Ductal stenting vs. surgical shunting in late presenting duct-dependent pulmonary circulation: a single-center experience.

Introduction: PDA stenting is an option to mBTT shunt for younger patients; nevertheless, few reports of this palliative approach have been made for the late presenter population, especially for patients who are older than 30 days but under 5 years. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical result and intra-hospital costs of ductal stenting in late-presenting patients in comparison to surgical shunting. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from August 2016 to August 2022. This study included patients with pulmonary duct dependent CHD who were hospitalized for palliative therapy. The extracted data were baseline characteristics, clinical findings, supportive examination findings, complications, outcomes, and length of stay of the patients. Monitoring was carried out during treatment up to 30 days after the procedure. Results: A total of 143 patients were included in the analysis; 43 patients underwent PDA stent and 100 patients underwent mBTT shunt with median age of PDA stent group 110 (31-1,498) days and mBTT shunt group 174.5 (30-1,651) days. Primary outcome composite was not significant in both groups including 30 days mortality [6 (14%) vs. 14 (14%), p = 1.000], reintervention [1 (2.3%) vs. 7 (7%), p = 0.436], and 30 days rehospitalization [0 (0%) vs. 2 (2%), p = 0.319]. Secondary outcome analysis showed shorter ICU length of stay in the PDA stent group [2 (0-16) days vs. 4 (1-63) days, p = 0.002]. Conclusions: PDA stent has an outcome that is non inferior from the mBTT shunt procedure in the composite outcome including 30 days mortality, reintervention, and 30 days rehospitalization but significantly lower in ICU length of stay.

The paramount of three-dimensional echocardiography in percutaneous closure of large oval perimembranous ventricular septal defect: a case report.

Background: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common type of congenital heart abnormality with perimembranous VSD (pmVSD) accounting for ∼70% of all VSD. Nowadays, transcatheter closure is the first choice for suitable pmVSD. However, there was no report about closing the large oval-shaped VSD percutaneously. Case summary: A 34-year-old male with known VSD was referred for transcatheter closure after failed attempts in other hospital. Patient had been diagnosed with VSD at a young age, but he was lost to follow-up. He presented with shortness of breath due to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. The initial measurement of the defect was 6-7 mm by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and LV angiography. However, re-measurement using TEE and 3D echocardiography revealed that the VSD is oval with diameters of 18 mm × 6 mm. Initially, device No. 12/14 was used, but it was dislodged on two attempts. The operator then decided to upsize the device size to No. 16/18 that was successful. The patient's condition was good, and 6 months follow-up after the procedure showed good outcomes without any residual defect or arrhythmia. Discussion: In this study, we would like to highlight the rarity of large oval pmVSD that almost failed to be closed with the conventional measurement with echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Transoesophageal echocardiography especially 3D can be the new modality of choice that might be superior to fluoroscopy to decide the right device size in some cases such as oval-shaped pmVSD.

Right ventricular outflow tract stenting for late presenter unrepaired Fallot physiology: a single-center experience.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome after right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting in late presenter patient with unrepaired Fallot physiology. Background: In younger patients, RVOT stenting is an alternative to mBTT shunt; however, there have been few reports of this palliative technique in late presenter population, including adults. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study of nonrandomized, palliated Fallot patients. Clinical outcomes such as left ventricular ejection fraction and saturation were measured in 32 individuals following RVOT stenting in adults (n = 10) and children (n = 22). The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 26.0 software was used to analyze the statistical data. Results: During the procedure, the average stent diameter and length were 8.84 ± 1.64 mm and 35.46 ± 11.23 mm, respectively. Adult patients received slightly longer stents than pediatric patients (43.60 ± 11.64 mm vs. 31.77 ± 9.07 mm). Overall, patients' saturation increased from 58.56 ± 19.03% to 91.03 ± 8.98% (p < 0.001), as did their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 64.00 ± 18.21% to 75.09 ± 12.98% (p = 0.001). Three patients improved their LVEF from 31 to 55%, 31 to 67%, and 26 to 50%. The median length of stay was 8 (2-35) days, with an ICU stay of 2 (0-30) days. The median time from RVOT stent palliation to total repair was 3 months (range: 1 month-12 months). Conclusions: RVOT stenting is a safe and effective method for increasing saturation and ejection fraction not only in newborn infants but also in late presenters, including adults with unrepaired Fallot physiology.

