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Biomedical subjects

Amish N Raval

Publications and source records attributed to Amish N Raval.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

High-resolution 3D arteriography of chronic total peripheral occlusions using a T1-W turbo spin-echo sequence with inner-volume imaging.

Percutaneous revascularization of peripheral artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) is challenging under X-ray guidance without direct image feedback, due to poor visualization of the obstructed segment and underappreciation of vessel tortuosity. Operators are required to steer interventional devices relatively "blindly," and therefore procedural failure or perforation may occur. Alternatively, MRI may allow complete visualization of both patent and occluded arterial segments. We designed and implemented a 3D high-resolution, T(1)-weighted (T(1)-W) turbo spin-echo (TSE) MRI sequence with inner-volume (IV) imaging to enable detailed peripheral artery CTO imaging. Using this sequence, high-resolution volumes of interest (VOIs) around the vessel were achieved within 5-10 min. This imaging approach may be used for rapid pre- and postprocedural evaluations, and as a 3D roadmap that can be overlaid during real-time X-, MR-, or XMR-guided catheterization. Experiments were successfully performed on a carotid CTO model in swine ex vivo, and in peripheral arteries in normal volunteers and patients in vivo. Delineation of the vascular architecture, including contrast differences between the patent and occluded artery segments, and lesion morphology heterogeneity were visualized.

Animals↗

X-ray fused with magnetic resonance imaging (XFM) to target endomyocardial injections: validation in a swine model of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permits 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac imaging with high soft tissue contrast. X-ray fluoroscopy provides high-resolution, 2-dimensional (2D) projection imaging. We have developed real-time x-ray fused with MRI (XFM) to guide invasive procedures that combines the best features of both imaging modalities. We tested the accuracy of XFM using external fiducial markers to guide endomyocardial cell injections in infarcted swine hearts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endomyocardial injections of iron-labeled mesenchymal stromal cells admixed with tissue dye were performed in previously infarcted hearts of 12 Yucatan miniswine (weight, 33 to 67 kg). Features from cardiac MRI were displayed combined with x-ray in real time to guide injections. During 130 injections, operators were provided with 3D surfaces of endocardium, epicardium, myocardial wall thickness (range, 2.6 to 17.7 mm), and infarct registered with live x-ray images to facilitate device navigation and choice of injection location. XFM-guided injections were compared with postinjection MRI and with necropsy specimens obtained 24 hours later. Visual inspection of the pattern of dye staining on 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained heart slices agreed (kappa=0.69) with XFM-derived injection locations mapped onto delayed hyperenhancement MRI and the susceptibility artifacts seen on the postinjection T2*-weighted gradient echo MRI. The distance between the predicted and actual injection locations in vivo was 3.2+/-2.6 mm (n=64), and 75% of injections were within 4.1 mm of the predicted location. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional to two-dimensional registration of x-ray and MR images with the use of external fiducial markers accurately targets endomyocardial injection in a swine model of myocardial infarction.

Animals↗

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided endovascular recanalization of chronic total arterial occlusion in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular recanalization (guidewire traversal) of peripheral artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) can be challenging. X-ray angiography resolves CTO poorly. Virtually "blind" device advancement during x-ray-guided interventions can lead to procedure failure, perforation, and hemorrhage. Alternatively, MRI may delineate the artery within the occluded segment to enhance procedural safety and success. We hypothesized that real-time MRI (rtMRI)-guided CTO recanalization can be accomplished in an animal model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carotid artery CTO was created by balloon injury in 19 lipid-overfed swine. After 6 to 8 weeks, 2 underwent direct necropsy analysis for histology, 3 underwent primary x-ray-guided CTO recanalization attempts, and the remaining 14 underwent rtMRI-guided recanalization attempts in a 1.5-T interventional MRI system. Real-time MRI intervention used custom CTO catheters and guidewires that incorporated MRI receiver antennae to enhance device visibility. The mean length of the occluded segments was 13.3+/-1.6 cm. The rtMRI-guided CTO recanalization was successful in 11 of 14 swine and in only 1 of 3 swine with the use of x-ray alone. After unsuccessful rtMRI (n=3), x-ray-guided attempts were also unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS: Recanalization of long CTO is entirely feasible with the use of rtMRI guidance. Low-profile clinical-grade devices will be required to translate this experience to humans.

Angioplasty↗

Real-time MRI guided atrial septal puncture and balloon septostomy in swine.

