[Radial artery occlusion after a radial access procedure: pilot study comparing eco Doppler and Inverse Barbeau Test assessments]. / Occlusione dell'arteria radiale dopo procedura angiografica:uno studio pilota per la valutazione del flusso con ecodoppler e con "Inverse Barbeau Test".

. Radial artery occlusion after a radial access procedure: pilot study comparing eco Doppler and Inverse Barbeau Test assessments. INTRODUCTION: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) after a radial access procedure can compromise the distal flow and hamper any possible reuse of the radial artery. Ultrasound examination is the gold standard for identifying RAO, but requires special equipment and expertise. An indirect test to estimate radial flow is the Inverse Barbeau Test (IBT), which evaluates the radial oximetry waveform during ulnar artery compression. AIM: To determine the incidence of RAO and to compare the results obtained with the ultrasound and IBT tests. METHODS: Between November 2017 and February 2018, 50 patients undergoing radial access angiography were enrolled. Radial flow was assessed using both ultrasound and IBT, at three times: before the procedure (T0), at 24 hours (T1) and at 30 days (T2). RESULTS: The incidence of RAO obtained by ultrasound was no cases at T0, 3 (6%) at T1 and 1 (2.4%) at T2. IBT identified 14 (28%), 33 (66%) and 10 (23.8%) cases respectively. Some cases with no occlusion with the ultrasounds, 14 (28%), 30 (60%) and 9 (21.4%) respectively, resulted occluded by IBT. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RAO is comparable to that reported in the literature (<10%). The IBT correctly identifies the presence of flow, but overestimates radial occlusion.

[New generation implantable loop recorders can be safely managed by certified nurses]. / I loop recorder impiantabili di nuova generazione possono essere gestiti in maniera sicura ed efficace da personale infermieristico formato.

. New generation implantable loop recorders can be safely managed by certified nurses. INTRODUCTION: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are recommended for several cardiac disorders: the recent miniaturization processes eased their implant and management. AIM: To describe the advantages of the ILR implant, patients' education and remote control performed by expert certified nurses. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive ILR implants of our centre, preformed between May and December 2016: the complications occurred in patients implanted by doctors and nurses were described. Nurses were certified after a two days course and 3 implants assisted by a medical doctor. RESULTS: 157 patients were implanted with a ICM Reveal LINQ (Medtronic): 74 (47%) by physicians electrophysiologists and 83 (53%) out of the electrophysiology room, by certified nurses. The two groups of patients were not fully comparable because more complex patients were implanted by the physician. All the loop recorders were easily implanted adverse without events during the procedure and after 30 days. Two minor bleedings occurred 24 hours after the implant: 1 in a patient implanted by a physician and the other by a nurse. Both were rapidly solved by finger pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The ILR implants can be safely performed by trained nurses, out of the elettrophysiology room, with benefits for the patients and the hospital.