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Health care is currently showing a fall in heart failure (HF) incidence and prevalence, particularly in developed countries, but with only a subset receiving appropriate therapy to protect the heart against maladaptive processes such as fibrosis and hypertrophy. Appropriate markers of advanced HF remain unidentified, which would help in choosing the most suitable therapy and avoid major compliance problems. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a good choice, being a non-invasive imaging technique which is able to assess cardiac deformation in a variety of conditions. Several multicenter studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical application and accuracy of STE in early and late stages of HF, as well as its association with both left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and myocardial oxygen consumption. Furthermore, STE assists in assessing right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), which is a solid predictor of right ventricle failure (RVF) following LV assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, STE is known for its limitations; despite these, it has been shown to explain symptoms and signs and also to be an accurate prognosticator. The aim of this review is to examine the advantages of STE in the early evaluation of myocardial dysfunction and its correlation with right heart catheterization (RHC) parameters, which should have significant clinical relevance in the management of HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cardiohemodynamics was studied 2 and 4 weeks after myocardial infarction modeling in Wistar rats. We compared the data obtained by echocardiography (echoCG) and catheterization of the left ventricle. The myocardial infarction was modeled by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. EchoCG and the left ventricle catheterization were performed before and after myocardial infarction modeling. Similar results were obtained by both methods, namely the left ventricle dilatation, bradycardia, a reduced ejection fraction and delayed relaxation. According to echoCG, the end-diastolic left ventricle volume increased by 2 times, and initial diastolic left ventricle volume — by more than 5 times. The left ventricle catheterization showed lower rise, by 32 and 69%, respectively. The overestimated volume of the left ventricle in myocardial infarction according to echoCG data in comparison with catheterization can be explained by changes in the geometry of the ventricle (bulging of a part of the ventricular wall). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pulmonary hypertension carries significant morbidity and mortality in children. Early diagnosis and management may improve outcomes in children with pulmonary hypertension. Heart catheterization, a gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, is an invasive procedure and not widely available. Echocardiography can be used as an alternative diagnostic tool for pulmonary hypertension. Objective To determine the diagnostic value of tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient on echocardiography compared to heart catheterization to diagnose pulmonary hypertension in children. Methods This diagnostic test study was done with medical record data of children with acyanotic congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization and echocardiography procedures from January 2018 to December 2020 at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were analyzed to obtain sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios. Results A total of 98 children with acyanotic congenital heart disease were included. The sensitivity and specificity of the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient to determine pulmonary artery pressure compared to heart catheterization were 64.4% and 54.5%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.42. The pre-test and post-test probability of this study were 88.7% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusion Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient measured using echocardiography has poor sensitivity and specificity to diagnose pulmonary hypertension.

Background The goal of this study was to evaluate long‐term results of percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty (BVPL) used exclusively for initial management of congenital aortic stenosis in children. Methods and Results A total of 409 consecutive pediatric patients (134 newborns, 275 older patients) who underwent BVPL as initial treatment of aortic stenosis in a single nationwide pediatric center were subjected to a retrospective follow‐up study. The resulting follow‐up time reached a median of 18.5 (interquartile range, 12.2–25.1) years. Successful BVPL was defined by residual Doppler gradient

Pulsus alternans describes an arterial pulse waveform that shows alternating strong and weak beats despite a regular rhythm. Either discovered during physical examination or catheterization, pulsus alternans indicates severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and poor prognosis. There has been considerable debate about the underlying mechanism. We present a tracing which depicts a classic example of pulsus alternans and gives some clues about its initiation mechanism., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal disease where on-time treatment can change the prognosis. The selection of treatment is dictated by the severity of PH. The cardiac index (CI) is a robust indicator of PH severity. This trial aimed to find out the association between electrocardiogram (ECG) data and CI as a prognostic factor of PH. Methods: Ninety-five patients with precapillary PH were included in the study. The cardiac output of patients was calculated using the right heart catheterization and the Fick formula. Patients were categorized into low- and high-risk groups based on the CI. Their ECGs were interpreted by an expert cardiologist. The association between ECG parameters and severity of PH was evaluated based on the CI. Results: The median age of patients was 36 years. The mean of CI was 2.35 L/min/m2 with a standard deviation of 0.74. About 36% of patients were in the high-risk category based on the CI. Among ECG parameters, ST segment depression in V1-V6 and R/S ratio ≥1 in V1 were found significantly correlated with CI for high-risk category (P = 0.026). Conclusion: ST segment depression in V1-V6 and R/S ratio ≥1 in V1 had a significant association with CI in the range lower than 2 L/min/m2, which is an indicator of poor PH prognosis. Therefore, these variables can be used as an inexpensive and available prognostic factor in patients with precapillary PH.

Background Pulmonary hypertension carries significant morbidity and mortality in children. Early diagnosis and management may improve outcomes in children with pulmonary hypertension. Heart catheterization, a gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, is an invasive procedure and not widely available. Echocardiography can be used as an alternative diagnostic tool for pulmonary hypertension. Objective To determine the diagnostic value of tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient on echocardiography compared to heart catheterization to diagnose pulmonary hypertension in children. Methods This diagnostic test study was done with medical record data of children with acyanotic congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization and echocardiography procedures from January 2018 to December 2020 at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were analyzed to obtain sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios. Results A total of 98 children with acyanotic congenital heart disease were included. The sensitivity and specificity of the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient to determine pulmonary artery pressure compared to heart catheterization were 64.4% and 54.5%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.42. The pre-test and post-test probability of this study were 88.7% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusion Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient measured using echocardiography has poor sensitivity and specificity to diagnose pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the long-term prognostic value of cardiac catheterization and acute vasodilator testing (AVT) with inhaled iloprost in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Data on 81 consecutive children with IPAH referred to our center who underwent cardiac catheterization and AVT between June 2008 and August 2019 were collected. The correlation between the invasive hemodynamic data and transplant-free survival was analyzed. Twenty-four patients died and 1 underwent lung transplantation during a median follow-up of 3.8 years, with a 5-year transplant-free survival rate of 64.9%. Univariate analysis showed that predictors associated with improved survival included a lower pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), PVRI/systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)/mean systemic arterial pressure, mean right atrial pressure, and a higher cardiac index (CI), mixed systemic venous oxygen saturations (SvO2), and acute vasodilator response (AVR) according to the Barst criteria (decrease in mPAP and PVRI/SVRI ratio of >20% without a decrease in CI). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, Barst AVR and SvO2 were independently related to transplant-free survival. Multiple hemodynamic variables from cardiac catheterization and AVT with inhaled iloprost have important prognostic value for longterm survival in children with IPAH, of which pulmonary vasoreactivity defined by the Barst criteria and SvO2 are independent prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) is prognostically highly relevant in patients with COPD. The criteria for severe PH have been defined based on hemodynamic thresholds in right heart catheterization.Research Question: Can noninvasive clinical tools predict severe PH in patients with COPD? How does the mortality risk change with increasing severity of airflow limitation and pulmonary vascular disease?Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients with COPD with suspected PH undergoing in-depth clinical evaluation, including right heart catheterization, in our PH clinic between 2005 and 2018. Clinical variables potentially indicative of severe PH or death were analyzed using univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analysis adjusted for age and sex.Results: We included 142 patients with median FEV1 of 55.0% predicted (interquartile range [IQR], 42.4%-69.4% predicted) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg (IQR, 27-43 mm Hg). A multivariate model combining echocardiographic systolic pulmonary arterial pressure of ≥ 56 mm Hg, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels of ≥ 650 pg/mL, and pulmonary artery (PA) to ascending aorta (Ao) diameter ratio on chest CT scan of ≥ 0.93 predicted severe PH with high positive and negative predictive values (both 94%). After correction for age and sex, both airflow limitation (P = .002; Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stages 1-2 vs stage 3: hazard ratio [HR], 1.56 [95% CI, 0.90-2.71]; GOLD stages 1-2 vs stage 4: HR, 3.45 [95% CI, 1.75-6.79]) and PH severity (P = .012; HR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.15-2.99]) remained associated independently with survival. The combination of GOLD stages 3 and 4 airflow limitation and severe PH showed the poorest survival (HR for death, 3.26 [95% CI, 1.62-6.57; P = .001] vs GOLD stages 1-2 combined with nonsevere PH).Interpretation: In patients with COPD, the combination of echocardiography, NT-proBNP level, and PA to Ao diameter ratio predicts severe PH with high sensitivity and specificity. The contribution of severe PH and severe airflow limitation to impaired survival is comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac catheterization has developed into an important technique for diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. Catheterization is expensive and almost all patients who undergo the procedure at Sanglah General Hospital are participants of the Social Insurance Administration Organization (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial/BPJS) that uses the Indonesian Case-Based Groups (INA-CBGs) payment system. Objective To determine the characteristics and analyze costs of CHD patients who underwent diagnostic catheterization. Methods This retrospective study used patient medical record data from March 2009 - July 2018 in Sanglah Hospital, Bali. Data collected included CHD type, age, sex, weight, height, nutritional status, length of procedure, complications, hospital rates, and INA-CBG rates. Data analysis was done with SPSS software. Results Of 219 CHD patients who underwent non-intervention catheterization, most had cyanotic CHD. Catheterization intervention in 2018 showed a discrepancy between the INA-CBG rate and hospital rate. The biggest difference was 107%, in patients who underwent mild heart intervention with class 3 of treatment. Conclusion Most subjects are diagnosed with cyanotic CHD especially tetralogy of Fallot and most has already received intervention. There are negative differences between the INA-CBG rates and the hospital real rates for catheterization.

