Long-term Stroke and Mortality Risk in Nonagenarians After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Insertion.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the long-term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) in nonagenarian patients. This study investigated the relationship between patient baseline comorbidity and frailty on the long-term outcome of the nonagenarian population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 187 consecutive nonagenarian patients who underwent TAVI from 2009 to 2020. Multivariable models were used to analyze the association between baseline patient and frailty variables and mortality, stroke, and repeat hospitalization. Long-term survival was compared with an age- and sex-matched United States population. RESULTS: The median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was 10% (interquartile range, 7%-17%). Frailty was met in 72% of patients based on the 5-meter walk test, 13% based on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12-item instrument score, 12% based on Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, and 8% based on serum albumin levels. Procedure-related death occurred in 3 patients (2%) and stroke in 8 (4%). The median duration of follow-up was 3.4 years. Outcomes included death in 150 patients (80%), stroke in 15, and repeat hospitalization in 114. Multivariable analysis identified no association between any of the baseline patient variables with mortality, stroke, repeat hospitalization, or the combined outcomes (all P > .05). The 1- and 5-year survival rates in TAVI-treated nonagenarians were similar to age- and sex-matched controls (P = .27). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term death or stroke is independent of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality and frailty risk variables in this nonagenarian patient population who received TAVI. Furthermore, survival is similar to age- and sex-matched controls.

The voice and swallowing profile of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis before and after reconstructive surgery: A prospective, descriptive observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Airway reconstruction for laryngo tracheal stenosis (LTS) improves dyspnoea. There is little evidence relating to impact upon voice and swallowing. We explored voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with LTS before and after reconstructive surgery. DESIGN: Outcome measures were collected pre-reconstructive surgery, two-weeks post-surgery and up to 4-6 months post-surgery. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. PARTICIPANTS: With ethical approval, twenty consecutive adult (≥18 years) LTS patients undergoing airway reconstruction were prospectively recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These included physiological values (maximum phonation time (MPT) and fundamental frequency; penetration aspiration score, residue score), clinician-reported (GRBAS, functional oral intake score, 100ml Water Swallow Test) and patient-reported outcomes (Voice Handicap Index-10, Reflux Symptoms Index, Eating Assessment Tool, Dysphagia Handicap Index). RESULTS: The observational study identified patient-reported and clinician-reported voice and swallow difficulties pre- and post-surgery; median and interquartile range are reported at each time point: Voice Handicap Index-10 23 (8-31); 20.5 (9-33.5), 24.5 (12.5-29); Dysphagia Handicap Index 9 (0-37); 13 (7-44); 15 (4-34); GRBAS grade 1(1-2); 2 (1-2.5); 2(1-2); 100ml Water Swallow Test volume score 16.7 (11.1-20); 14.3 (12.5-16.7); 16.7 (14.3-20.0); 100ml Water Swallow Test capacity score 16.3 ± 9.0; 11.0 ± 4.1; 12.5 ± 2.6. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first prospective data on voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with LTS before and after reconstructive surgery. The variability of the outcomes was higher than expected but importantly, for many the voice and swallow outcomes were not within normal limits before surgery. The clinical value of the study demonstrates the need for individual assessment and management of LTS patients' voice and swallowing.

Magnetic and Biocompatible Polyurethane Nanofiber Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering.