Posterior Annulus Elevation Technique in Reducing Residual Regurgitation During Mitral Valve Repair in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The current technique used in severe mitral regurgitation in children can occasionally lead to residual regurgitation. To address this issue, the posterior annulus elevation technique was developed to enhance coaptation and reduce residual lesions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in reducing residual regurgitation during mitral valve repair in children. Methods: A total of 64 patients aged <18 years old undergoing mitral valve repair were randomized into two groups: the intervention (with posterior annulus elevation) group and the control group, which underwent conventional repair techniques. Various parameters, including coaptation area, residual mitral regurgitation, clinical outcomes, metabolic, and hemolytic markers, were measured on days 0, 5, 2 weeks, and 3 months after surgery. Results: The intervention group (n = 32) showed a significant reduction in residual mitral regurgitation compared with the control group (n = 32) on each evaluation. At three months after surgery, we found that the posterior annulus elevation technique could be a protective factor that reduces the chance of residual regurgitation compared with the control group (RR = 0.31; confidence interval: 0.18-0.54; P ≤ .001). Coaptation length and index were also found to be significantly higher in the intervention group (P ≤ .001). Clinical outcomes, metabolic markers, and hemolysis marker did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The posterior annulus elevation technique demonstrated effectiveness in reducing residual mitral regurgitation and improving coaptation area in pediatric mitral valve repair. This technique showed better short-term surgical outcomes in children with mitral regurgitation compared with the conventional technique.

Palliative interatrial septum stenting with a vascular stent in a chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patient: Is it beneficial?

BACKGROUND: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious disease that can progress and lead to a deadly outcome. Despite optimal drug therapy, pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains fatal. Untreatable right heart failure (RHF) from CTEPH is eventually a significant cause of death. However, unloading the right heart and increasing systemic output are the treatment goals in these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea experienced for three days before admission. There were also complaints of leg edema, ascites, orthopnea, and palpitation. Physical examination revealed an attenuated second heart sound, abdominal ascites, and bilateral leg edema. She had a history of frequent readmissions due to RHF despite optimal medical therapy and was diagnosed with CTEPH 5 months ago. It was decided that the patient would undergo interatrial septal (IAS) stenting with a vascular stent of 8 mm × 39 mm × 135 cm. The results were good; her symptoms and signs of RHF improved, and she was eventually discharged from the hospital. Four months after the procedure, the patient was able to engage in physical activities without any limitations. CONCLUSIONS: A palliative IAS stent is one of the choices for intractable RHF management in patients with CTEPH. The vascular stent can be used as an alternative in order to make the interatrial connection more stable and last longer.

A retrograde approach for transcatheter valvotomy procedure in infants with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS): retrograde versus antegrade approach.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the retrograde approach compared to the antegrade approach in infants with PA-IVS who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy procedure at National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Jakarta, Indonesia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a single-centre retrospective study conducted from January 2017 to June 2019 consisting of infants undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy procedures from our centre. RESULTS: Among 3733 records of cardiac catheter procedure in paediatric patients during the last 3 years, there were 12 subjects with PA-IVS, where five subjects were done by antegrade approach and seven by retrograde approach. The retrograde approach is shown to excel the antegrade approach in terms of procedural time by 58.64 minutes (CI 95 % 32.97-84.29, p = 0.008) and PA-RV crossing time by 27 minutes (CI 95 % 14.01-39.99, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in contrast used (120.23 ± 25.77 versus 150.27 ± 39.26 ml/BSA, p = 0.518), and right ventricle to pulmonary artery systolic pressure gradient after valvotomy (39.571 ± 5.814 versus 53.52 ± 29.15, p = 0.329) between the retrograde and the antegrade approach. CONCLUSION: The retrograde approach offered shorter procedural time and comparably satisfying results than the antegrade approach. The shorter procedural time was preferred due to the shorter duration of general anaesthesia, which may decrease the risk of neurodevelopmental deficits in the patient.

Case Series of Berry syndrome: A rare constellation of fatal cardiac anomalies.