Background: Recent data have demonstrated that overall mortality and adverse events are not significantly different for primary repair (PR) and staged repair (SR) approaches to management of neonates with symptomatic tetralogy of Fallot (sTOF). Cost data can be used to compare the relative value (cost for similar outcomes) of these approaches and are a potentially more sensitive measure of morbidity.Objectives: This study sought to compare the economic costs associated with PR and SR in neonates with sTOF.Methods: Data from a multicenter retrospective cohort study of neonates with sTOF were merged with administrative data to compare total costs and cost per day alive over the first 18 months of life in a propensity score-adjusted analysis. A secondary analysis evaluated differences in department-level costs.Results: In total, 324 subjects from 6 centers from January 2011 to November 2017 were studied (40% PR). The 18-month cumulative mortality (P = 0.18), procedural complications (P = 0.10), hospital complications (P = 0.94), and reinterventions (P = 0.22) did not differ between PR and SR. Total 18-month costs for PR (median $179,494 [IQR: $121,760-$310,721]) were less than for SR (median: $222,799 [IQR: $167,581-$327,113]) (P < 0.001). Cost per day alive (P = 0.005) and department-level costs were also all lower for PR. In propensity score-adjusted analyses, PR was associated with lower total cost (cost ratio: 0.73; P < 0.001) and lower department-level costs.Conclusions: In this multicenter study of neonates with sTOF, PR was associated with lower costs. Given similar overall mortality between treatment strategies, this finding suggests that PR provides superior value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundConventional guidewires are not suitable for use during cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) catheterization. They employ metallic shafts for mechanical performance, but which are conductors subject to radiofrequency (RF) induced heating. To date, non-metallic CMR guidewire designs have provided inadequate mechanical support, trackability, and torquability. We propose a metallic guidewire for CMR that is by design intrinsically safe and that retains mechanical performance of commercial guidewires.MethodsThe NHLBI passive guidewire is a 0.035" CMR-safe, segmented-core nitinol device constructed using short nitinol rod segments. The electrical length of each segment is less than one-quarter wavelength at 1.5 Tesla, which eliminates standing wave formation, and which therefore eliminates RF heating along the shaft. Each of the electrically insulated segments is connected with nitinol tubes for stiffness matching to assure uniform flexion. Iron oxide markers on the distal shaft impart conspicuity. Mechanical integrity was tested according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. CMR RF heating safety was tested in vitro in a phantom according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F-2182 standard, and in vivo in seven swine. Results were compared with a high-performance commercial nitinol guidewire.ResultsThe NHLBI passive guidewire exhibited similar mechanical behavior to the commercial comparator. RF heating was reduced from 13 °C in the commercial guidewire to 1.2 °C in the NHLBI passive guidewire in vitro, using a flip angle of 75°. The maximum temperature increase was 1.1 ± 0.3 °C in vivo, using a flip angle of 45°. The guidewire was conspicuous during left heart catheterization in swine.ConclusionsWe describe a simple and intrinsically safe design of a metallic guidewire for CMR cardiovascular catheterization. The guidewire exhibits negligible heating at high flip angles in conformance with regulatory guidelines, yet mechanically resembles a high-performance commercial guidewire. Iron oxide markers along the length of the guidewire impart passive visibility during real-time CMR. Clinical translation is imminent.

Strokes with neuro-ophthalmologic complications after cardiac catheterizations have been reported, with potentially debilitating consequences to patients. We present an interesting case of a 55-year-old male who was managed for new-onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. He complained of diplopia and became drowsy immediately after a diagnostic coronary angiogram, a concomitant right heart catheterization study, and left ventricular catheterization. Neurological examination showed that he had bilateral vertical gaze palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a left paramedian midbrain stroke. His symptoms resolved within 3 days, and he was discharged well on medical therapy after a period of observation.

Background This case reviews a challenging but successful transcatheter coil embolization of a large congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF) causing a significant left-to-right shunt. Case summary A 51-year-old female with no significant prior history presented with symptoms of dyspnoea and chest discomfort. Extensive evaluation revealed a large CAF between a tortuous right coronary artery (RCA) and the coronary sinus (CS) composed of three aneurysmal pseudochambers. Closure of the RCA-CS fistula was attempted through coil deployment into the fistula neck. However, due to the brisk flow through the fistula, both coils embolized into the fistula sac. An alternative location was subsequently identified on three-dimensional rendering of a computed tomography angiography scan, which revealed a sharp bend in the RCA prior to the fistula neck and distal to the posterior descending artery (PDA) takeoff. Repeat attempt at embolization was accomplished using a telescoping system to reach and occlude the targeted bend. The coil mass remained stable and angiography demonstrated reduced flow through the fistula and preserved patency of the PDA. The decreased residual flow through the fistula secondary to the initial embolization attempt likely aided the successful deployment of coils in the second and final attempt. At 1 year, the patient was doing well with resolution of her symptoms and no clinical symptoms of coronary ischaemia. Discussion We suggest that an initial unsuccessful attempt at transcatheter embolization of a CAF should not preclude subsequent attempts for closure when there exists an appropriate indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physiological approach to the analysis of hemodynamic data in pulmonary hypertension (PH) has the advantage of reducing the large number (well over 100) of potential causal illnesses into four simple mechanisms. A fifth condition is composed of mixtures of the four basic mechanisms. This approach was beautifully described by Paul Wood, the great cardiologist whose name is given to the units of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), Wood units. This approach uses well understood physiological contributions to pulmonary vascular pressure. It is powerful, the major uncertainty being in determination of the magnitude of each mechanism in patients that have mixed PH of several causes. It also makes sense of the occasionally awkward clustering of conditions in the clinical classification of the World Symposium, which omits pulmonary vasoconstriction, hyperkinetic states, and the highly prevalent condition of "mixed" PH. This method of analysis is described and demonstrated, much as Wood did in his writings. The method is useful in the office, the ICU, and in consultation. A basic message from this approach is that correct assessment requires measurement of each of the three major inputs, pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (Pwedge) and cardiac output (CO). Some cases also need left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Other data contributing to analysis will be discussed in each condition. A key to avoiding mistakes is to always remember that PH is simply an elevation in pressure and is not inherently diagnostic of cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac catheterization has developed into an important technique for diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. Catheterization is expensive and almost all patients who undergo the procedure at Sanglah General Hospital are participants of the Social Insurance Administration Organization (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial/BPJS) that uses the Indonesian Case-Based Groups (INA-CBGs) payment system. Objective To determine the characteristics and analyze costs of CHD patients who underwent diagnostic catheterization. Methods This retrospective study used patient medical record data from March 2009 - July 2018 in Sanglah Hospital, Bali. Data collected included CHD type, age, sex, weight, height, nutritional status, length of procedure, complications, hospital rates, and INA-CBG rates. Data analysis was done with SPSS software. Results Of 219 CHD patients who underwent non-intervention catheterization, most had cyanotic CHD. Catheterization intervention in 2018 showed a discrepancy between the INA-CBG rate and hospital rate. The biggest difference was 107%, in patients who underwent mild heart intervention with class 3 of treatment. Conclusion Most subjects are diagnosed with cyanotic CHD especially tetralogy of Fallot and most has already received intervention. There are negative differences between the INA-CBG rates and the hospital real rates for catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the short-term safety and efficacy of using the TandemHeart(R) percutaneous ventricular assist device in high-risk patients undergoing aortic valvuloplasty procedures. Aortic valvuloplasty was performed in 4 patients who had no ventricular assist device support and in 7 patients who used the TandemHeart for hemodynamic support. The age range was 65 to 94 years (mean, 83 +/- 11 yr). The mean ejection fraction was 0.30 +/- 0.14. A transseptal antegrade approach to the aortic valve was used in 8 patients and a retrograde approach in the remaining 3. WITH THE TANDEMHEART, ALL PROCEDURES WERE TECHNICALLY SUCCESSFUL: each patient survived at least 1 month after the procedure. The mean total balloon inflation time was 37 +/- 10 sec. The aortic valve area was 0.6 +/- 0.1 cm(2) before the procedure and 0.9 +/- 0.2 cm(2) afterwards (P=0.006). Without TandemHeart support, 1 patient died of cardiac arrest during the procedure. The mean total balloon inflation time was 11 +/- 3 sec. Aortic valve area was 0.6 +/- 0 cm(2) before the procedure and 1.1 +/- 0.3 cm(2) afterwards (P=0.3). No patient developed aortic regurgitation. We conclude that use of the TandemHeart for hemodynamic support during high-risk aortic valvuloplasty is associated with favorable intraprocedural and short-term outcomes. With the TandemHeart in place, balloon placement was precise, and inflation was maintained for up to 45 sec without balloon displacement. These attributes are essential during stent-valve placement, are achieved without rapid ventricular pacing, and may reduce the risk of global ischemia and death.

