both LAD/Diagonal bifurcation and LMS/LAD/circumflex bifurcation. POT was performed post balloon kissing inflation with NC Euphora 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm for both LAD and LMS respectively. Next, IVUS was repeated for mid LAD stent length and Onyx 3.0 mm X 15 mm was deployed at nominal pressure. IVUS repeated and noted under-expansion of overlapped segments and post dilated with NC Euphora 3.0 mm at high pressure. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] [Formula presented] [Formula presented] Conclusions: Our clinical vignette demonstrated few learning points including utilization of IVUS during primary angioplasty. Understanding of plague characteristic ensures adequate stents expansion especially with fibro elastic plague. In addition, we also demonstrated several precautions in dealing with bifurcation lesions including usage of double lumen microcatheter for wiring the side branches. Even though we opted for provisional stenting, balloon kissing inflation played pivotal role in preserving flow into side branches.

Spontaneous Haematomas in Anticoagulated Covid-19 Patients: Diagnosis and Treatment by Embolization.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of embolization for spontaneous bleeding in anticoagulated patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study in 9 patients with COVID-19 who experienced bleeding complications following anticoagulation. The study included 8 men and 1 woman aged from 48 to 80 years (mean 69.7 years), who had a total of 10 soft tissue haematomas: 1 in the thigh, 1 in the anterior abdominal wall, 6 retroperitoneal and 2 thoracic haematomas. All patients were referenced for vascular embolization, mostly with Onyx-18. RESULTS: A total of 10 haematomas were embolized in 9 patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. No complications or adverse events were noted. One patient required percutaneous drainage of an infected haematoma 88 days after embolization. The mean hemoglobin level before embolization was 8,64 mg/dL and increased to 9,08 mg/dL after embolization (p = 0,3). After embolization all patients recovered haemodynamic stability and blood pressure levels improved. Seven patients resumed anticoagulation therapy after embolization. There were no recurrences or new bleedings in all treated patients. No patients required any additional invasive therapies or surgery. Mean intensive unit care and hospital stay was 6.7 and 35.2 days, respectively. All patients were discharged and were well at follow-up clinic visits 2-7 months after embolization. Seven patients performed a control CT scan 1-6 months after embolization, showing complete resolution of the haematoma. CONCLUSION: Embolization is safe and effective to treat spontaneous haematomas in anticoagulated patients with COVID-19, allowing to resume anticoagulation therapy. Level of evidence IV Level 4, case-series.

Qatar Biobank in the COVID-19 era and beyond

Background: During the COVID-19 outbreak, Qatar Biobank (QBB) adapted its services to collect, process, and store high-quality data and specimens. This transformation period brought opportunities, risks, and challenges. Methods: QBB holds College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification for Quality Management (9001:2105) and Information Security Management Systems (27001: 2013)1. These standards helped to effectively convert its operations to facilitate the COVID-19 national project2. The COVID-19 Biorepository is a National Disease-based study aiming to collect adequate health information and biological samples from Qatar residents infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus to enable evidence-based research towards the discovery and development of novel healthcare interventions and to facilitate research projects related to the COVID-19 pandemic. QBB IT Department used open-source Onyx (ObiBa) software to newly develop a COVID-19 electronic system and interface for various clinical devices and Laboratory Information Management System. QBB operational services were adapted to accommodate the COVID-19 project by providing training to the personnel (n=20;i.e. nurses, research assistants etc.) and developing work instructions (n>5) for the participants' recruitment process, data and specimen collection in the different hospitals. A COVID-19 portal was also developed by QBB to facilitate data access for researchers from Qatar and worldwide4. Results: Within 5 weeks QBB transformed to accommodate a disease/virus-based biorepository. At an operational level, multi-adjustments were implemented. QBB IT department developed an electronic system for the data collection and specimen traceability3. Clinically trained staff were transferred to different healthcare facilities to recruit COVID-19 positive patients. QBB laboratory designed special collection kits. QBB Medical Review Office and Scientific and Education departments managed the recruitment process, set up of the study and provided training to the staff. The Communications and Participants Recruitment Department transformed its operations to fit the needs of the COVID-19 initiative. The Research Access Office designed the COVID-19 access portal and supported the project through purchasing of personal protective equipment and other administrative tasks. Conclusion: It is now time to consider lessons learned, as many countries have been affected by this pandemic, and to understand that biobanks are an asset for a country and there is a need to integrate them into a new standard with their sustainability in mind. Qatar Biobank is a good showcase of how a biobank can successfully assist in the collection of important data related to different health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Appearance of Middle Meningeal Artery Fistulae After Willis Covered Stent for Traumatic Carotid-cavernous Fistulae: Two Case Reports.

