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Background: Left atrial catheterization is a common procedure in electrophysiology labs to treat arrhythmogenic substrates on the left side of the heart. Needle transseptal puncture is the standard approach, but it can lead to complications related to device design or operator technique. To reduce these complications, needle-free alternatives have been explored. Objective: This study aims to report the first multicenter application of the needle-free transseptal access (NeFTA) approach, assessing its safety and efficacy in patients undergoing electrophysiological procedures. Methods: This retrospective, observational multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the NeFTA approach in patients undergoing ablation of left arrhythmogenic substrates across 3 electrophysiology centers in Mexico. NeFTA uses only a guidewire, without a needle or sharp guidewire. The sheath, with a dilator, is guided into the fossa ovalis under fluoroscopic guidance, using anterior force and clockwise torque to allow the guidewire to puncture the septum with minimal risk. Results: The NeFTA technique was used in 366 patients. Most sheaths were deflectable, with nondeflectable sheaths in 43.4% of cases. Left atrial access via NeFTA was successful in 96.18% of cases, with pericardial effusion as the only complication (0.55% rate). Conclusion: This technique was reproducible and safe, achieving successful access on the first or second attempt in 96.18% of cases, regardless of the operator.

Abstract Background Cardiac catheterizations in horses are mainly performed in the right heart, as access to the left heart traditionally requires an arterial approach. Transseptal puncture (TSP) has been adapted for horses but data on follow‐up and closure of the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) are lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives To perform TSP and assess postoperative complications and iASD closure over a minimum of 4 weeks. Animals Eleven healthy adult horses. Methods Transseptal puncture was performed under general anesthesia. Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations were measured before and after puncture. Weekly, iASD closure was monitored using transthoracic and intracardiac echocardiography. Relationship between activated clotting time and anti‐factor Xa activity during postoperative enoxaparin treatment was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results Transseptal puncture was successfully achieved in all horses within a median duration of 22 (range, 10‐104) minutes. Balloon dilatation of the puncture site for sheath advancement was needed in 4 horses. Atrial arrhythmias occurred in 9/11 horses, including atrial premature depolarizations (N = 1), atrial tachycardia (N = 5), and fibrillation (N = 3). Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations increased after TSP, but remained under the reference value in 10/11 horses. Median time to iASD closure was 14 (1‐35) days. Activated clotting time correlated with anti‐factor Xa activity in vitro but not in vivo. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Transseptal puncture was successfully performed in all horses. The technique was safe and spontaneous iASD closure occurred in all horses. Clinical application of TSP will allow characterization and treatment of left‐sided arrhythmias in horses.

Background: Cardiac catheterizations in horses are mainly performed in the right heart, as access to the left heart traditionally requires an arterial approach. Transseptal puncture (TSP) has been adapted for horses but data on follow‐up and closure of the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) are lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives: To perform TSP and assess postoperative complications and iASD closure over a minimum of 4 weeks. Animals: Eleven healthy adult horses. Methods: Transseptal puncture was performed under general anesthesia. Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations were measured before and after puncture. Weekly, iASD closure was monitored using transthoracic and intracardiac echocardiography. Relationship between activated clotting time and anti‐factor Xa activity during postoperative enoxaparin treatment was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results: Transseptal puncture was successfully achieved in all horses within a median duration of 22 (range, 10‐104) minutes. Balloon dilatation of the puncture site for sheath advancement was needed in 4 horses. Atrial arrhythmias occurred in 9/11 horses, including atrial premature depolarizations (N = 1), atrial tachycardia (N = 5), and fibrillation (N = 3). Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations increased after TSP, but remained under the reference value in 10/11 horses. Median time to iASD closure was 14 (1‐35) days. Activated clotting time correlated with anti‐factor Xa activity in vitro but not in vivo. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Transseptal puncture was successfully performed in all horses. The technique was safe and spontaneous iASD closure occurred in all horses. Clinical application of TSP will allow characterization and treatment of left‐sided arrhythmias in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial artery access has been used for left heart catheterization (LHC) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for over 30 years. This method has gained popularity among operators due to superficial vessel anatomy, allowing for easy accessibility and compressibility, resulting in effective hemostasis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PCI due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), and chest pain (stable angina) from November 2013 to February 2023. We analyzed validated registries and found 7714 PCIs. Of these, 1230 were STEMI patients, 5585 were NSTE-ACS patients, and 899 were stable angina patients, forming the basis of our final analysis. In STEMI patients, there was a trend toward a higher rate of ventriculography with femoral access compared to radial access (53.4 % vs. 47.5 %, p = 0.06), which was also observed in NSTE-ACS patients (34.2 % vs. 31.8 %, p = 0.07). The use of central venous access was more common with femoral access in all three diagnoses, with significantly higher rates seen in STEMI patients (36.2 % vs. 7.6 %, p < 0.001), NSTE-ACS patients (19.3 % vs. 2.8 %, p < 0.001), and chest pain patients (26.4 % vs. 2.7 %, p < 0.001). The analysis revealed that operators may perform fewer ventriculography and RHC procedures when using radial access as compared to femoral access. While there is discrepancy in performing left ventriculography and RHC when using a radial artery, it is essential to emphasize that routinely performing ventriculography and hemodynamic assessment has not proven to impact outcomes, despite their contributions to proper decision-making and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-induced Alveolar Hemorrhage is a rare cause of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage (DAH). It requires to be considered in the differential diagnosis among patients presenting with DAH and prompt management, including the need for mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Here we present a case of severe DAH following percutaneous coronary intervention and Ticagrelor therapy that responded well to discontinuation of Ticagrelor