FGF23 in kidney disease Elevation of circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels is an early, progressive, and pervasive complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Rising FGF23 levels in CKD [...], The rapid rise in circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) associated with kidney injury results in calcitriol deficiency, altered calcium homeostasis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism, and may contribute to cardiovascular complications and death. However, the mechanisms of increased FGF23 in states of kidney injury remain unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Simic et al. screened plasma taken from the renal vein of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and identified glycerol-3-phosphate (G-3-P) as the most significant correlate of simultaneous arterial FGF23 levels. When G-3-P was administered to mice, FGF23 production increased in bone. In a series of elegant mouse studies, the authors discovered a pathway linking increased G-3-P to increased FGF23 via increases in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which activates the LPA receptor 1 in FGF23-secreting cells in the bone and bone marrow. Although the authors present human data that broadly support the results from the mouse models, further research is needed to determine whether targeting the G-3-P/FGF23 pathway has the potential to modify FGF23-related complications in the clinic.

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been accepted as an alternative to surgery in high risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Although transfemoral approach is the most often preferred means of access, in patients with severe ilio-femoral arteriopathy, other vascular access sites may be required. The aim of the present study was to report our experience with trans-subclavian approach for TAVR using different valve systems. Methods: Among 273 patients undergoing TAVR between June 2011 and May 2016, 10 patients (mean age: 68.3+-7.6 years; 6 males) with high surgical risk were excluded from transfemoral TAVR because of ilio-femoral arteriopathy. Under general anesthesia, 9 of these patients underwent TAVR via left subclavian artery (SCA) and 1 patient via right SCA. Surgical cut-down and closure techniques were utilized in all patients. Eight balloon-expandable Edwards Sapien XT valves (size: one 23 mm, six 26 mm, and one 29 mm) were used, 1 patient received 26 mm balloon-expandable Sapien 3 valve, and 1 patient had 27 mm self-expandable Lotus valve implanted. Results: Procedural success rate was 90%. Mean aortic gradient decreased to 10.6 mmHg from 47.4 mmHg. Emergent surgery was required in 1 patient due to complication of ventricular valve embolization. Thrombus formation at right SCA was detected in 1 patient and resolved with medical therapy. In-hospital mortality was not observed in any patients. Conclusion: Trans-subclavian approach for TAVR is safe and feasible. Proper patient and valve selection concurrent with utilization of multimodal imaging techniques are crucial for successful and uncomplicated procedure.

Troponin elevation after coronary angioplasty is a prognostic marker associated with significant morbidity and mortality, although its prevalence varies according to clinical and procedural characteristics. We analyzed the frequency of post-procedural enzyme elevation among 112 elective interventions between 2013 and 2014 in a private hospital in Brazil. Troponin increase was observed in 62.5% of the procedures, and was related to age, female sex, low pre-procedural hemoglobin, prior angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker use and multivessel angioplasty. PCI is not a risk free procedure and these results underscore the importance of a careful clinical assessment before its utilization.

BackgroundSurgical repair of muscular ventricular septal defects, particularly those associated with complex heart lesions carries a higher risk of reoperation and death than the repair of membranous defects. Closing a muscular defect through an incision in the systemic ventricle may cause late ventricular dysfunction. In a collaborative approach to this problem, we undertook preoperative transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defects remote from the atrioventricular and semilunar valves, followed by the surgical repair of associated conditions.MethodsIn 12 patients selected jointly by a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon, we attempted preoperative transcatheter umbrella closure of 21 defects. Half the patients had associated complex heart lesions; the others had had pulmonary-artery banding to reduce the amount of left-to-right shunting. Half had severe ventricular septal deficiency.ResultsAll 21 defects were successfully closed without major complications. Subsequent cardiac surgery for associated conditions in 11 of the 12 patients resulted in a mean pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio of 1.1, indicating minimal residual left-to-right shunting; 1 patient awaited surgical repair. No deaths, reoperations, or late complications have occurred after a follow-up of 7 to 20 months.ConclusionsA collaborative approach using transcatheter closure followed by the surgical repair of associated cardiac lesions may decrease rates of operative mortality, reoperation, and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with muscular ventricular septal defects.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has become the gold standard for noninvasive anatomic assessment of the coronary arteries. With high positive predictive value and even higher negative predictive value, CCTA allows for rapid determination of the presence or absence of coronary plaque and triage of patients' need for further invasive evaluation and treatment. From an interventional cardiologist's perspective, CCTA (more so than stress testing) is helpful in determining the need for invasive therapy. In conjunction with functional assessments, the anatomic evaluation from CCTA mirrors the anatomical assessment of a coronary angiogram more than any other noninvasive assessment. This allows for catheter selection, percutaneous coronary intervention preplanning, as well as additional decision making before the patient has entered the catheterization laboratory. This manuscript explores some of the more recent developments in noninvasive coronary angiography and discusses the use and utility of CCTA from an interventional cardiologist's perspective., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Double-chambered right ventricle is a rare heart defect causing right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction. In this malformation, the right ventricle is divided into two chambers by a fibromuscular band. A 12-year old female patient who had undergone repair of a ventricular septal defect at 5 months old was admitted to our hospital with complaints of dyspnea and fatigue. The patient was diagnosed with an isolated double-chambered right ventricle and surgical correction was successfully performed. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no residual gradients across the RVOT. Following an uneventful recovery, the patient was discharged five days after surgery.