Berry syndrome is an extremely rare constellation of several congenital cardiac anomalies consisting of aortopulmonary window, aortic origin of the right pulmonary artery (AORPA), interrupted aortic arch or hypoplastic aortic arch or coarctation of the aorta, and an intact ventricular septum with high neonatal mortality rates. The disease is fatal with high mortality (90%) in the neonatal period with surviving patients mostly developing pulmonary hypertension. We describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic clues in two patients with Berry syndrome.

Operability of atrial septal defect with borderline pulmonary vascular resistance index: A study in developing country.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to atrial septal defect (ASD) is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in defect closure. We aimed to compare perioperative outcome between preoperative borderline and low pulmonary vascular resistance index (≥4 WU.m2 and <4 WU.m2, respectively) in surgical closure of secundum atrial septal defect with concomitant pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods and results: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study between January 2015 and January 2020. We classified patients with low and borderline PVRI who underwent ASD closure and recorded the perioperative outcomes. Results: We analyzed a total of 183 patients with atrial septal defect and pulmonary arterial hypertension; 92 patients with borderline PVRI and 91 patients with low PVRI. Borderline pulmonary vascular resistance index was not associated with increased risk of postoperative mortality (p = 0.621; OR0.48, 95% CI 0.04-5.48), but associated with higher risk of overall morbidity in bivariate analysis (p = 0.002; OR3.28, 95% CI 1.5-6.72). Multivariate analysis showed positive association of borderline pulmonary vascular resistance index (p = 0.045; OR2.63, 95% CI 1.02-6.77) and preoperative tricuspid valve gradient ≥64 mmHg (p = 0.034; OR2.77, 95% CI 1.08-7.13) with overall morbidity. Conclusion: There is no difference in incidence of in-hospital mortality between preoperative borderline and low pulmonary vascular resistance index patients. However, preoperative borderline pulmonary vascular resistance index and tricuspid valve gradient ≥64 mmHg are associated with increased overall morbidity after surgical closure in secundum atrial septal defect patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in congenital heart disease: A single-center experience in Indonesia.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients are thought to be vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. In this study, we would like to assess the outcomes and clinical characteristics in COVID-19 CHD patients. Method: A single-center, observational study was conducted in National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita (NCCHK). This study included patients with CHD who were hospitalized for COVID-19. The extracted data were baseline characteristics, clinical findings, supportive examination findings, complications, outcomes, and length of stay of the patients. The data were then analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Result: Twenty-six patients with CHD and COVID-19 infection were included in our study. There were 24 resolved cases and 2 deaths, four patients experienced complications such as renal insufficiency (1), sepsis (2), and multiorgan failure (1). The median length of stay was 13 days. The most common symptoms experienced by the patients were breathlessness (65.4%), cough (57.7%), and fever (42.3%). Conclusion: We observed a relatively mild COVID-19 clinical course despite prior research showing that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, such as CHD, have a higher case-fatality rate. This could be because of the smaller sample size, non-standardized diagnosis, severity, treatment, and age group.

Echocardiography-Guided Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure: 1-Year Single Center Experience in Indonesia.

Introduction: Since the first successful percutaneous closure under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance, many centers explored transcatheter procedures without fluoroscopy. This single-center study is aimed to show the feasibility and safety of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure under echocardiography-only guidance during our 1-year experience. Methods: Patients with PDA were recruited for percutaneous PDA closure guided by either fluoroscopy or echocardiography-only in National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05321849, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05321849). Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at 6, 24, and 48 h after the procedure. The primary endpoint was the procedural success. Secondary endpoints were the procedural time and the rate of adverse events. Results: A total of 60 patients underwent transcatheter PDA closure, 30 patients with fluoroscopy and 30 patients with echocardiography guidance. All patients had successful PDA closure. There were only residual shunts, which were disappeared after follow-up in both groups, but one patient with a fluoroscopy-guided procedure had moderate tricuspid regurgitation with suspected thrombus in the tricuspid valve. The procedural time was not significantly different between the fluoroscopy and echocardiography groups.