Recruitment of endothelial cells to cardiovascular device surfaces could solve issues of thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia, and restenosis. Since current targeting strategies are often nonspecific, new technologies to allow for site-specific cell localization and capture in vivo are needed. The development of cytocompatible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles has allowed for the use of magnetism for cell targeting. In this study, a magnetic polyurethane (PU)-2205 stainless steel (2205-SS) nanofibrous composite biomaterial was developed through analysis of composite sheets and application to stent-grafts. The PU nanofibers provide strength and elasticity while the 2205-SS microparticles provide ferromagnetic properties. Sheets were electrospun at mass ratios of 0-4:1 (2205-SS:PU) and stent-grafts with magnetic or nonmagnetic stents were coated at the optimal ratio of 2:1. These composite materials were characterized by microscopy, mechanical testing, a sessile drop test, magnetic field measurement, magnetic cell capture assays, and cytocompatibility after 14 days of culturing with endothelial cells. Results of this study show that an optimal ratio of 2:1 2205-SS:PU results in a hydrophobic material that balanced mechanical and magnetic properties and was cytocompatible up to 14 days. Significant cell capture required a thicker material of 0.5 mm thickness. Stent-grafts fabricated from a magnetic coating and a magnetic stent demonstrated uniform cell capture throughout the device surface. This novel biomaterial exhibits a combination of mechanical and magnetic properties that enables magnetic capture of cells and other therapeutic agents for vascular and other tissue engineering applications.

The interaction of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) have been individually associated with poor outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We hypothesized a combination of the 2 would provide prognostic indication after TAVR. METHODS: We categorized 871 patients who received TAVR from 2008 to 2018 into 4 groups according to baseline FEV1 (<60% or ≥60% predicted) and NT-Pro-BNP (<1601 or ≥1601 pg/ml): group A (n = 312, high FEV1, low NT-Pro-BNP), group B (n = 275, high FEV1, high NT-Pro-BNP), group C (n = 123 low FEV1, low NT-Pro-BNP) and group D (n = 161, low FEV1, high NT-Pro-BNP). The primary end point was survival at 1 and 5 years. RESULTS: Patients in group A had more severe aortic stenosis and achieved the best long-term survival at 1 [93% (95% CI: 90-96)] and 5 [45.3% (95% CI: 35.4-58)] years. Low FEV1 and high NT-Pro-BNP (group D) patients had more severe symptoms, higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of operative mortality, lower ejection fraction and aortic valve gradient at baseline. Patients in group D had the worst survival at 1 [76% (95% CI: 69-83)] and 5 years [13.1% (95% CI: 7-25)], hazard ratio compared to group A: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.6-3.2, P < 0.001) with 25.7% of patients in New York Heart Association class III-IV. Patients in groups B and C had intermediate outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FEV1 and NT-Pro-BNP stratifies patients into 4 groups with distinct risk profiles and clinical outcomes. Patients with low FEV1 and high NT-Pro-BNP have increased comorbidities, poor functional outcomes and decreased long-term survival after TAVR.

The Association Between a Second Course of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Repeat Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Events.

PURPOSE: Survivors of coronary artery disease (CAD) events are at risk for repeat events. Although evidence supports cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after an initial CAD event, it is unclear whether a repeat course of CR (CR × 2) is beneficial after a recurrent CAD event. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of CR × 2 with clinical outcomes in persons undergoing repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of CR × 2 and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals who experienced a repeat PCI at the Mayo Clinic hospitals between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2013. Landmark analyses were used to calculate unadjusted and propensity score adjusted mortality rates and cardiovascular (CV) events rates for patients who underwent CR × 2 compared with those who did not. RESULTS: Among 240 individuals who had a repeat PCI and who had participated in CR after their first PCI, 97 (40%) participated in CR × 2. Outcomes were assessed for a mean follow-up time of 7.8 yr (IQR 7.1-9.0 yr). Propensity score-based inverse probability weighting analysis revealed that CR × 2 was associated with significantly lower target lesion revascularization (HR = 0.47: 95% CI, 0.26-0.86; P = .014), lower combined end point of CV death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (HR = 0.57: 95% CI, 0.36-0.89; P = .014), and lower CV hospitalization (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.84; P = .003). CONCLUSION: A second course of CR following repeat PCI is associated with a lower risk of adverse clinical outcomes. These findings support current policies that allow for repeat courses of CR following recurrent CV events.

Cell-intrinsic differences between human airway epithelial cells from children and adults.