Right ventricular (RV) function is closely coupled to pulmonary arterial (PA) hemodynamics and is believed to decline with prolonged exercise. A linear pressure-flow relationship is thought to exist between PA pressures and increasing exercise intensity in athletes, yet a paucity of directly measured pulmonary hemodynamic data exists supporting this contention. We sought to describe the PA pressure, PA wedge pressure (PAWP), and RV functional responses to brief and prolonged exercise in endurance-trained athletes. Twenty-one healthy athletes (54 ± 5 yr) underwent right heart catheterization to assess pulmonary hemodynamics during graded, submaximal exercise. Measurements were made at rest and during three stages of steady-state, semiupright cycle ergometry at heart rates of 100 beats/min (EX1), 130 beats/min (EX2), and 150 beats/min (EX3). Five athletes completed an additional 34 min at 130 beats/min for a total exercise time of 60 min [prolonged exercise (PLG)]. PA pressures and PAWP increased significantly at EX1 without a further rise at EX2, EX3, or PLG. PAWP adjusted for absolute work rate demonstrated a significant decline as exercise intensity increased from EX1 to EX2. The resistance compliance time constant decreased at EX1 without further changes at EX2, EX3, and prolonged exercise. RV function did not decline during PLG. After an initial rise in PA pressure and PAWP during early, nonsteady-state exercise, values remained constant despite increases in exercise intensity and duration. These data indicate that in healthy, middle-aged endurance-trained athletes, the PA and pulmonary venous/left atrial compartments rapidly accommodate high conduit flows produced during intensive and prolonged exercise while maintaining RV function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary arterial (PA) circulatory unit has not been well studied during prolonged exercise, and this study provides an ecological approach that reflects a typical bout of endurance training integrating a transition from rest to exercise with successive increases in intensity, progressing to steady-state, sustained exercise. We demonstrated a remarkably constant response of the PA and PA wedge pressure during incremental, steady-state exercise and that no changes occur in pulmonary pressures throughout prolonged exercise, concomitant to a preservation of RV performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction. Acquired ventricular septal defect (VSD) is uncommon, but serious mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction with poor outcome and high mortality rate in surgically or medically treated patients. Case report. We report a 58-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital six days following acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular septal rupture with signs of heart failure. Coronary angiography revealed 3-vessel disease, with proximally occluded dominant right coronary artery. Transthoracic echo exam revealed aneurysm of a very thin inferior septum and the basal portion of the inferior left ventricular wall, with septal wall rupture. One of the VSD dimensions was 15 mm and left- to right shunt was calculated 2 : 1. Since the patient was at too high risk for surgical closure, transcatheter closure of VSD was chosen as a better option. Under short intravenous sedation, 24 mm Amplatzer device was implanted percutaneously with transesophageal echo guidance. The post-procedural result revealed a small residual shunt, but it was followed by significant improvement of the patient’s clinical status. A 24h Holter ECG monitoring did not show cardiac rhythm or conduction disturbances. Coronary angiography was repeated ten days following the procedure, after hemodynamic stabilization of the patient, with direct stenting of the circumflex artery and the intermediate artery. Ostial left descending artery lesion was left for further functional significance assessment. Conclusion: Percutaneous closure with a septal occluder device can be definitive primary treatment for anatomically suitable patients or it can serve as a bridge to surgical treatment.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) on the recurrence of stroke and new cardiac arrhythmia using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Holter monitoring. Study design: Patients with PFO had >1 previous stroke or transient ischemic attack documented with MRI in the first event. PFO with right to left shunt was detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. MRI examinations were performed on patients before and one year after PFO closure was applied. A twenty-four hour Holter monitoring was performed in all patients within 1 month before and 6 months after the procedure. Results: Percutaneous PFO closure was performed on 47 patients (25 female, mean age: 38.7 years) who had cerebral ischemic events detected by MRI. A year after the procedure, TEE showed that there was no residual interatrial right-to-left shunting. After a 14 month follow-up, no new cerebrovascular event and no new lesion on MRI were recorded. The incidence of arrhythmia did not increase significantly after the procedure on Holter monitoring (p=0.917). Conclusion: One-year clinical and MRI follow-up study of patients with cerebral ischemic events and percutaneous closure of PFO showed no recurrent event and no significant complication associated with the procedure. In addition, Holter monitorization demonstrated that the procedure did not increase the incidence of arrhythmias compared with pre-procedural monitoring.

A descending aorta to vertebral venous plexus fistula is an extremely rare form of arteriovenous fistula. A 10-month-old infant was referred to the hospital for evaluation of a murmur. On examination, a continuous murmur was heard in the entire back. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed left heart chamber dilatation in the presence of preserved left ventricle systolic function. Computerized tomography angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction, and lateral projection aortography revealed a descending aorta-vertebral venous plexus fistula measuring 4.8 mm in the aortic orifice. The fistula was embolized using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2.

Objectives: P-wave and QT dispersion are increased and associated with atrial and ventricular arrhythmia and an increase in sudden death in a variety of diseases. This study aimed to investigate P-wave and QT dispersion in children with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES). Study design: The study group included 27 children (15 females, 12 males) with both congenital heart disease (CHD) and ES. The control group consisted of 30 children with CHD without pulmonary arterial hypertension. Electrocardiographic records were used to determine P-wave, QT, and corrected QT (QTc) dispersions. 24-hour (h) rhythm Holter was fitted in all patients. Atrial volumes, ventricular dimensions and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were measured by echocardiography. Results: There was no difference between groups with regard to age, sex, weight, and body surface area (p>0.05). Right atrial volume was significantly larger in the ES group than in the control group. P-wave, QT and QTc dispersions were higher in the patients with ES (50.10+-11.12 vs. 26.32+-8.90, p

Objectives: We investigated the effects of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) on right ventricular function in the long term using tissue Doppler imaging. Study design: Twenty-seven patients who underwent successful PMBV were enrolled in the study. Echocardiographic examination, including color tissue Doppler imaging, was done from the lateral tricuspid annulus 24 hours before the intervention, and the examination was repeated 24 hours and 6 months after the intervention. Results: At 24 hours after the intervention, S wave velocity and A' wave velocity were seen to have increased significantly (9.52+-1.85 cm/s vs. 10.92+-1.20 cm/s, p=0.012; -10.44+-2.64 cm/s vs. -11.73+-2.05 cm/s, p=0.029, respectively). E' wave velocity and E'/A' ratio did not change significantly (p>0.05 for both). In the late period, S wave velocity was similar to the value in the early period and significantly higher than the basal level (9.52+-1.85 cm/s vs. 10.69+-1.72 cm/s, p=0.023). However, A' wave velocity in the late period was decreased compared to the early period and was not different from the basal level (-10.44+-2.64 cm/s vs. -10.74+-2.63 cm/s, p>0.05). The increase in E' wave velocity in the late period when compared to the basal level was found to be statistically significant (-7.85+-1.54 cm/s vs. -9.21+-1.81 cm/s, p=0.046). Conclusion: Right ventricular systolic function improved in the early period, and this improvement was seen to continue in the late period of PMBV. Diastolic function did not improve in the early period, but did improve in the late period. Right atrium systolic function improved in the early period; however, in the late period, levels were similar to the basal levels.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) with rheumatic mitral stenosis is popularly known as eponym of Lutembacher syndrome. Definitive treatment of Lutembacher syndrome has been under the purview of cardiothoracic surgeons but with changing times, transcatheter treatment has been possible. We present a case of 38-year-old female with Lutembacher syndrome treated transcatheterly. This case attests the feasibility of transcatheter treatment in selected group of patients of Lutembacher treatment.

Purpose: An augmented pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) response may explain exercise intolerance in some humans. However, routine use of exercise hemodynamic testing is limited by a lack of data from normal older men and women. Our objective was to evaluate the exercise PAWP response and the potential for sexual dimorphism in healthy, nondyspneic older adults. Methods: Thirty-six healthy volunteers (18 men [54 ± 7 yr] and 18 women [58 ± 6 yr]) were studied at rest (control) and during two stages of semi-upright cycle ergometry, at heart rates of100 bpm(lightexercise) and 120 bpm (moderate exercise). Rightheart catheterizationwasperformedto measurepulmonarypressures. The PAWP response to exercise was assessed in context of exercise work rate and body size. Results: At control, PAWP was similar between men and women. Work rates were significantly smaller in women at comparable HR (P < 0.001). PAWP increased similarly at light exercise, with no further increase at moderate exercise. When indexed to work rate alone or work rate adjusted to body weight and height, the PAWP response at light and moderate exercise was significantly elevated in women compared with men (P < 0.05 condition-sex interaction). The change in PAWP relative to the increase in cardiac output did not exceed 2 mm Hg⋅L-1⋅min-1 in any volunteer at moderate exercise. Conclusions: The similar rise in the PAWP response to submaximal exercise occurs despite lower work rate in healthy older women compared with men, even when adjusted for smaller body size. It is important to consider sex in the development of normal reference ranges for exercise hemodynamic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Although troponin I (TnI) elevation and myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are frequent findings, their prognoses remain controversial. We aimed to determine the association between any or ≥5 times TnI elevation after elective PCI and subsequent one year mortality rates and long term survival.Methods: Consecutive patients admitted for elective PCI between January 2013 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed by chart review in two hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Only patients with post-PCI TnI measurements were included. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics were correlated with any or ≥5 times TnI elevation, as well as 1year mortality and long term survival.Results: A total of 407 interventions were included in the analysis. Post-PCI TnI elevation was observed in 74.7% of cases and ≥5 times elevations occurred in 41.3%. Age≥70years, female gender and multistenting were predictors of enzyme elevation. Prior aspirin or hypoglycemic therapy were protective factors. One year mortality was significantly associated with any TnI elevation (6.6% vs 1.05%, p=0.035) and values ≥5 times above the normal limit predicted the highest mortality rates (8.13% vs 3.14%, p=0.031). Survival of patients with single vessel disease was also adversely affected by ≥5 times enzyme elevation (log-rank: p=0.039).Conclusion: Troponin I elevation after elective PCI is frequent and associated with progressively higher mortality rates at 1year. A cutoff value ≥5 times the 99th percentile, currently defined as myocardial injury, appears to be an even more significant predictor of this outcome, even in lower risk subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60-year-old man presented with heart failure symptoms and was found to have a calcified pericardial effusion consistent with "milk of calcium" and constrictive physiology. The patient received a pericardiectomy and has had favorable outcomes at his 1-year follow-up. There are minimal reports of calcific pericardial effusion with constrictive pathology., Competing Interests: The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