Cardiac perforation during atrial septal puncture (ASP) might be avoided by improved image guidance. X-ray fluoroscopy (XRF), which guides ASP, visualizes tissue poorly and does not convey depth information. Ultrasound is limited by device shadows and constrained imaging windows. Alternatively, real-time MRI (rtMRI) provides excellent tissue contrast in any orientation and may enable ASP and balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) in swine. Custom MRI catheters incorporated "active" (receiver antenna) and "passive" (iron or gadolinium) elements. Wholly rtMRI-guided transfemoral ASP and BAS were performed in 10 swine in a 1.5T interventional suite. Hemodynamic results were measured with catheters and velocity encoded MRI. Successful ASP was performed in all 10 animals. Necropsy confirmed septostomy confined within the fossa ovalis in all. BAS was successful in 9/10 animals. Antenna failure in a re-used needle led to inadvertent vena cava tear prior to BAS in 1 animal. ASP in the same animal was easily performed using a new needle. rtMRI illustrated clear device-tissue-lumen relationships in multiple orientations, and facilitated simple ASP and BAS. The mean procedure time was 19 +/- 10 minutes. Septostomy achieved a mean left to right shunt ratio of 1.3:1 in these healthy animals. Interactive rtMRI permits rapid transcatheter ASP and BAS in swine. Further technical development may enable novel applications.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided stenting of aortic coarctation with commercially available catheter devices in Swine.

BACKGROUND: Real-time MR imaging (rtMRI) is now technically capable of guiding catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. Compared with x-ray, rtMRI offers superior tissue imaging in any orientation without ionizing radiation. Translation to clinical trials has awaited the availability of clinical-grade catheter devices that are both MRI visible and safe. We report a preclinical safety and feasibility study of rtMRI-guided stenting in a porcine model of aortic coarctation using only commercially available catheter devices. METHOD AND RESULTS: Coarctation stenting was performed wholly under rtMRI guidance in 13 swine. rtMRI permitted procedure planning, device tracking, and accurate stent deployment. "Active" guidewires, incorporating MRI antennas, improved device visualization compared with unmodified "passive" nitinol guidewires and shortened procedure time (26+/-11 versus 106+/-42 minutes; P=0.008). Follow-up catheterization and necropsy showed accurate stent deployment, durable gradient reduction, and appropriate neointimal formation. MRI immediately identified aortic rupture when oversized devices were tested. CONCLUSIONS: This experience demonstrates preclinical safety and feasibility of rtMRI-guided aortic coarctation stenting using commercially available catheter devices. Patients may benefit from rtMRI in the future because of combined device and tissue imaging, freedom from ionizing radiation, and the ability to identify serious complications promptly.

Animals↗

Real-time magnetic resonance-guided endovascular repair of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm in swine.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the hypotheses that endografts can be visualized and navigated in vivo solely under real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) guidance to repair experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in swine, and that MRI can provide immediate assessment of endograft apposition and aneurysm exclusion. BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair for AAA is limited by endoleak caused by inflow or outflow malapposition. The ability of rtMRI to image soft tissue and flow may improve on X-ray guidance of this procedure. METHODS: Infrarenal AAA was created in swine by balloon overstretch. We used one passive commercial endograft, imaged based on metal-induced MRI artifacts, and several types of homemade active endografts, incorporating MRI receiver coils (antennae). Custom interactive rtMRI features included color coding the catheter-antenna signals individually, simultaneous multislice imaging, and real-time three-dimensional rendering. RESULTS: Eleven repairs were performed solely using rtMRI, simultaneously depicting the device and soft-tissue pathology during endograft deployment. Active devices proved most useful. Intraprocedural MRI provided anatomic confirmation of stent strut apposition and functional corroboration of aneurysm exclusion and restoration of laminar flow in successful cases. In two cases, there was clear evidence of contrast accumulation in the aneurysm sac, denoting endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular AAA repair is feasible under rtMRI guidance. Active endografts facilitate device visualization and complement the soft tissue contrast afforded by MRI for precise positioning and deployment. Magnetic resonance imaging also permits immediate post-procedural anatomic and functional evaluation of successful aneurysm exclusion.

Angioplasty↗

Invasive human magnetic resonance imaging: feasibility during revascularization in a combined XMR suite.

We tested the feasibility and safety of invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during peripheral angioplasty. Real-time MRI can image soft tissue and may potentially guide therapeutic procedures without ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast. MRI-guided diagnostic catheterization has been described recently, but safe and conspicuous catheter devices are not widely available. An active guidewire, which serves as an MRI receiver antenna, might be useful to guide catheterization or even to image atheroma. We describe a combined interventional suite offering both X-ray fluoroscopy and real-time MRI. We used a 0.030'' active guidewire receiver coil for invasive MRI after X-ray lesion traversal in patients undergoing percutaneous iliofemoral artery revascularization. Intravascular MRI was compared with noninvasive MRI, X-ray angiography, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Seven eligible patients consented to participate, but three were excluded because of lengthy revascularization procedures. Four remaining patients safely underwent combined X-ray fluoroscopy and real-time magnetic resonance imaging (XMR) transport, continuous monitoring, and all imaging modalities. There was no device dislodgment, contamination or evidence of heating. The intravascular MRI coil was well visualized except at the tip, but did not provide superior mural imaging compared with IVUS. Therefore, because an adequate safety and workflow experience was obtained, enrollment was terminated after only four subjects. Invasive MRI is feasible and apparently safe during peripheral angioplasty. Patients can safely be transported and monitored in an XMR interventional suite. An active quarter-wavelength guidewire coil does not provide superior imaging compared with IVUS, but provides satisfactory guidewire visualization. These tools may prove useful for advanced therapeutic procedures in the future.