Despite considerable interest in the syndrome of acute left ventricular (LV) ballooning, its pathophysiology has remained ill-defined. In this review, we explore observational data describing two etiologies of acute LV ballooning: neurohumoral classic Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS), and acute severe unrelenting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We describe the clinical presentation and varying pathophysiology of these presentations, explore how echocardiography and cardiac catheterization may help differentiate between the two etiologies, and detail differences in management. We highlight the significant overlap as well as key differentiating features of these conditions, with the aim to improve diagnostic awareness and accuracy and appropriately tailor therapy.

Background: Left atrial catheterization is a common procedure in electrophysiology labs to treat arrhythmogenic substrates on the left side of the heart. Needle transseptal puncture is the standard approach, but it can lead to complications related to device design or operator technique. To reduce these complications, needle-free alternatives have been explored., Objective: This study aims to report the first multicenter application of the needle-free transseptal access (NeFTA) approach, assessing its safety and efficacy in patients undergoing electrophysiological procedures., Methods: This retrospective, observational multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the NeFTA approach in patients undergoing ablation of left arrhythmogenic substrates across 3 electrophysiology centers in Mexico. NeFTA uses only a guidewire, without a needle or sharp guidewire. The sheath, with a dilator, is guided into the fossa ovalis under fluoroscopic guidance, using anterior force and clockwise torque to allow the guidewire to puncture the septum with minimal risk., Results: The NeFTA technique was used in 366 patients. Most sheaths were deflectable, with nondeflectable sheaths in 43.4% of cases. Left atrial access via NeFTA was successful in 96.18% of cases, with pericardial effusion as the only complication (0.55% rate)., Conclusion: This technique was reproducible and safe, achieving successful access on the first or second attempt in 96.18% of cases, regardless of the operator., (© 2024 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The congenital anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (AORCA) with an incongruous course is a rare malformation that can manifest as exertional chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. We present a case of a 42-year-old male with a history of hypercholesterolemia who presented with chest pain and dizziness upon exertion for two weeks. The physical examination was unremarkable, and the patient was hemodynamically stable. Initial blood tests were normal. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus bradycardia at 56 bpm without ST or T wave changes. A cardiac stress test indicated antero-apical inducible ischemia with a moderate probability of stress-induced ischemia. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed an AORCA with a high interarterial course between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Subsequent left heart catheterization confirmed the anomalous origin and revealed atherosclerotic disease. This anomaly was identified as the cause of the patient's symptoms due to the compression of the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient was treated with aspirin and statin and underwent successful internal mammary artery-RCA bypass grafting. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms resolved, and there were no further episodes of chest pain., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bilal et al.)

Since the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019, we have witnessed its multi-organ system involvement, not limiting itself to the lungs. We present a case of a patient with asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery vasospasm. The patient exhibited symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, elevated troponins, and electrocardiographic changes consistent with STEMI. He was found to have significant coronary vasospasm on angiography that responded well to nitroglycerin. This case highlights the potential cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 infection, even when asymptomatic, and the importance of considering vasospasm as a possible mechanism in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. We also elaborate on some potential pathophysiological mechanisms in which COVID-19 may lead to coronary vasospasm., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. HCA and UCF issued approval MS1216. This case report was approved for publishing by the HCA research advisory committee as well as HCA PubClear in which supporting documents including authorship consent forms and patient consent were signed. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Masarweh et al.)