A 24-year-old female underwent implantation of a right-sided dual chamber permanent pacemaker for cardioinhibitory syncope with active fixation atrial lead. Five days after the procedure, the patient developed pleuritic chest pain and difficulty in breathing. Minimal pericardial effusion and right hemopneumothorax were found. The atrial active screw-in lead was visualized just above the right atrial appendage with its helix perforating the right atrial wall, pericardium and pleura, reaching the right mid-lobe. Lead extraction was performed, and a passive bipolar atrial lead was implanted during the same session without any problems.

Objectives: To evaluate short term results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients following closure with the Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (ADO-1 and ADO-2) and Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) devices. Study design: A total of 48 patients (17 male and 31 female; range 3 to 39 years) were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before intervention. Percutaneous closure was performed under fluoroscopy through anterograde or retrograde route. Aortagraphy was performed to measure and classify the ductus arteriosus. Residual shunt through ductus was controlled by aortography at the tenth minute and by TTE 24 hours and three months after the procedure. Results: The released device was ADO-1 in 25 patients (51.2%), ADO-2 in 22 patients (45.8%), and ASO in one patient. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months. In 97.9% of patients, the occluder was placed into the ductus without any complication. In one patient, the device embolized to the left pulmonary artery during implantation. Aortography performed ten minutes after the procedure showed complete closure in 38 patients without residual defect. TTE revealed trace amounts of residual shunt within the device in two patients, flow around the device in two patients 24 hours after implantation, and residual shunt in only one patient three month after intervention. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA with ADO-1 and ADO-2 devices has low morbidity and mortality with high rates of success in selected patients.

Complex ostium secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) is a definition used for large (stretched diameter over 26 mm with deficient rim) or multiple ASDs or multifenestrated septum or ASDs with redundant and aneurysmal septal rims. Compared to simple defects, transcatheter ASD closure with Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) is relatively challenging in these cases, and different techniques have been defined to increase procedure success. We report three adult patients with complex ostium secundum type ASDs that were closed with ASO device using three different techniques. The first case was a 36-year-old female patient with complaints of dyspnea, palpitation and fatigue. A complex ostium secundum type ASD was diagnosed, and the defect was closed with a 36 mm ASO device using a left upper pulmonary vein technique. The second case was a 47-year-old female patient with complaints of dyspnea and palpitation. A large and complex ASD was detected, and the defect was closed with a 28 mm device using a left atrial roof technique supported by non-inflated balloon. The third case was a 40-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of dyspnea and palpitation. Complex ASD was diagnosed, and the defect was closed with a 32 mm device using a partially inflated balloon technique. In large and complex ASDs, the classical implantation technique of an ASO device may fail at any time. The knowledge and application of different techniques that orient the left atrial disc parallel to the septum may increase the procedure success and decrease complications.

Resumen Este Anuario destaca trabajos recientes sobre cardiopatías congénitas que han sido publicados en las principales revistas de Cardiología. Se citan más de 100 artículos. Los subtítulos se utilizan para agrupar los trabajos relevantes y permitir que los lectores se concentren en sus temas de interés, pero no pretenden abarcar todos los aspectos de las cardiopatías congénitas./ Abstract This Almanac highlights recent papers on congenital heart disease in the major cardiac journals. Over 100 articles are cited. Subheadings are used to group relevant papers and allow readers to focus on their areas of interest, but are not meant to be comprehensive for all aspects of congenital cardiac disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: A reoperação para substituição de biopróteses aórticas com disfunção é procedimento que envolve considerável risco. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada e pode contraindicar o procedimento. O implante minimamente invasivo "valve-in-valve" transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser uma alternativa, reduzindo morbimortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar esses implantes utilizando a prótese Braile Inovare. MÉTODOS: A prótese Braile Inovare, transcateter, balão expansível foi utilizada em 14 casos. Euroscore médio foi de 42,9%. Todos os pacientes eram portadores de dupla disfunção de bioprótese aórtica. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Por meio de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas através do ápice ventricular, sob estimulação ventricular de alta frequência. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos seriados. O seguimento variou de 1 a 30 meses. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação protética foi possível em todos os casos. Não ocorreu conversão. Não houve mortalidade operatória. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 14,3% (dois casos). A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório e o gradiente aórtico apresentou redução significativa. A insuficiência aórtica residual não esteve presente. Não ocorreu complicação vascular periférica ou bloqueio atrioventricular total. CONCLUSÕES: O implante "valve-in-valve" de valva aórtica transcateter em biopróteses com disfunção é um procedimento seguro e com morbimortalidade baixa. Essa possibilidade poderá alterar a indicação de seleção de prótese no procedimento inicial, favorecendo próteses biológicas.OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement for bioprosthesis dysfunction is a procedure involving considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and may contraindicate the procedure. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic "valve-in-valve" implant appears to be an alternative, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective is to evaluate aortic valve-in-valve procedure using Braile Inovare prosthesis. METHODS: The Braile Inovare prosthesis, transcatheter, expandable balloon, was used in 14 cases. Average EuroSCORE was 42.9%. All patients had double aortic bioprosthesis dysfunction. Procedures were performed in a surgical hybrid environment under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Using left minithoracotomy prostheses were implanted through the ventricular apex under high-frequency ventricular pacing. Serial clinical and echocardiographic controls were performed. Follow-up ranged 1-30 months. RESULTS: Correct prosthetic deployment was obtained in all cases. There was no conversion. There was no operative mortality. The 30-day mortality was 14.3% (two cases). Ejection fraction increased significantly after the 7th postoperative day. Aortic gradient significantly reduced. The residual aortic regurgitation was not present. There were no vascular complications or complete atrioventricular block. CONCLUSION: The transcatheter "valve-in-valve" procedure for bioprosthesis dysfunction is safe with low morbidity. This possibility may change prosthesis choice during the first aortic valve replacement, favoring bioprostheses.

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro com risco aceitável. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada, contraindicando o procedimento. O implante minimamente invasivo transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser alternativa, reduzindo a morbimortalidade. A avaliação dos resultados clínicos, segurança e eficácia do procedimento são o objetivo desse estudo. MÉTODOS: Uma prótese transcateter, balão expansível foi utilizada em 33 casos de alto risco. EuroScore médio foi de 39,30% e STS score de 30,28%. Oito pacientes apresentavam disfunção de bioprótese e o restante, estenose aórtica calcificada. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Através de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas pelo ápice ventricular, sob estimulação de alta frequência ou choque hemorrágico. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação da prótese foi possível em 30 casos. Três conversões ocorreram. A mortalidade operatória foi de um caso e a mortalidade em 30 dias, 18,18%. O gradiente médio reduziu de 43,58 para 10,54 mmHg. A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório. Insuficiência aórtica residual esteve presente em 30,30% dos pacientes. Ocorreu uma complicação vascular periférica e um caso de bloqueio atrioventricular total. Um paciente apresentou acidente vascular cerebral. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 18,18%. CONCLUSÃO: O implante transapical de valva aórtica transcateter é procedimento seguro e com resultados de médio prazo satisfatórios. São necessários estudos de longo prazo com maior poder amostral no intuito de determinar resultado hemodinâmico, qualidade de vida e sobrevida em longo prazoOBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was clinical, safety and efficacy assessment. METHODS: Thirty-three high risk patients underwent transcatheter balloon expandable aortic valve implantation. Mean Logistic EuroScore risk was 39.30% and STS score 30.28%. Eight patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis were implanted trough the ventricular apex under rapid ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 30 cases. Three conversions occured. There was only one case of operative death. Median transvalvular aortic gradient reduced from 43.58 mmHg to 10.54 mmHg. Left ventricular function improved in the first 7 postoperative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 30.30%. One case presented major vascular complication and another one permanent pacemaker implant. One major stroke case occurred. Overall 30-day mortality was 18.18%. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of catheter mounted bioprosthesis is a safe procedure with acceptable midterm results. Long term follow-up with increased sample power is mandatory in order to access hemodynamic, life quality and survival