Improved clinical outcome with biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents compared to durable polymer drug-eluting stents for primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing the clinical outcomes of second-generation biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) and second-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with follow-up duration of more than 1 year are still limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the 2-year clinical outcome of BP-DES with second-generation DP-DES in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study in patients with STEMI, the primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as recurrent myocardial infarction, total repeat revascularisation and cardiac death. The secondary endpoint was stent thrombosis (ST) defined as definite, probable or possible. RESULTS: A total of 400 patients were analysed (197 BP-DES groups and 203 DP-DES groups). BP-DES were independently associated with lower incidence of MACE (adjusted HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.91, p=0.005) and ST (adjusted HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.73, p<0.016) within 2 years of follow-up. Subgroup analysis of MACE individual components showed that BP-DES were associated with lower cardiac deaths (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.94; p<0.001) compared to DP-DES, but not recurrent myocardial infarction and total repeat revascularisation. CONCLUSIONS: BP-DES were associated with better clinical outcomes compared to second-generation DP-DES in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.

Clinical Profile and Management of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children and Young Adults at a Tertiary Cardiac Center in Indonesia.

Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major public health issue affecting children and young adults in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and reactivation of RHD among children and young adults. Patients and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study conducted at the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Indonesia; we retrieved relevant data from patients diagnosed with RHD between 2012 and 2018. Results: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, of whom 108 were children (mean age of 12.02 ± 3.36 years) and 171 were young adults (mean age was 24.9 ± 3.84). RHD was more common in female than in male young adults (1.5:1). Hospitalization due to RHD complications such as congestive heart failure was seen in 11.11% of cases in children, while pulmonary hypertension was present in 19.95% young adult cases. Reactivation of RHD occurred in 17.2% (48/279) cases, significantly in children (p < 0.001). Overall, the mitral valve (either isolated or combined) was the organ most affected in children (39.13%) and young adults (44.81%). Isolated mitral regurgitation was more common in children (13/21, 61.9%), while isolated mitral stenosis was more common in young adults (19/47, 40.42%). There was a high rate of rheumatic tricuspid valve disease in all populations (193/279, 69.17%) and reported involvement of pulmonary regurgitation (46/279, 16.48%). Multivalve lesions were more common than single lesions in both groups, with a combination of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation the predominant type in children (32/43, 74.41%) and mixed mitral lesion and tricuspid regurgitation in young adults (22/72, 30.56%). We observed a significant occurrence of quadrivalve lesions in children (p = 0.039). Valve repair was more common in children (49.07%) and replacement in young adults (32.16%), with low in-hospital mortality. Compliance with secondary prophylaxis was a significant challenge. Conclusion: Chronic RHD often presented with complications of the disease or reactivation of rheumatic fever (RF). Inadequate treatment of RF/RHD leads to extensive valvular damage and consequent disabilities. Efforts toward active early diagnosis and prompt treatment of RF/RHD and effective preventive measures are essential.

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in neonates with critical pulmonary stenosis: Jugular or femoral.

BACKGROUND: Critical pulmonary stenosis (PS) is one of the life-threatening congenital heart diseases which present during the neonatal period with cyanosis. Surgical valvotomy was once the procedure of choice for critical PS; however, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) has now become the standard treatment. Although the procedure is usually simple, crossing the pulmonary valve from the femoral vein can be difficult, especially when severe tricuspid regurgitation and right atrium dilatation are present. In such patients, the maneuver can be simplified by using the right internal jugular vein approach. However, many operators are reluctant to use this approach because of unfamiliarity with the technique, potential complications, and paucity of reports. Until now, there is no literature describing BPV using the transjugular approach in neonates, also none directly comparing the transfemoral and transjugular approaches. OBJECTIVE: We compared transjugular with the transfemoral approach in terms of procedure time and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants were neonates with critical PS undergoing BPV in the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita from 2013 to 2018. RESULTS: Of 15 neonates undergoing BPV, eight were done using the transjugular approach and seven using the femoral approach. Mean age and weight in both groups was similar. In all eight patients using transjugular approach, crossing the pulmonary valve was consistently quick and easy. The total procedural time, pulmonary crossing time, and fluoro time was significantly shorter using the transjugular approach (65 ± 8 vs. 108 ± 17.8 min, P < 0.05; 22 ± 3.1 vs. 45 ± 14.8 min, P < 0.01; 29 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 35 min, P < 0.05). There were no complications relating to vascular access. Moreover, the BPV procedure itself demonstrated comparable results in both groups. CONCLUSION: BPV using the transjugular approach is safe and effective to relieve critical PS in neonates compared to the transfemoral approach.