The airway epithelium is a protective barrier that is maintained by the self-renewal and differentiation of basal stem cells. Increasing age is a principle risk factor for chronic lung diseases, but few studies have explored age-related molecular or functional changes in the airway epithelium. We retrieved epithelial biopsies from histologically normal tracheobronchial sites from pediatric and adult donors and compared their cellular composition and gene expression profile (in laser capture-microdissected whole epithelium, fluorescence-activated cell-sorted basal cells, and basal cells in cell culture). Histologically, pediatric and adult tracheobronchial epithelium was similar in composition. We observed age-associated changes in RNA sequencing studies, including higher interferon-associated gene expression in pediatric epithelium. In cell culture, pediatric cells had higher colony formation ability, sustained in vitro growth, and outcompeted adult cells in a direct competitive proliferation assay. Our results demonstrate cell-intrinsic differences between airway epithelial cells from children and adults in both homeostatic and proliferative states.

An unusual single paraglottic space neurofibroma: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours, formed by a wide variety of different kinds of cells and matrixes. Airway neurofibromas are extremely rare and minimal cases have been described in the literature. Endoscopic surgical removal is considered challenging due to the infiltrating character of the lesion. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the clinical case of a gentleman, with a left paraglottic space neurofibroma, who presented with dyspnoea and voice changes. He had his neurofibroma removed endoscopically under general anaesthesia. METHODS: The case was analysed and discussed on this gentleman's presentation. However, the diagnosis was set only after the histology report was released. A literature review was performed to explore presentation and management. CONCLUSION: Neurofibromas have extremely low prevalence in the airway. The size of the benign tumour in our case was impressive and the recovery of the gentleman post-operatively was rapid.

Temporal Trends in Use of Complementary Therapies Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders.

This study aimed to evaluate the use and frequency of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies in an outpatient cohort with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and compare trends over time. This cross-sectional point-of-care prospective study assessed patients attending a cardiology outpatient clinic. As in our 2009 cohort, data were collected with a 17-question survey on demographic characteristics, CVD history, current use and future interest in CIM. In total, 964 patients completed the survey. CIM use continues to be high (2009 vs 2018, 83.4% vs 81.8%) (p = 0.34), with dietary supplements the most common therapy (75% in both studies). We observed increased use of mind-body therapies (28.5% vs 23.9%, p = 0.02), especially meditation, yoga, and tai chi. Of the patients receiving CIM therapies, 41.9% reported using CIM for heart-related symptoms. Relaxation, stress management, and meditation were the top three mind-body therapies for CVD-related symptoms in both cohorts. Reporting of CIM use to clinicians is low (15%) and interest on future use is high (47%). In conclusion, CIM is highly used in cardiology patients-4 of 10 patients use CIM for CVD-related symptoms. Most take dietary supplements, with an increased use of mind-body therapies. Our data highlight the importance of documenting CIM use in practice and the need for research to document efficacy.

Characterization of Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells (BOEC) from Porcine Peripheral Blood.

The endothelium is a dynamic integrated structure that plays an important role in many physiological functions such as angiogenesis, hemostasis, inflammation, and homeostasis. The endothelium also plays an important role in pathophysiologies such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Endothelial cells form the inner lining of blood and lymphatic vessels and display heterogeneity in structure and function. Various groups have evaluated the functionality of endothelial cells derived from human peripheral blood with a focus on endothelial progenitor cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells or mature blood outgrowth endothelial cells (or endothelial colony-forming cells). These cells provide an autologous resource for therapeutics and disease modeling. Xenogeneic cells may provide an alternative source of therapeutics due to their availability and homogeneity achieved by using genetically similar animals raised in similar conditions. Hence, a robust protocol for the isolation and expansion of highly proliferative blood outgrowth endothelial cells from porcine peripheral blood has been presented. These cells can be used for numerous applications such as cardiovascular tissue engineering, cell therapy, disease modeling, drug screening, studying endothelial cell biology, and in vitro co-cultures to investigate inflammatory and coagulation responses in xenotransplantation.

