Anatomic Patterns of Renal Arterial Sympathetic Innervation: New Aspects for Renal Denervation.

AIMS: Initial studies of catheter-based renal arterial sympathetic denervation to lower blood pressure in resistant hypertensive patients renewed interest in the sympathetic nervous system's role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study failed to meet its prespecified blood pressure lowering efficacy endpoint. To date, only a limited number of studies have described the microanatomy of renal nerves, of which, only two involve humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Renal arteries were harvested from 15 cadavers from the Klinikum Osnabruck and Schuchtermann Klinik, Bad Rothenfelde. Each artery was divided longitudinally in equal thirds (proximal, middle, and distal), with each section then divided into equal superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior quadrants, which were then stained. Segments containing no renal nerves were given a score value = 0, 1-2 nerves with diameter <300 µm a score = 1; 3-4 nerves or nerve diameter 300-599 µm a score = 2, and >4 nerves or nerve diameter ≥600 µm a score = 3. A total of 22 renal arteries (9 right-sided, 13 left-sided) were suitable for examination. Overall, 691 sections of 5 mm thickness were prepared. Right renal arteries had significantly higher mean innervation grade (1.56 ± 0.85) compared to left renal arteries (1.09 ± 0.87) (P < 0.001). Medial (1.30 ± 0.59) and distal (1.39 ± 0.62) innervation was higher than the proximal (1.17 ± 0.55) segments (p < 0.001). When divided in quadrants, the anterior (1.52 ± 0.96) and superior (1.71 ± 0.89) segments were more innervated compared to posterior (0.96 ± 0.72) and inferior (0.90 ± 0.68) segments (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: That the right renal artery has significantly higher innervation scores than the left. The anterior and superior quadrants of the renal arteries scored higher in innervation than the posterior and inferior quadrants did. The distal third of the renal arteries are more innervated than the more proximal segments. These findings warrant further evaluation of the spatial innervation patterns of the renal artery in order to understand how it may enhance catheter-based renal arterial denervation procedural strategy and outcomes. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: The SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study dealt a blow to the idea of the catheter-based renal arterial sympathetic denervation. We investigated the location and patterns of periarterial renal nerves in cadaveric human renal arteries. To quantify the density of the renal nerves we created a novel innervation score. On average the right renal arteries were significantly more densely innervated than the left renal arteries, the anterior and superior segments were significantly more innervated compared to the posterior and inferior segments, absolute innervation scores in the proximal third of the left or right renal arteries were always lower when compared to distal segments. These findings may enhance catheter-based renal arterial denervation procedural strategy and outcomes.

A Novel Method of Axillary Venipuncture Using the Cephalic Vein as a Sole Anatomic Landmark.

The use of axillary venipuncture for pacemaker lead implantation has become a common technique. However, because of its relatively high complexity, it is still not the method of choice in most hospitals. As such, we propose an effective, simple, and safe technique for axillary venipuncture using only the cephalic vein as an anatomic landmark, with the possibility of selective cephalic contrast venography as a backup. A total of 108 patients were examined. After preparation of the cephalic vein, the puncture needle was inserted into the superficial pectoral muscle 1.5-2 cm medial to the cephalic vein and advanced in the direction parallel to the course of the cephalic vein. The needle was advanced up to 3-4 cm at an angle of 30° relative to the body surface, applying gentle suction during advancement. If after 3 attempts the axillary vein was not accessed, the same process was repeated 3-4 cm medial to the cephalic vein. If this was not effective, contrast venography of the axillary vein through the cephalic vein was performed. In 92.6% of all cases, the axillary vein was cannulated without fluoroscopic control, and in 7.4% of cases, fluoroscopic control and selective contrast venography were needed. A novel technique for axillary venipuncture using the cephalic vein as a single landmark is a simple, effective, and safe tool for pacemaker lead implantation. In some cases, selective cephalic contrast venography is an elegant and effective addition.

Simultaneous transfemoral transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (using MitraClip system) completed by atrial septal defect occlusion in a surgically inoperable patient. First-in-human report.