Aged↗

Transvenous access to the pericardial space: an approach to epicardial lead implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous access to the pericardial space (PS) may be useful for a number of therapeutic modalities including implantation of epicardial pacing leads. We have developed a catheter-based transvenous method to access the PS for implanting chronic medical devices. METHODS: In eight pigs, a transseptal Mullins sheath and Brockenbrough needle were introduced into the right atrium (RA) from the jugular vein under fluoroscopic guidance. The PS was entered through a controlled puncture of the terminal anterior superior vena cava (SVC) (n = 7) or right atrial appendage (n = 1). A guidewire was advanced through the transseptal sheath, which was then removed leaving the wire in PS. The guidewire was used to direct both passive and active fixation pacing leads into the PS. Pacing was attempted and lead position was confirmed by cine fluoroscopy. Animals were sacrificed acutely and at 2 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: All animals survived the procedure. Pericardial effusion (PE) during the procedure was hemodynamically significant in four of the eight animals. At necropsy, lead exit sites appeared to heal without complication at 2 and 6 weeks. Volume of pericardial fluid was 10.8 +/- 6.2 mL and appeared normal in four of the six chronic animals. Moderate fibrinous deposition was observed in two animals, which had exhibited significant over-procedural PE. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the PS via a transvenous approach is feasible. Pacing leads can be negotiated into this region. The puncture site heals with the lead in place. Further development should focus on eliminating PE and performing this technique in appropriate heart failure models.

Animals↗

Improving the continuity of care following discharge of patients hospitalized with heart failure: is the discharge summary adequate?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the adequacy of the discharge summary in reporting important investigative results and future management plans in patients hospitalized and discharged with a diagnosis of heart failure. DESIGN: During a six-month period, all patient charts were identified and reviewed in which heart failure had been the most responsible discharge diagnosis. Trained, independent chart reviewers recorded predefined key aspects of the typed and handwritten discharge summaries including measurement of left ventricular function, utilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), management of risk factors, and instructions for follow-up treatment and appointments. SETTING: Single centre, tertiary care teaching hospital. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred and one patient charts meeting review criteria were identified. Eighty-two contained a typed (dictated) discharge summary and 82 contained a copy of a one-page preformatted but handwritten summary given to the patient at discharge with instructions to give to their primary care physician. Forty-one per cent of typed discharge summaries did not record any known evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Of patients with LVEF < or =40%, 34% were not prescribed an ACEI at time of discharge. Of these patients, a contraindication was documented in 26% but there was no documentation of a contraindication or reason in 24%. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy as the principal attributed cause of heart failure, 80% of discharge summaries had no specific instructions addressing modifiable risk factors. Follow-up instructions for family physician visits were not mentioned in 56% of typed discharge summaries. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial inadequacies exist in communicating to the community physician, at the time of discharge from an acute care teaching hospital, valuable patient management information of patients with heart failure. This may have implications for continuity of care and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Adult↗

Mitral valve aneurysm associated with aortic valve endocarditis and regurgitation.

Mitral valve aneurysms are rare complications occurring most commonly in association with aortic valve infective endocarditis. [Decroly 1989, Chua 1990, Northridge 1991, Karalis 1992, Roguin 1996, Mollod 1997, Vilacosta 1997, Cai 1999, Vilacosta 1999, Teskey 1999, Chan 2000, Goh 2000, Marcos- Alberca 2000] While the mechanism of the development of this lesion is unclear, complications such as perforation can occur and lead to significant mitral regurgitation. [Decroly 1989, Karalis 1992, Teskey 1999, Vilacosta 1999]; The case of a 69-year-old male with Streptococcus Sanguis aortic valve endocarditis and associated anterior mitral leaflet aneurysm is presented. Following surgery, tissue pathology of the excised lesion revealed myxomatous degeneration and no active endocarditis or inflammatory cells. This may add support to the hypothesis that physical stress due to severe aortic insufficiency and structural weakening, without infection of the anterior mitral leaflet, can lead to the development of this lesion.

Aged↗