Do Right Heart Hemodynamic Improvements Persist After Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy?

The survival benefits of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have been well described. However, the significance of right heart hemodynamic changes and their impact on survival remains poorly understood. We sought to characterize the effects of these changes. We conducted a single center, retrospective review of 159 patients who underwent PTE between 1993 and 2015. Echocardiographic and right heart catheterization data were compared longitudinally before and after PTE in order to establish the extent of hemodynamic response to surgery. Kaplan Meier estimates were used to characterize patient survival over time. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess factors associated with long-term mortality. Among the 159 patients studied, 74 (46.5%) were male with a median age of 55 (IQR: 42-66). One-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival was 91.0% (95% CI: 86.6-95.6), 79.6% (73.5-86.3), 66.5% (59.2-74.7), and 56.2% (48.1-65.8). Of the 9 candidate risk factors that were evaluated, only advanced age and increased cardiopulmonary bypass time were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. Pre- and postsurgical echocardiographic imaging data, when available, revealed a median reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure of 29.0 mm Hg (P < 0.0001) and improvement of tricuspid regurgitation (P < 0.0001), both of which appeared to be sustained across long-term follow-up. Improvements in right heart hemodynamics and tricuspid valvular regurgitation persist on long term surveillance following PTE. While patient selection is often driven by the distribution of disease, close postoperative follow up may improve outcomes.

Not Just Dyspnoea: Swallowing as a Concern for Adults with Laryngotracheal Stenosis Undergoing Airway Reconstruction.

Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition causing dyspnea and stridor. Patients often require multiple surgical procedures with no guarantee of a definitive outcome. Difficulty swallowing is a recognised problem associated with LTS and the reconstructive surgeries required to manage the condition. The breathlessness patient's experience impacts on swallowing, and the vulnerable structures of the larynx are implicated during complex surgeries. This leads to dysphagia post-surgery, with some patients experiencing more chronic symptoms depending on the biomechanical impact of the surgery, or a pre-existing dysphagia. Despite this there is limited observational research about the dysphagia associated with LTS, with no exploration of the patient experience. Our aim was to investigate patient experience of living with LTS focussing on dysphagia in order to guide clinical practice. A qualitative study was completed using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 24 patients who have had reconstructive surgery for LTS. Thematic analysis was used to identify three over-arching themes: The Physical Journey, The Emotional Journey and The Medical Journey. Key sub-themes included the importance of self-management and control, presence of symptoms, benefits of therapy, living with a life-long condition, fear and anxiety, autonomy, medicalisation of normal processes and the dichotomy between staff expertise and complacency. Swallowing was connected to all themes. The results are reviewed with consideration of the wider literature of lived experience particularly in relation to other chronic conditions and those that carry a high symptom burden such as head and neck cancer. Future clinical and research recommendations have been made. Akin to other clinical groups, adults with LTS are keen that management of their swallowing is person-centred and holistic.

"A Major Quality of Life Issue": A Survey-Based Analysis of the Experiences of Adults With Laryngotracheal Stenosis with Mucus and Cough.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate how the symptoms of mucus and cough impact adults living with laryngotracheal stenosis, and to use this information to guide future research and treatment plans. METHODS: A survey was developed with the support of patient advisors and distributed to people suffering with laryngotracheal stenosis. The survey comprised 15 closed and open questions relating to mucus and cough and included the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Descriptive statistics, X2 and thematic analyses were completed. RESULTS: In total, 641 participants completed the survey, with 83.62% (n = 536) reporting problems with mucus; 79% having daily issues of varying severity that led to difficulties with cough (46.18%) and breathing (20.90%). Mucus affected voice and swallowing to a lesser degree. Respondents described a range of triggers; they identified smoky air as the worst environmental trigger. Strategies to manage mucus varied widely with drinking water (72.26%), increasing liquid intake in general (49.35%) and avoiding or reducing dairy (45.32%) the most common approaches to control symptoms. The LCQ showed a median total score of 14 (interquartile range 11-17) indicative of cough negatively affecting quality of life. Thematic analysis of free text responses identified 4 key themes-the Mucus Cycle, Social impact, Psychological impact, and Physical impact. CONCLUSION: This study shows the relevance of research focusing on mucus and cough and its negative impact on quality of life, among adults with laryngotracheal stenosis. It demonstrates the inconsistent advice and management strategies provided by clinicians for this issue. Further research is required to identify clearer treatment options and pathways.