Chest pain is a common and complex symptom that can arise from various etiologies, ranging from benign musculoskeletal conditions to life-threatening cardiovascular events. It is a hallmark symptom of myocardial infarction, angina, and other ischemic heart diseases, necessitating prompt and thorough evaluation. Ongoing chest pain post-procedures and medication administration presents a diagnostic challenge, as it may be indicative of an exacerbation of underlying conditions. We present the case of a 64-year-old Caucasian male who initially presented with severe and persistent chest pain suggestive of an anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). He had a history of coronary artery disease and had recently undergone cardiac catheterization. Despite prompt administration of nitroglycerin and aspirin, the patient's symptoms persisted, prompting emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Subsequent to PCI, ongoing chest discomfort persisted, prompting further investigation, which revealed a concurrent lung mass and nodules on imaging. Additional interventions, including repeated PCI procedures and thoracentesis, were undertaken. Unfortunately, the patient's clinical course rapidly deteriorated, culminating in cardiac arrest and unsuccessful resuscitative efforts. This case highlights the complexities inherent in managing intricate cardiovascular conditions and emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining vigilance for concomitant pathologies., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bilal et al.)

Iatrogenic complete heart blocks are rare but a reported complication of left heart catheterizations in patients with pre-existing right bundle branch blocks. We present the case of an 84-year-old male with a preexisting right bundle branch block who underwent a left heart catheterization for valve replacement evaluation. While attempting to engage the right coronary artery, the catheter instead crossed the aortic valve, causing the patient to become bradycardic to the 20s and hypotensive. The patient had a temporary transvenous pacer inserted and tolerated the rest of the procedure well. The cause of the complete heart block was thought to be due to the transient blockage of the left bundle branch due to ventricular septal irritation when the catheter crossed the aortic valve. When performing left heart angiograms in a patient with a right bundle branch block, operators should be prepared for a possible iatrogenic complete heart block., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Koirala et al.)

Coronary artery disease continues to remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Coronary blood supply is provided through the right and left main coronary arteries. The left main coronary artery (LMCA) in turn gives rise to the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) arteries. In some cases, LMCA may trifurcate into the ramus intermedius (RI) in addition to the LAD and LCX arteries. Atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture with subsequent clot formation and occlusion of coronary arteries are the underlying mechanisms of myocardial infarction. Though the clinical implications of the presence of ramus intermedius (RI) are controversial some data suggest that the RI is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation in the LMCA and the proximal LAD. Conversely, it has been proposed that the RI provides an additional collateral source of blood supply to the myocardium and may potentially contribute to improved survival. Case reports tout the benefits of RI, specifically in the setting of multivessel coronary artery occlusions. Whether it increases the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation or whether it is protective has yet to be determined. We present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock due to total ostial occlusion of LAD. The patient had also chronic total occlusions of the right coronary artery and LCX but a patent RI, which was the only source of blood supply to the myocardium and practically determined the patient's survival. Additionally, we performed a literature review to identify similar cases, to support RI's potentially protective role in enhancing survival., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Khachatryan et al.)