FUNDAMENTO: A sedação para a realização de cateterismo cardíaco tem sido alvo de preocupação. Benzodiazepínicos, agonistas alfa-2 adrenérgicos e opioides são utilizados para esse fim, entretanto, cada um destes medicamentos possui vantagens e desvantagens. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do sufentanil e da clonidina como sedativos em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco, observando o impacto dos mesmos sobre os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios, a presença de efeitos colaterais, além da satisfação do paciente e do hemodinamicista com o exame. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado e controlado, que envolveu 60 pacientes que receberam 0,1 µg/kg de sufentanil ou 0,5 µg/kg de clonidina antes da realização do cateterismo cardíaco. O escore de sedação segundo a escala de Ramsay, a necessidade de utilização de midazolam, os efeitos colaterais, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios foram registrados, sendo os dados analisados em 06 diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: O comportamento da pressão arterial, da frequência cardíaca e da frequência respiratória foi semelhante nos dois grupos, entretanto, no momento 2, os pacientes do grupo sufentanil (Grupo S) apresentaram menor escore de sedação segundo a escala de Ramsay, e a saturação periférica da oxihemoglobina foi menor que o grupo clonidina (Grupo C) no momento 6. Os pacientes do Grupo S apresentaram maior incidência de náusea e vômito pós-operatório que os pacientes do Grupo C. A satisfação dos pacientes foi maior no grupo clonidina. Os hemodinamicistas mostraram-se satisfeitos nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O sufentanil e a clonidina foram efetivos como sedativos em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco.FUNDAMENTO: La sedación para la realización de cateterismo cardíaco ha sido blanco de preocupación. Benzodiazepínicos, agonistas alfa-2 adrenérgicos y opioides son utilizados para ese fin, entre tanto, cada uno de estos medicamentos posee ventajas y desventajas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del sufentanil y de la clonidina como sedativos en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco, observando el impacto de los mismos sobre los parámetros hemodinámicos y respiratorios, la presencia de efectos colaterales, además de la satisfacción del paciente y del hemodinamista con el examen. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un ensayo clínico prospectivo, doble ciego, randomizado y controlado, que incluyó 60 pacientes que recibieron 0,1 µg/kg de sufentanil o 0,5 µg/kg de clonidina antes de la realización del cateterismo cardíaco. El escore de sedación según la escala de Ramsay, la necesidad de utilización de midazolam, los efectos colaterales, los parámetros hemodinámicos y respiratorios fueron registrados, siendo los datos analizados en 6 diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: El comportamiento de la presión arterial, de la frecuencia cardíaca y de la frecuencia respiratoria fue semejante en los dos grupos, entre tanto, en el momento 2, los pacientes del grupo sufentanil (Grupo S) presentaron menor escore de sedación según la escala de Ramsay, y la saturación periférica de la oxihemoglobina fue menor que el grupo clonidina (Grupo C) en el momento 6. Los pacientes del Grupo S presentaron mayor incidencia de náusea y vomito post operatorio que los pacientes del Grupo C. La satisfacción de los pacientes fue mayor en el grupo clonidina. Los hemodinamistas se mostraron satisfechos en los dos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: El sufentanil y la clonidina fueron efectivos como sedativos en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco.BACKGROUND: Sedation for heart catheterization has been a cause for concern. Benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and opioids are used for this purpose. However, each drug has advantages and disadvantages. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sufentanil and clonidine as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization, observing their impact on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, the presence of side effects and satisfaction of the patient and interventional cardiologist with the examination. METHODS: This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial involving 60 patients who received 0.1 µg/kg of sufentanil or 0.5 µg/kg of clonidine before heart catheterization. The score of sedation according to the Ramsay scale, the need for use of midazolam, side effects and hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded, with the data being analyzed at 06 different moments. RESULTS: The behavior of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was similar in both groups, but, at moment 2, the patients in the sufentanil group (Group S) had a lower sedation score on the Ramsay scale, and the peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation was lower than in the clonidine group (Group C) at time 6. Patients in Group S had higher incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery than patients in Group C. Patient satisfaction was higher in the clonidine group. The interventional cardiologists were satisfied in both groups. CONCLUSION: Sufentanil and clonidine were effective as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify researches related to anxiety and strategies to reduce it in patients who are in the pre-cardiac catheterization period. Methods: A bibliographic research was carried out in the on line databases of PubMed, MedLine, CINAHL, LILACS and SciELO, from 1997 to 2009 in MedLine and from 1999 to 2009 in the others databases. The boolean expressions “and” and “or” has been used with the descriptors in Portuguese and in English. The inclusion of discerning was related about the presence, level and workable of the anxiety from the period of pre-cardiac catheterization. Results: Coping most of 17 researches selected were in American scientific publications, with experimental-descriptive studies. The possibilities of intercurrence and/or complications during and post-procedure, diagnostic, possibility of bad prognostic, being alone during the waiting, the first time submission the procedure, lost information and/or orientation and long time waiting could cause anxiety in pre-cardiac catheterization. Maintenance of escort and family alongside the patient, information adapted to the patient understanding level, overcoming traumas and difficulties with a multiprofessional approach, pharmacologic and non pharmacologic therapies were strategies to reduce the anxiety. Conclusions: The nurses are responsible to provide a humanized assistance to offer a fast recuperation, minimize traumas of the hospitalization and the procedure. The knowledge of the causes and the strategies are fundamental to reduce the level of anxiety in pre-catheterization cardiac.