Suspension laryngoscopy experiences in a tertiary airway service: A prospective study of 150 procedures.

OBJECTIVES: In most cases, suspension laryngoscopy (SL) is efficient, bloodless and with minimal post-procedure discomfort. We aimed to identify predictive patient factors for acceptable surgical views at SL as well as quantify our tertiary airway unit's complication rates. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 150 consecutive microlaryngoscopy procedures involving SL over an 8-month period between November 2019 and July 2020. Patients were assessed preoperatively for pre-existing oral, temporomandibular, dental, pharyngeal or laryngeal pathology, interincisor distance and qualitative gross limitations to neck extension and forward head posture. Intraoperatively, the laryngoscopic view was graded by anaesthetic and surgical teams, and complications were recorded on patient interview in recovery. SETTING: Tertiary adult airway service for predominantly benign pathology. RESULTS: Adequate surgical views were obtained in 149/150 procedures. BMI had a weak positive correlation with a more difficult view (r = .22, p = .008) but did not correlate with a statistically significant increase in any complication. There was a weak negative correlation between age and interincisor gap (r = -.20, p = .014), and wider mouth opening correlated very weakly with a lower incidence of sore throat (r = -.19, p = .023). Gross macroglossia showed a significant moderate positive correlation with tongue symptoms (r = .45, p = 1.611 × 10-8 ). CONCLUSION: In the context of an experienced airway unit with a high caseload of predominantly benign pathology, SL is very effective and safe with low associated morbidity and no mortality. The most common complication of SL is temporary sore throat and there remain recognised risks of temporary tongue and dental symptoms.

Doppler Mean Gradient Is Discordant to Aortic Valve Calcium Scores in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Doppler mean gradient (MG) may underestimate aortic stenosis (AS) severity when obtained during atrial fibrillation (AF) because of lower forward flow compared with sinus rhythm (SR). Whether AS is more advanced at the time of referral for aortic valve intervention in AF compared with SR is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine flow-independent computed tomographic aortic valve calcium scores (AVCS) and their concordance to MG in AF versus SR in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Patients who underwent TAVR from 2016 to 2020 for native valve severe AS with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% were identified from an institutional TAVR database. MGs during AF and SR in high-gradient AS (HGAS) and low-gradient AS (LGAS) were compared with AVCS (AVCS/MG ratio). AVCS were obtained within 90 days of pre-TAVR echocardiography. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-three patients were included; median age was 82 years (interquartile range [IQR], 76-86 years), and 46% were women. AF was present in 109 (17%) and SR in 524 (83%) patients during echocardiography. Aortic valve area index was slightly smaller in AF versus SR (0.43 cm2/m2 [IQR, 0.39-0.47 cm2/m2] vs 0.46 cm2/m2 [IQR, 0.41-0.51 cm2/m2], P = .0003). Stroke volume index, transaortic flow rate, and MG were lower in AF (P < .0001 for all). AVCS were higher in men with AF compared with SR (3,510 Agatston units [AU] [IQR, 2,803-4,030 AU] vs 2,722 AU [IQR, 2,180-3,467 AU], P < .0001) in HGAS but not in LGAS. AVCS were not different in women with AF versus SR. Overall AVCS/MG ratios were higher in AF versus SR in HGAS and LGAS (P < .03 for all), except in women with LGAS. CONCLUSIONS: AVCS were higher than expected by MG in AF compared with SR. The very high AVCS in men with AF and HGAS at the time of TAVR suggests late diagnosis of severe AS because of underestimated AS severity during progressive AS and/or late referral to TAVR. Additional studies are needed to examine the extent to which echocardiography may be underestimating AS severity in AF.

