The Journal of invasive cardiology
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Comparative Study
A Direct Comparison of Self-Expandable Portico Versus Balloon-Expandable Sapien 3 Devices for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case-Matched Cohort Study.
Pairwise comparisons of clinical and hemodynamic outcomes with new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prostheses are needed to help interventionists select the most appropriate device. The self-expandable Portico valve (Abbott Vascular) was compared with the balloon-expandable Sapien 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences) at a high-volume center in a real-world setting. ⋯ Short-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes were similar with Portico and Sapien 3 prostheses; no statistically significant differences were observed in mortality and major complication rates. An individually tailored prosthesis choice is suggested.
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During percutaneous cardiac procedures, the use of radial access is growing, but femoral access remains needed for large-bore, high-risk procedures. Methods are needed to make femoral access safer. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), we assess whether ultrasound guidance is associated with a decreased risk of vascular complications during femoral artery catheterization. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance during femoral artery catheterization is associated with a decreased risk of vascular complications, primarily driven by a reduction in local hematomas. Larger trials are needed to determine the effect of ultrasound on major bleeding and vascular complications (excluding hematomas).
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with increased risk of stroke and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Many episodes of new-onset AF/AFL (NOAF) occur after hospital discharge and may not be clinically apparent. Pacemakers can detect subclinical episodes of rapid atrial rate, which correlate with electrocardiographically documented AF. ⋯ Subclinical NOAF is common after TAVR, usually occurs months after hospital discharge, and is associated with lack of anticoagulation therapy and increased risk of stroke. Prolonged surveillance of subclinical NOAF may be warranted after TAVR.
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Agitated saline during central line placement is described for the purpose of identifying the subclavian vein during ultrasound-guided procedures.