FUNDAMENTO: Conhecer fatores de risco e manifestações clínicas da doença arterial coronariana (DAC) permite-nos intervir de maneira mais eficaz junto a uma determinada população. OBJETIVO: Identificar perfis clínicos e angiográficos dos pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco, atendidos em um hospital terciário e tratados por meio de intervenções coronarianas percutâneas (ICP). MÉTODOS: Casuística de 1.282 pacientes submetidos a 1.410 cateterismos cardíacos, selecionados de mar/2007-mai/2008 em um banco de dados de um hospital geral para diagnóstico de doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Fatores de risco, indicação do exame, detalhes técnicos da ICP e desfechos intra-hospitalares foram prospectivamente coletados. RESULTADOS: Foram 688 (54,0%) pacientes do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 65,4 ± 10,9 anos, sendo 20,0% acima dos 75 anos. O quadro clínico confirmado com mais frequência foi o de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SST) (38,7%). A DAC multiarterial ocorreu em 46,4%, foi indicada ICP em 464 pacientes, sendo tratadas 547 lesões-alvo (tipo B2 ou C, em 86,0%), sendo destas, 14,0% tratadas com stent farmacológico. Dentre os IAM com SST, ICP primária foi realizada em 19,0% dos pacientes, sendo que, destes, 77,0% foram transferidos dos hospitais de origem tardiamente (ICP tardia) e não receberam trombolítico prévio, e 4,0% realizaram ICP de resgate. Foi obtido sucesso angiográfico em 94,2% das ICPs. Aconteceu óbito em 5,6% dos pacientes, tendo estes uma média de idade de 75,2 ± 10,2 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos predomínio de idosos (estando 20,1% > 75 anos) e do sexo masculino. Dos fatores de risco para DAC, os mais frequentes foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica e dislipidemia. Ocorreu predomínio da SCA. A idade > 75 anos, DAC multiarterial e a insuficiência renal crônica foram os preditores de óbito intra-hospitalar.FUNDAMENTO: Conocer factores de riesgo y manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) nos permite intervenir de manera más eficaz en una determinada población. OBJETIVO: Identificar perfiles clínicos y angiográficos de los pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco, atendidos en un hospital terciario y tratados por medio de intervenciones coronarias percutáneas (ICP). MÉTODOS: Casuística de 1.282 pacientes sometidos a 1.410 cateterismos cardíacos, seleccionados de mar/2007-may/2008 en un banco de datos de un hospital general para diagnóstico de enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Factores de riesgo, indicación del examen, detalles técnicos de la ICP y desenlaces intrahospitalarios fueron prospectivamente colectados. RESULTADOS: Fueron 688 (54,0%) pacientes del sexo masculino, con media de edad de 65,4 ± 10,9 años, siendo 20,0% encima de los 75 años. El cuadro clínico confirmado con más frecuencia fue el de síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sin supradesnivel del segmento ST (SST) (38,7%). La EAC multiarterial ocurrió en 46,4%, fue indicada ICP en 464 pacientes, siendo tratadas 547 lesiones-blanco (tipo B2 o C, en 86,0%), siendo de éstas, 14,0% tratadas con stent farmacológico. Entre los IAM con SST, ICP primaria fue realizada en 19,0% de los pacientes, siendo que, de éstos, 77,0% fueron transferidos de los hospitales de origen tardíamente (ICP tardía) y no recibieron trombolítico previo, y 4,0% realizaron ICP de rescate. Fue obtenido éxito angiográfico en 94,2% de las ICPs. Sucedió óbito en 5,6% de los pacientes, teniendo éstos una media de edad de 75,2 ± 10,2 años. CONCLUSIÓN: Observamos predominio de añosos (siendo 20,1% > 75 años) y del sexo masculino. De los factores de riesgo para EAC, los más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial sistémica y dislipidemia. Ocurrió predominio de la SCA. La edad > 75 años, EAC multiarterial y la insuficiencia renal crónica fueron los predictores de óbito intrahospitalario.BACKGROUND: Knowing the risk factors and clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) allows us to intervene more effectively with a particular population. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, treated at a tertiary hospital and treated by percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: The study of 1,282 patients who underwent 1,410 cardiac catheterizations, selected from March/2007 to May/2008 from a database in a general hospital for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors, indication for examination, technical details of PCI and in-hospital outcomes were prospectively collected. RESULTS: There were 688 (54.0%) males, mean age 65.4 ± 10.9 years and 20.0% above 75 years age. The most frequent clinical condition was acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation (STS) (38.7%). The multi artery CAD occurred in 46.4%, PCI was indicated in 464 patients, 547 target lesions were treated (type B2 or C, 86.0%), and of these, 14.0% treated with drug eluting stents. Among those with AMI with STS, primary PCI was performed in 19.0% of the patients, from these, 77.0% were transferred from the origin hospitals late (late PCI) and had not received prior thrombolytic, and 4.0% had PCI rescue. Angiographic success was achieved in 94.2% of PCIs. Death occurred in 5.6% of patients, with average age of 75.2 ± 10.2 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of elderly (20.1% being > 75 years) and male was observed. From the risk factors for CAD, the most common were systemic hypertension and dyslipidemia. There was a predominance of ACS. Age > 75 years old, multiarterial CAD and chronic renal failure were predictors of in-hospital deaths.

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro com risco aceitável. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada, levando à contraindicação do procedimento, apesar dos sintomas. O implante minimamente invasivo transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser uma alternativa, reduzindo a morbi-mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi o desenvolvimento e implante de nova prótese para implante transcateter. MÉTODOS: Após desenvolvimento em animais, uma prótese transcateter, balão-expansível foi utilizada em 14 casos de alto risco. O EuroSCORE médio foi de 43,7%. Quatro pacientes apresentavam disfunção de biopróteses e o restante, estenose aórtica calcificada. Todos os pacientes eram sintomáticos. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Com o uso de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas através do ápice ventricular, sob estimulação ventricular de alta frequência ou choque hemorrágico controlado, após valvoplastia aórtica. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos seriados. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação da prótese foi possível em 13 casos. Uma conversão ocorreu. Não houve mortalidade operatória. O gradiente de pico médio pós-implante foi de 25 mmHg. A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório. Insuficiência aórtica residual não significativa esteve presente em 71% dos casos, nenhuma significativa. Não ocorreu complicação vascular periférica. Não houve necessidade de marcapasso definitivo. Um caso de acidente vascular cerebral ocorreu. A mortalidade geral foi de 42%. CONCLUSÃO: O implante transapical de valva aórtica transcateter é um procedimento possível com esta nova prótese. O comportamento hemodinâmico foi satisfatório. São necessários estudos de longo prazo e com maior poder amostral, no intuito de determinar a real eficácia e indicação do procedimento alternativo.OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such a risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a national catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for the aortic position implant. METHODS: After animal studies, 14 patients with high EuroSCORE underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Median Logistic EuroSCORE was 43.7%. Four patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. All patients presented symptoms. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis was implanted through the ventricular apex under ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock, after aortic valvoplasty. Echocardiograph and angiograph controls were performed, and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 13 cases. There were no intra-operative deaths. Median peak transvalvular aortic gradient reduced to 25.0 mmHg, and left ventricular function improved in the first seven post-operative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 71%. No definitive pacemaker was needed. There was no peripheral vascular complication. Overall mortality was 42%. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of cathetermounted bioprosthesis was a feasible procedure. Long term follow-up is mandatory in order to access efficacy and indications.

O espasmo de artérias coronárias no perioperatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio é uma complicação grave, com elevada mortalidade. Paciente de 51 anos submetido à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea. Apresentou no 1ºdia de pós-operatório (PO) alteração enzimática e supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, evoluindo, em seguida, em fibrilação ventricular, com reanimação cardiopulmonar com sucesso. Cateterismo cardíaco demonstrou espasmo importante de todas as artérias coronárias e da anastomose entre artéria torácica interna esquerda com artéria interventricular anterior. Utilizados vasodilatadores intracoronarianos e intra-enxerto, com restabelecimento de seus calibres usuais, imediata melhora clínica e estabilidade hemodinâmica. Com evolução satisfatória, o paciente recebeu alta hospitalar no 13º PO.Coronary artery spasm in perioperative of coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a serious complication, with high rate mortality. Patient 51 years-old submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery without Extracorporeal Circulation. The patient evolved in 1st post operative (PO) day with enzymatic alteration and ST-elevation, developing soon afterwards in ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation with success. Cardiac catheterization showed important spasm of all coronary arteries and anastomosis between the left internal thoracic artery and the left anterior interventricular artery. Intracoronary Vasodilators and intra-graft, with re-establishment of their usual and immediate calibers to improve clinic and Hemodynamic stability was used. Satisfactory evolution, discharged at 13rd PO day.