Cardiogenic shock complicating non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An 18-year study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (NSTEMI-CS) in the United States. METHODS: Adult (>18 years) NSTEMI-CS admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) and classified by tertiles of admission year (2000-2005, 2006-2011 and 2012-2017). Outcomes of interest included temporal trends of prevalence and in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac procedures, in-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs, and length of stay. RESULTS: In over 7.3 million NSTEMI admissions, CS was noted in 189,155 (2.6%). NSTEMI-CS increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 3.6% in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 2.03 [95% confidence interval 1.97-2.09]; P < .001). Rates of non-cardiac organ failure and cardiac arrest increased during the study period. Between 2000 and 2017, coronary angiography (43.9%-63.9%), early coronary angiography (13.6%-25.6%), percutaneous coronary intervention (14.8%-31.6%), and coronary artery bypass grafting use (19.0%-25.8%) increased (P < .001). Over the study period, the use of intra-aortic balloon pump remained stable (28.6%-28.8%), and both percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (0%-9.1%) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (0.1%-1.6%) increased (all P < .001). In hospital mortality decreased from 50.2% in 2000 to 32.3% in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 0.27 [95% confidence interval 0.25-0.29]; P < .001). During the 18-year period, hospital lengths of stay decreased, and hospitalization costs increased. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, prevalence of CS in NSTEMI has increased 2-fold between 2000 and 2017, while in-hospital mortality has decreased during the study period. Use of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention increased during the study period.

Safe Triage of STEMI Patients to General Telemetry Units After Successful Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) triaged to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) vs a general telemetry unit by a Zwolle risk score-based algorithm. METHODS: We introduced a quality improvement protocol in 2014 encouraging admission of STEMI patients with Zwolle score of 3 or less to general telemetry units unless they were hemodynamically unstable. We subsequently conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of consecutive STEMI patients who had undergone primary PCI from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Outcomes studied include immediate complications, need for urgent unplanned intervention, need for CICU care, length of hospitalization, and survival. RESULTS: We identified 547 patients, 406 with a Zwolle score of 3 or less. Of these, 192 (47.3%) were admitted to general telemetry and 214 (52.7%) to the CICU. Reasons for CICU admission included persistent chest pain, late presentation, and procedural complications. The average hospital length of stay was 2.1±1.4 days for non-CICU patients and 3.3±2.8 days for low-risk CICU patients (P<.001). Two patients initially admitted to general telemetry required transfer to the CICU. There were 26 patients who required unplanned cardiovascular intervention within 30 days, 5 from the general telemetry unit; 540 patients survived to discharge. One in-hospital death occurred among those initially triaged to the general telemetry unit, and this was due to a noncardiac cause. CONCLUSION: A Zwolle score-based algorithm can be used to safely triage post-PCI STEMI patients to a general telemetry unit.

Acromioclavicular joint tuberculosis: A report of two cases.

Acromioclavicular joint tuberculosis is an extremely rare presentation with only 16 cases reported so far and has a relatively high propensity to be misdiagnosed. India being a tuberculosis endemic region accounts for almost 27% of cases worldwide (global index of 2018 was 10 million). With a higher index of suspicion an earlier diagnosis can be made. We report two patients of AC joint tuberculosis, treated with multidrug chemotherapy resulting in a good functional outcome.