INTRODUCTION: Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are rare, and they occur when there is a communication between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and cavernous sinus. These lesions are associated with blunt or penetrating traumatic injuries of the carotid arteries. We present the first cases of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae (cDAVF) in the middle meningeal artery (MMA) after the treatment of direct CCF in the ICA with Willis-covered stents (WCSs). CASE PRESENTATION: Our patients comprised 22 and 50-year-old males with histories of head injuries months before admission at our facility. In both patients above, cerebral angiography revealed fistulae in the right ICA and left ICA, respectively. They were treated with WCSs via the trans-artery endovascular route. In both cases, the treatments were not in the way attempted via the MMA. Subsequently, they developed cDAVF in the middle meningeal artery (MMA), which were treated with Onyx Liquid Embolic System (Onyx HD-500) (Covidien / ev3 Neurovascular) and conservatively, respectively. CONCLUSION: These are the first cases in whom WCSs for the management of direct CCF resulted in cDAVF at the MMA. The WCSs inside the ICA could have resulted in the cDAVF via unknown mechanisms but not iatrogenic.

Transvenous Onyx Embolization of a Type D Carotid-Cavernous-Fistula: Operative Video.

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are acquired pathologic shunts between the carotid circulation and the cavernous sinus that result in venous congestion.1 They often present with ocular symptoms, such as chemosis, proptosis, and blurry vision. Cranial nerve deficits and increased intraocular pressure are often seen on the neuro-ophthalmologic examination.2 If left untreated, they can lead to cortical venous reflux and intracranial hemorrhage. A cerebral angiogram is the gold standard to diagnose these lesions. The hallmark of dural CCF is opacification of venous structures in the arterial phase of the angiogram. Dependent on carotid branches contributing to the fistula, 4 types are classically defined by Barrow et al.3 When the fistula is indirect (types B-D), the goal of treatment is obliteration via the transvenous route.4 We present the case of a patient who had chemosis and proptosis of the left eye with imaging findings concerning for dural CCF (Video 1). An informed consent was obtained and the patient underwent a cerebral angiogram and treatment of the CCF. In the operative video, we showcase the treatment of a type D CCF using transvenous embolization with Onyx (Covidien, Irvine, CA) and achieve angiographic cure of the fistula. We were able to use Onyx for embolization since the superselective injection did not show cortical venous drainage. This is important as obliteration of cortical veins with liquid embolisate could cause venous infarcts. To our knowledge, this is the first video article that illustrates the endovascular embolization of a CCF and highlights the angiographic findings pre- and post-embolization.

Onyx Embolization of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas and Its Impact on Intraocular Pressure and Recurrence: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are acquired pathological shunting lesions between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus leading to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). CCFs are commonly treated via endovascular embolization, which theoretically restores physiological pressure differentials. OBJECTIVE: To present our institutional data with CCF treated with embolization and discuss endovascular routes, recurrence rates, and dynamic IOP changes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 42 CCF patients who underwent Onyx (Covidien, Irvine, California) embolization and pre- and postoperative IOP measurement at a single institution. RESULTS: CCFs were 19.0% direct (type A) and 81.0% indirect (types B, C, or D). Onyx-18 liquid embolisate was used during all embolizations. Overall rate of total occlusion was 83.3% and was statistically similar between direct and indirect fistulas. Preoperative IOP was elevated in 37.5%, 100.0%, 75.0%, and 50% in type A, B, C, and D fistulas, respectively. Average ΔIOP was -7.3 ± 8.5 mmHg (range: -33 to +8). Follow-up time was 4.64 ± 7.62 mo. Full angiographic occlusion was a predictor of symptom resolution at 1 mo (P = .026) and 6 mo (P = .021). Partial occlusion was associated with persistent symptoms postoperatively at 1 mo (P = .038) and 6 mo follow-up (P = .012). Beyond 6 mo, negative ΔIOP was associated with continued symptom improvement. Recurrence occurred in 9.5% of patients, all of which were indirect CCFs. CONCLUSION: Onyx embolization of CCF is an effective treatment for CCF and often results in the reversal of IOP elevation. Full occlusion predicts favorable clinical outcomes up to 6 mo. Postoperative IOP reduction may indicate favorable long-term clinical outcomes.