Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Anuradha Gudavalli.
Distal protection devices have reduced complications arising from distal embolization of atherosclerotic plaque. However, even while used as recommended, potential complications could arise. We report two cases in which the atherosclerotic plaque captured in the FilterWire EX tore through its filter membrane during the retrieval process.
A 54-year-old man with end-stage cirrhosis of the liver presented for evaluation of dyspnea. Intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting was suspected. Transthoracic echocardiography with agitated saline contrast injection from the right antecubital vein was performed. Late arrival of saline contrast bubbles in the left atrium by pulmonary veins leading to complete left heart opacification confirmed the diagnosis of significant intrapulmonary shunting. This case and images illustrate the use of agitated saline contrast in combination with transthoracic echocardiography for the diagnosis of intrapulmonary arteriovenous fistula.