Background: Radiation exposure during invasive cardiovascular procedures remains an important health care issue. Lead aprons and shields (LAS) are used to decrease radiation exposure but leave large portions of the body unshielded. The Rampart IC M1128 is a portable radiation shielding system that may significantly attenuate radiation exposure., Methods: Catheterization laboratory teams were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to perform elective invasive cardiovascular procedures utilizing either traditional LAS or the Rampart IC M1128. Radiation exposure was measured using real-time dosimetry monitoring in prespecified anatomic locations on 3 operators (position 1: first operator/fellow; position 2: second operator/attending; and position 3: catheterization laboratory nurse/technologist). Radiation exposure was measured on a per-case basis., Results: In total, 100 consecutive cases were randomized in this study (47 Rampart; 53 LAS). There was no difference in fluoroscopy time (12.3 minutes for Rampart vs 15.4 minutes for LAS; P = .52), dose area product (288 Gy⋅cm 2 for Rampart vs 376.5 Gy⋅cm 2 for LAS; P = .52), or scatter radiation (38.8 mRem for Rampart vs 46.8 mRem for LAS; P = .61) between the groups. There was significantly lower total body radiation (in milliroentgen equivalent man) exposure using the Rampart than that using LAS for each team member: position 1-0.1 mRem for Rampart vs 2.2 mRem for LAS; P < .001; position 2-0.1 mRem Rampart vs 3.2 mRem LAS; P < .001; and position 3-0.0 mRem for Rampart vs 0.8 mRem for LAS; P < .001., Conclusions: During routine clinical procedures, the Rampart system significantly decreases total body radiation exposure compared with traditional LAS., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Despite considerable interest in the syndrome of acute left ventricular (LV) ballooning, its pathophysiology has remained ill-defined. In this review, we explore observational data describing two etiologies of acute LV ballooning: neurohumoral classic Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS), and acute severe unrelenting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We describe the clinical presentation and varying pathophysiology of these presentations, explore how echocardiography and cardiac catheterization may help differentiate between the two etiologies, and detail differences in management. We highlight the significant overlap as well as key differentiating features of these conditions, with the aim to improve diagnostic awareness and accuracy and appropriately tailor therapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Background: The extent of diastolic dysfunction is of clinical importance in the risk stratification and management of patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). Standard echocardiographic indices of diastolic dysfunction have robust predictive ability in assorted disease states, but have not been validated in TC. The aim of this study was to compare Doppler metrics of diastolic function against catheterization-measured filling pressures in TC., Methods: Patients with TC who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated using echocardiography and catheterization performed within 24 hours. Both left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure and LV pre-A diastolic pressure were obtained from catheterization tracings. The echocardiographic parameters for diastolic function were extracted using the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations and a previously validated regression equation for mean left atrial pressure (mLAP)., Results: A total of 51 patients with TC were included. Patients were predominantly women (72.5%), with a mean age of 58 ± 13 years and a mean ejection fraction of 24 ± 10 %. E/e' ratio (septal, average, and lateral) and calculated mLAP correlated positively with catheterization LV pre-A, with fair to moderate correlation (coefficient range, 0.38-0.44). The t-test mean difference between LV pre-A pressure and calculated mLAP was 0.77 ± 7.34 mm Hg (95% CI, ±14.68 mm Hg) suggesting inconsistent measures. mLAP also exhibited poor diagnostic ability to discriminate elevated LV pre-A diastolic pressure, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.50-0.88)., Conclusions: Commonly used echocardiographic parameters for diastolic function demonstrated less-than-optimal correlation, with poor sensitivity and specificity, compared with invasively measured LV end-diastolic pressure or LV pre-A wave diastolic pressure in patients with TC. Precise characterization of LV filling pressure in patients with TC using contemporary noninvasive echocardiographic parameters appears challenging. Invasive measurements of filling pressure should remain the gold standard for optimal risk stratification and management of patients with TC., (Copyright © 2022 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess the difference in terms of presentation and in-hospital course between patients with right vs. left dominant arterial circulation presenting with STE-ACS and undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methodology: A total of 2680 patients presenting with STE-ACS and undergoing PPCI in our tertiary care cardiac centre were enrolled in the study. Patients were categorised into right vs. left dominant circulation on left heart catheterization. Patients with co-dominance were excluded. Demographic, clinical characteristics, presentation, and hospital course of the two groups were compared. Results: Out of 2680 patients, there were 2079 (77.6%) males and mean age was 55.73±10.86 years. On coronary angiogram 10.7% (287) were found to have left dominant circulation and 89.3% (2393) had right dominant circulation. At presentation, 178 patients were in Killip III-IV out of which 19.7% (35) had left dominant circulation while remaining 80.3% (143) had right dominant circulation (p<0.001). There were no difference in other clinical profile and risk factors between the two groups. LVEDP was significantly higher (24.22±10.72mmHg vs. 22.68±11.28 mmHg; p=0.028) and LVEF was significantly lower (39.41±9.04% vs. 41.31±9.05%; p=0.001) in left dominance as compared to right dominance. However, single vessel disease was more common in left dominant system (39.7% vs. 33.5%; p=0.039). The frequency of adverse outcomes was higher, but insignificant, in right dominant as compared to left dominant system with slow flow (14.1% vs. 12.5%; p=0.477), heart failure (8.1% vs. 7.3%; p=0.625), and CIN (4.0% vs. 2.8%; p=0.310), respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality rate was observed to be 3.8% (101) with 3.8% (92/2393) in right system vs. 3.1% (9/287) in left system (p=0.551). Conclusion: Left dominant system exhibit relatively more unstable presentation with higher rate of Killip III/IV at presentation, higher LVEDP (mmHg), and lower LVEF (%). However, no significant increase in complications and outcomes is witnessed possibly due to higher prevalence of single vessel disease. However, careful handling of left main during intervention is warranted due lack of support from right system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]