Transcatheter transfemoral mitral valve repair using the MitraClip system (Abbott Vascular, USA) is used in high-risk or inoperable patients with severe mitral regurgitation. We report the first-in-human simultaneous transfemoral clipping of the mitral and tricuspid valve completed by occlusion of an atrial septal defect (ASD). The procedure was performed in an 84-year-old patient in October 2015. After effective reduction of mitral and tricuspid regurgitations using the MitraClip system a PFO Occluder (St. Jude Medical, USA) was implanted. Transfemoral simultaneous mitral and tricuspid valve repair using the MitraClip system with ASD occlusion seems to be an effective therapy for high-risk or inoperable patients.

The ABC of a Simple Method for Pulmonary Vein Angiography.

Catheter-directed intervention to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming widely accepted procedure in current clinical practice. For assessment of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy, angiography of left atrium (LA) and/or PV is often performed. We present a new, simple angiographic method for PVs and LA opacification using SL1 sheath. Total of 100 patients in our clinic underwent this procedure. In all of the cases good angiographic results were achieved. No immediate or late complications related to this procedure were observed.

Case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after tooth extraction - Unusual trigger of a rare syndrome.

We describe a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a 75-year-old woman after an elective extraction of 10 teeth of the lower jaw using bilateral mandibular anesthesia. The patient complained of shortness of breath and chest pain after 24 h. Coronary angiography showed smooth normal coronary arteries with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III flow. Left ventriculography demonstrated apical ballooning. Three months later, the patient is symptom-free, with normal left ventricular function. We assume that the complex and robust procedures in dentistry together with a systemic absorption of epinephrine are sufficient triggers for the development of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In our case, we advocate an external catecholamine exposure rather than an internal catecholamine excess. We need more vigilance when assessing such patients. .

Six sequence variants on chromosome 9p21.3 are associated with a positive family history of myocardial infarction: a multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI). The 9p21.3 locus was verified by numerous replication studies to be the first common locus for CAD and MI. In the present study, we investigated whether six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1333049, rs1333040, rs10757274, rs2383206, rs10757278, and rs2383207 representing the 9p21.3 locus were associated with the incidence of an acute MI in patients with the main focus on the familial aggregation of the disease. METHODS: The overall cohort consisted of 976 unrelated male patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with ST-elevated (STEMI) as well as non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Genotyping data of the investigated SNPs were generated and statistically analyzed in comparison to previously published findings of matchable control cohorts. RESULTS: Statistical evaluation confirmed a highly significant association of all analyzed SNP's with the occurrence of MI (p<0.0001; OR: 1.621-2.039). When only MI patients with a positive family disposition were comprised in the analysis a much stronger association of the accordant risk alleles with incident disease was found with odds ratios up to 2.769. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the present study confirmed a strong association of the 9p21.3 locus with MI particularly in patients with a positive family history thereby, emphasizing the pathogenic relevance of this locus as a common genetic cardiovascular risk factor.

Improved success rate of cardiac resynchronization therapy implant by employing an active fixation coronary sinus lead.

AIMS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for heart failure with severe reduced left ventricular (LV) function and wide QRS complex. Coronary sinus (CS) lead implantation is challenging and accompanied by substantial dislocation rates. We evaluated the usage of an active fixation LV lead (Attain Starfix, Medtronic, MN, USA) with deployable lobes in challenging lead positions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between September 2006 and August 2009, 678 CRT devices were implanted. In 82 patients (12%) (59 male, 70 +/- 10 years, 39 ICM, 41 DCM, 2 valvular CM, LVEF 28 +/- 9%, NYHA 3.0 +/- 0.4, QRS 169 +/- 29 ms), the Attain Starfix active fixation lead was used. The main reason was intra-operative dislodgement of one (n = 47) or two (n = 5) passive fixation leads during implantation or revision procedure (n = 30). Active fixation lead implantation was overall successful with 90% (n = 74). Anatomical peculiarity was mostly an optimal lead position in otherwise unstable proximal parts of the target vein or a circumscripted areal of optimal threshold without phrenic nerve stimulation. At median follow-up of 99 days the threshold remained stable (1.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.5 V at 0.5 ms). Revisions due to instability in ectatic vein (n = 1) after 12 months and extractions (n = 2) because of device perforation/infection after 6/15 months were performed without complication. CONCLUSION: The Attain Starfix active fixation lead proved to be an important option in anatomically challenging, otherwise unstable positions often located in the proximal part of the target vein. Lead revisions or extractions as late as 15 months after implantation were feasible.