Temporal Incidence and Predictors of High-Grade Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background The temporal incidence of high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is uncertain. As a result, periprocedural monitoring and pacing strategies remain controversial. This study aimed to describe the temporal incidence of initial episode of HAVB stratified by pre- and post-TAVR conduction and identify predictors of delayed events. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at a single center between February 2012 and June 2019 were retrospectively assessed for HAVB within 30 days. Patients with prior aortic valve replacement, permanent pacemaker (PPM), or conversion to surgical replacement were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of delayed HAVB (initial event >24 hours post-TAVR). A total of 953 patients were included in this study. HAVB occurred in 153 (16.1%). After exclusion of those with prophylactic PPM placed post-TAVR, the incidence of delayed HAVB was 33/882 (3.7%). Variables independently associated with delayed HAVB included baseline first-degree atrioventricular block or right bundle-branch block, self-expanding valve, and new left bundle-branch block. Forty patients had intraprocedural transient HAVB, including 16 who developed HAVB recurrence and 6 who had PPM implantation without recurrence. PPM was placed for HAVB in 130 (13.6%) (self-expanding valve, 23.7% versus balloon-expandable valve, 11.9%; P<0.001). Eight (0.8%) patients died by 30 days, including 1 unexplained without PPM present. Conclusions Delayed HAVB occurs with higher frequency in patients with baseline first-degree atrioventricular block or right bundle-branch block, new left bundle-branch block, and self-expanding valve. These findings provide insight into optimal monitoring and pacing strategies based on periprocedural ECG findings.

An Algorithm for Pairing Interventionalists and Surgeons for the TAVR Procedure.

The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure requires an initial consultation and a subsequent procedure by an interventionalist (IC) and surgeon. The IC-surgeon pair coordination is extremely challenging, especially at Mayo Clinic due to provider time commitments distributed across practice, research, and education activities. Current practice aims to establish the coordination manually, resulting in a scheduling process that is cumbersome and time consuming for the schedulers. We develop an algorithm for pairing ICs and surgeons that minimizes the lead time (days elapsed between the clinic consult and procedure). As compared to current practice, this algorithm is able to reduce average lead time by 59% and increase possible IC-surgeon pairs by 7%. The proposed algorithm is shown to be flexible enough to incorporate practice variations such as lead time upper bound and two procedure days for a single consult day. Algorithm alternatives are also presented for practices who may find the proposed algorithm infeasible for their practice.

Fibrinolysis vs. primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: There are limited contemporary data on the use of initial fibrinolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS). This study sought to compare the outcomes of STEMI-CS receiving initial fibrinolysis vs. primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: Using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2017, a comparative effectiveness study of adult (>18 years) STEMI-CS admissions receiving pre-hospital/in-hospital fibrinolysis were compared with those receiving PPCI. Admissions with alternate indications for fibrinolysis and STEMI-CS managed medically or with surgical revascularization (without fibrinolysis) were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, development of non-cardiac organ failure, complications, hospital length of stay, hospitalization costs, use of palliative care, and do-not-resuscitate status. RESULTS: During 2009-2017, 5297 and 110 452 admissions received initial fibrinolysis and PPCI, respectively. Compared with those receiving PPCI, the fibrinolysis group was more often non-White, with lower co-morbidity, and admitted on weekends and to small rural hospitals (all P < 0.001). In the fibrinolysis group, 95.3%, 77.4%, and 15.7% received angiography, PCI, and coronary artery bypass grafting, respectively. The fibrinolysis group had higher rates of haemorrhagic complications (13.5% vs. 9.9%; P < 0.001). The fibrinolysis group had comparable all-cause in-hospital mortality [logistic regression analysis: 28.8% vs. 28.5%; propensity-matched analysis: 30.8% vs. 30.3%; adjusted odds ratio 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.90-1.05); P = 0.50]. The fibrinolysis group had comparable rates of acute organ failure, hospital length of stay, rates of palliative care referrals, do-not-resuscitate status use, and lesser hospitalization costs. CONCLUSIONS: The use of initial fibrinolysis had comparable in-hospital mortality than those receiving PPCI in STEMI-CS in the contemporary era in this large national observational study.