FUNDAMENTO: A predição de dados de hemodinâmica pulmonar, a partir de avaliação não invasiva, poderia isentar alguns portadores de defeitos septais cardíacos congênitos da avaliação invasiva pré-operatória (cateterismo). OBJETIVO: Verificar, em avaliação simultânea, se dados obtidos pela ecocardiografia-Doppler poderiam predizer aspectos da condição hemodinâmica pulmonar em tais pacientes. MÉTODOS: Parâmetros ecocardiográficos relacionados ao fluxo sistólico pulmonar e sistêmico e ao fluxo em veia pulmonar foram relacionados a dados hemodinâmicos em 30 pacientes consecutivos com defeitos septais cardíacos (idade entre 4 meses e 58 anos, mediana 2,2 anos; pressão arterial pulmonar média entre 16 e 93 mmHg). RESULTADOS: As variáveis integral velocidade-tempo do fluxo sistólico em via de saída de ventrículo direito (VTI VSVD > 22 cm) e do fluxo em veia pulmonar (VTI VP > 20 cm) foram preditivos de níveis RVP/RVS 27 cm e VTI VP > 24 cm, a especificidade foi superior a 0,90 e a razão de chances 2,29 e 4,47 respectivamente. A razão entre os fluxos pulmonar e sistêmico (Qp/Qs > 2,89 e > 4,0, estimativas ecocardiográficas) foi útil na predição de valores Qp/Qs > 3,0 pelo cateterismo (especificidade de 0,78 e 0,91, razão de chances 1,14 e 2,97, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Em portadores de defeitos septais cardíacos, a ecocardiografia-Doppler é capaz de identificar aqueles em situação de aumento de fluxo e baixos níveis de resistência vascular pulmonar.FUNDAMENTO: La predicción de datos de la hemodinamia pulmonar, a partir de la evaluación no invasiva, podría eximir a algunos portadores de defectos septales cardíacos congénitos de la evaluación invasiva preoperatoria (cateterismo). OBJETIVO: Verificar, en evaluación simultánea, si los datos obtenidos mediante ecocardiografía-Doppler podrían predecir aspectos de la condición hemodinámica pulmonar en esos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Parámetros ecocardiográficos relacionados al flujo sistólico pulmonar y sistémico y al flujo en la vena pulmonar fueron relacionados a datos hemodinámicos en 30 pacientes consecutivos con defectos septales cardíacos (edad entre 4 meses y 58 años, mediana 2,2 años; presión arterial pulmonar media entre 16 y 93 mmHg). RESULTADOS: Las variables integral velocidad-tiempo del flujo sistólico en la vía de salida del ventrículo derecho (VTIVSVD > 22 cm) y del flujo en la vena pulmonar (VTIVP > 20 cm) fueron predictivas de niveles RVP/RVS < 0,1 (relación entre resistencias vasculares pulmonar y sistémica), con especificidad de 0,81 y razón de chances superior a 1,0. Para valores VTIVSVD > 27 cm y VTIVP > 24 cm, la especificidad fue superior a 0,90 y la razón de chances 2,29 y 4,47 respectivamente. La razón entre los flujos pulmonar y sistémico (Qp/Qs > 2,89 y > 4,0, estimaciones ecocardiográficas) fue útil para la predicción de valores Qp/Qs > 3,0 por cateterismo (especificidad de 0,78 y 0,91, razón de chances 1,14 y 2,97, respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: En portadores de defectos septales cardíacos, la ecocardiografía-Doppler es capaz de identificar aquellos en situación de aumento de flujo y bajos niveles de resistencia vascular pulmonar.BACKGROUND: The prediction of pulmonary hemodynamic data from non-invasive assessment could exempt some patients with congenital cardiac septal defects from preoperative invasive assessment (catheterization). OBJECTIVE: To determine, in simultaneous assessment, whether data obtained from Doppler echocardiography could predict aspects of pulmonary hemodynamics in such patients. METHODS: Echocardiographic parameters related to systolic and systemic pulmonary flow and pulmonary venous flow were related to hemodynamic data in 30 consecutive patients with cardiac septal defects (aged 4 months to 58 years, median 2.2 years, mean pulmonary artery pressure between 16 and 93 mmHg). RESULTS: The velocity-time integrals of systolic flow in right ventricle outflow tract (VTI RVOT > 22 cm) and pulmonary venous flow (VTI VP > 20 cm) predicted PVR/SVR 27 cm and VTI PV > 24 cm values, the specificity was higher than 0.90 and odds ratio 2.29 and 4.47 respectively. The ratio between pulmonary and systemic flows (Qp/Qs > 2.89 and > 4.0, echocardiographic estimates) was useful in predicting Qp/Qs > 3.0 values through catheterization (specificity of 0.78 and 0.91, odds ratio 1.14 and 2.97, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with cardiac septal defects, Doppler echocardiography is able to identify those at increased flow and low pulmonary vascular resistance.

Background: The goals for sedation in pediatric patients scheduled to undergo cardiac catheterization include immobility, analgesia, cardiovascular and respiratory stability. We investigated the effects of Propofol and Ketamine on hemodynamic, respiratory status, sedation level, pain score and recovery period in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods: We preformed a randomized clinical trial study on 40 pediatric patients. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups, so that 20 patients received Ketamine and 20 patients received Propofol. In all patients, sedation was started with Midazolam (0.03mg/kg), then followed by Propofol in the first group and Ketamine in the second one. The hemodynamic responses, respiratory parameters, recovery characteristics (Ramsey scale, pain score VAS) and relevant adverse effects of the two groups were recorded. Data was analyzed using Paired T Test, ANOVA and Stearman correlation coefficient. Results: Five patients in the Propofol group andon patients in the Ketamine group experienced a transient decrease in mean systolic blood pressure greater than 10% of baseline(p=0.034). Time to full recovery (mean ± SD) was not significantly different in the Propofol group and Ketamine group (1.8 min vs. 2.9 min, P > 0.05). Pain scores were significantly different in both groups (P= 0.010). Patients’ heart rates were significantly higher in Ketamine group(P=0.029). No significant difference in respiratory rate was recorded in both groups(p›0.05). Conclusion: Both Ketamine and Propofol are useful and safe in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization but it seems that it is better to use Propofol in stable hemodynamic pediatric patients under continuous blood pressure monitoring.

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro, envolve substituição da valva nativa/prótese. Na maioria destes pacientes o risco é aceitável, porém, em alguns casos, o risco predito pode justificar contra-indicação. O implante de valva aórtica minimamente invasivo transcateter e sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) tem se mostrado viável, com menor morbi-mortalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver bioprótese aórtica, montada em cateter, para implante sem CEC. MÉTODOS: Após desenvolvimento em animais, três pacientes com EuroSCORE elevado foram submetidos ao implante. Caso 1: portador de bioprótese com disfunção; Caso 2: estenose aórtica grave; Caso 3: disfunção de bioprótese aórtica. Após minitoracotomia e sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico, cateter-balão foi posicionado sobre posição aórtica e insuflado. Após, segundo cateter-balão, com endoprótese valvada, foi posicionado e liberado sob alta frequência ventricular. Controles angiográficos e ecocardiográficos foram realizados e pacientes encaminhados para UTI. RESULTADOS: No primeiro caso foi possível implante sem CEC com resultados adequados. Evoluiu com melhora da função ventricular. Cursou com broncopneumonia, fístula traqueo-esofágica e óbito por mediastinite. Necropsia confirmou bom posicionamento valvar e preservação dos folhetos. O segundo caso apresentou migração do dispositivo após insuflação do balão, necessidade de esternotomia mediana de urgência, CEC e troca valvar convencional. O paciente evoluiu bem, recebendo alta da UTI 14 dias após procedimento e sem complicações. Cursou com infecção respiratória, choque séptico e óbito no 60º pós-operatório. O terceiro caso foi submetido a implante com sucesso. CONCLUSÃO: O implante de bioprótese transapical montada em cateter sem CEC mostrou ser procedimento factível. Detalhes técnicos e a curva de aprendizado demandam discussão.OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure, and involves replacement of the native valve/prosthesis. In most of the patients who undergo such procedure the risk is acceptable, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to be viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for implantation without CPB. METHODS: After developing in animals, three patients with high EuroSCORE underwent implantation. Case 1: patients with bioprosthesis dysfunction; Case 2: severe aortic stenosis; Case 3: dysfunction of aortic bioprosthesis. After minithoracotomy and under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic control, a balloon catheter was placed on aortic position and inflated. After, a second balloon with valved endoprosthesis was positioned and released under high ventricular rate. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: In the first case, implantation without CPB was possible with appropriate results. The patient evolved with improvement of ventricular function. After, this patient developed bronchopneumonia, tracheoesophageal fistula and died due to mediastinitis. Autopsy confirmed proper valve positioning and leaflets preservation. The second case showed the device migration after inflation of the balloon, with the need for urgent median sternotomy, CPB and conventional valve replacement. This patient evolved well and was discharged from the ICU on the 14th postoperative day without complications. This patient developed respiratory infection, septic shock and died on the 60th postoperative day. The patient from the third case underwent successful implantation. CONCLUSION: The off-pump transapical implantation of catheter-mounted bioprosthesis was shown to be a feasible procedure. Technical details and learning curve require further discussion.

Background: Due to the positive relation between platelet size and platelet reactivity, a high value of the mean platelet volume (MPV) is an independent risk factor to predict acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its adverse outcome. Few data are available to determinate the prognostic value of MPV in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of MPV to predict impaired reperfusion and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in acute STEMI treated with primary PCI. Methods: This study included 203 STEMI patients referring for blood sampling before primary PCI to estimate MPV and determine the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), and in-hospital MACE.Results: The frequency of in-hospital MACE in the group of patients with a high MPV (≥10.3 ng/dl) was significantly more than that of the group with a low MPV (