Atrioventricular node ablation is not a prerequisite for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: In drug-refractory heart failure, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established method in patients with sinus rhythm, severe reduced ejection fraction and broad QRS. Heart failure is known as a predisposition for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the putative impact of atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation in chronic AF and CRT remains unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of CRT in patients with chronic AF and the requirement for AVN ablation. METHODS: A total of 100 patients were included in the retrospective study, 64 with sinus rhythm (SR) and 36 with chronic AF with a mean duration of 2.8 +/- 0.5 years. Clinical parameters, QRS duration and echocardiographic parameters were compared at baseline and after a follow-up of 11 +/- 0.34 months in patients with SR and in 27 patients with chronic AF who received optimized medication to control ventricular rate and nine patients who underwent an AVN ablation. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between patients with SR or AF in the presence or absence of AVN ablation were comparable. In each group, a significant improvement of NYHA class, ejection fraction could be observed, with an analogous reduction of QRS duration and a diminished left ventricular end-diastolic dimension after 11 +/- 0.34 months of CRT. CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrate a comparable improvement in left ventricular function and functional capacity in all treated groups. In conclusion, AVN ablation is not a prerequisite for CRT in patients with severe heart failure and chronic AF.

Successful catheter-based valve-in-valve implantation for a regurgitant stentless bioprosthesis.

Catheter-based transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) in patients with severe stenosis of the aortic valve and with a high operative risk is a new procedure which is becoming established in clinical practice. Aortic regurgitation is not yet a recognized indication for TA-AVI, and to date valve-in-valve (V-in-V) implantation in patients with incompetent stentless bioprostheses has not been attempted. The case is reported of a successful TA-AVI in a regurgitant, uncalcified stentless Medtronic Freestyle bioprosthesis. The position and hemodynamic function of the apically implanted valve were excellent, and the patient's current state of health is good.

Nearly asymptomatic left ventricular apical ballooning after a hit-and-run accident.

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome that mimics acute myocardial infarction consisting of typical chest pain with acute onset and transient left ventricular wall-motion abnormalities. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with nearly asymptomatic apical ballooning after a hit-and-run car accident. No blunt force impact occurred over the precordial area. Typical chest pain or dyspnea was not present at any time. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversion. Cardiac catheterization revealed the absence of coronary stenosis. Whereas left ventriculography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed apical akinesia and hypercontractility of the basal segments (apical ballooning). Left ventricular systolic function recovered from ejection fraction 34% to 55% in ten days and echocardiographic wall abnormalities returned to normal.

Preoperative balloon sealing of a false ascending aortic aneurysm for safe redo sternotomy.

Sternal contact of aortic aneurysms in redo operations may require specific techniques to safely control bleeding during sternotomy and surgical dissection. This is the first report on the preoperative use of an inflatable balloon to prevent massive hemorrhage by inserting the balloon--a procedure performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory--before rethoracotomy. A false ascending aortic aneurysm was successfully sealed by transaortic wire-guided balloon placement from the iliac artery. Gentle traction on the inflated balloon catheter, which was placed inside the false aneurysm, effectively sealed the entrance to the aneurysm. A straightforward median redo sternotomy procedure was subsequently performed without blood loss from the unavoidably opened aneurysm. My colleagues and I propose this technique for aneurysms of mycotic or anastomotic origin, which have an anatomically distinct entry channel.