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Prevalence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Heparin is ubiquitously used in cardiac catheterization but predisposes to the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The objective was to examine prospectively the prevalence of anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the population undergoing cardiac catheterization. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 500 consecutive patients presenting for cardiac catheterization at our institution who were enrolled over the course of 1 year. Anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and concurrent platelet counts were measured at catheterization and 5 days thereafter. Thrombotic complications were assessed 30 days after the procedure via telephone interview. All patients presenting for cardiac catheterization at our institution were screened. Inclusion criteria were (a) males and nonpregnant females with age >18 years and (b) patients scheduled to undergo cardiac catheterization. Patients with a known history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, with documented bleeding or hypercoagulability, and those at high risk for bleeding were excluded. RESULTS: Of 500 patients, 15 (3%) had anti-PF4/heparin antibodies before catheterization. After catheterization, the prevalence of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies increased to 10.1% (36 of 357) of the patients. Overall rates of thrombotic complications were low (4 of 445, 0.9%) and did not correlate with anti-PF4/heparin antibody status. Patients with an initial positive test for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies were more likely to have prior coronary disease (73.3% vs 45.2%; P < .05). Patients who developed anti-PF4/heparin antibodies after catheterization were more likely to have increased length of stay (3.7 vs 2.4 days; P = .02). The platelet count at the time of catheterization was lower in the cohort of patients who developed the second positive anti-PF4/heparin antibody test versus patients without a second positive antibody test (mean values of 191,800/microL vs 222,300/microL; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of antibodies to PF4/heparin is low in the population presenting for cardiac catheterization. However, a significant proportion of patients develop antibodies to PF4/heparin after a small exposure to heparin during catheterization. Clinically significant thrombotic complications were rare and did not correlate with antibody status.

Aged↗

In vivo cardiovascular catheterization under real-time MRI guidance.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that cardiac and coronary catheterization can be successfully performed under real-time MR guidance using a conventional x-ray angiographic catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac and coronary catheterization was conducted on eight farm pigs using a real-time True FISP sequence. A pigtail catheter was used for both left- and right-heart catheterizations performed on all eight animals, while an Amplatz or Judkins catheter was used for the right coronary catheterization that was attempted on five animals. The intravascular devices were visualized by means of their native susceptibility artifacts. For right coronary artery catheterizations, 25% diluted gadolinium (Gd) contrast material was injected to confirm engagement of the right coronary artery. RESULTS: Cardiac catheterization of both the right- and left-heart chambers was successfully performed in all eight pigs. In addition, right coronary catheterization was successfully completed in four of the five pigs in which it was attempted. The procedure time for cardiac catheterization was one minute, while the time range required for coronary catheterization was 32-91 minutes. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that MRI-guided cardiac catheterization using conventional X-ray angiographic catheters is feasible; however, coronary catheterization with this passive-tracking technique is limited.

Animals↗

Clean intermittent catheterization in spinal cord injury patients: a followup study.

A followup study on nonhospitalized spinal cord injury patients using clean intermittent catheterization was conducted to evaluate long-term clean intermittent catheterization for any genitourinary complications, and to institute and evaluate prompt management. A total of 50 patients (36 paraplegics and 14 quadriplegics) was followed for 3 months to 6.5 years (average followup 22 months). All patients had a baseline urodynamic study and renal scan before they were discharged from the hospital. Patients with a reflex bladder and sustained, high intravesical pressures (greater than 40 cm. water) were placed on anticholinergic medication to lower voiding pressures and maintain continence. Those on clean intermittent catheterization and condom drainage were also given alpha-blockers to achieve low pressure voiding and to control autonomic dysreflexia. Of 50 patients 43 (86%) acquired a total of 364 events of significant bacteriuria (10(4) or more colony-forming units per ml.) at a rate of 13.63 infections per 1,000 patient-days on clean intermittent catheterization. Subclinical symptoms for urinary tract infection were noted in 22 of the 43 patients (51%), whereas clinical symptoms for urinary tract infection were recorded in 16 of 43 (37%). These symptoms included fever in 8 patients, chills in 3, hematuria in 3 and flank pain in 2. There were 31 genitourinary complications in 21 patients noted during periodic diagnostic evaluations, with 6 classified as upper tract. Of 50 patients 4 (8%) required rehospitalization for urological problems. One patient died of questionable sepsis. Transurethral sphincterotomy was performed in 15 of the 50 patients (30%) and transurethral prostatectomy was done in 1 for multiple reasons, for example high intravesical voiding pressures, difficult catheterization, repeated symptomatic urinary tract infections or per patient request to discontinue clean intermittent catheterization. Of 7 patients who were catheterized by others 4 elected to discontinue long-term clean intermittent catheterization after an average of 13 months. Overall, 33 patients (66%) discontinued clean intermittent catheterization and 17 are still being followed on a long-term basis. Clean intermittent catheterization is a successful long-term option to drain bladders in spinal cord injury patients who can perform catheterization independently.

Adult↗

Cardiac catheterization of patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization while supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an important mechanical support for the failing circulation. There are diagnostic and therapeutic indications for cardiac catheterization in patients on ECMO, but no large series has been reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the indications and outcomes of patients catheterized on ECMO from a single, large pediatric tertiary care center. RESULTS: At our institution, 192 patients with cardiac disease have undergone a total of 216 courses of ECMO; 60 catheterizations were performed on 54 patients (28%). Indications for catheterization included assessment of surgical repair (21 patients), left heart decompression (12 patients), myocarditis/cardiomyopathy assessment (10 patients), non-post-operative hemodynamic assessment (8 patients), planned catheter-based interventions (6 patients), and arrhythmia ablation (3 patients). An intervention was undertaken either during or after 50 of the catheterizations (83%); 29 occurred at catheterization, 17 in the operating room (OR), and 4 both during catheterization and in the OR. Complications during catheterization were two myocardial perforations that were treated with pericardial drains (3%). Overall outcomes included successful decannulation of 39 patients, survival to hospital discharge of 26 (48%) patients, and longer-term survival of 23 (43%) patients (median follow-up, 35 months; range, 1 to 180 months). Fifteen patients were withdrawn from ECMO support due to severe neurologic impairment or lack of myocardial recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac catheterization can be performed safely on patients supported with ECMO. Catheterization during ECMO enables the diagnosis of residual lesions and can facilitate important therapeutic interventions.

Adolescent↗

Cerebral microembolism during cardiac catheterization and risk of acute brain injury: a prospective diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral microembolism detected by transcranial Doppler occurs systematically during cardiac catheterization, but its clinical relevance remains unknown. Studies suggest that asymptomatic embolic cerebral infarction detectable by diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI might exist after percutaneous cardiac interventions, especially after retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve in patients with valvular aortic stenosis, with a frequency as high as 22% of cases. We investigated the incidence of new ischemic lesions on serial cerebral DW MRI after cardiac catheterization. METHODS: This prospective study involved 46 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. To assess the occurrence of cerebral infarction, all patients underwent cerebral DW MRI and neurological assessment within 24 hours before and 48 hours after cardiac catheterization and retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve. A subgroup was monitored by transcranial power M-mode Doppler during cardiac catheterization to observe cerebral blood flow and track emboli. RESULTS: One patient had a focal diffusion abnormality on DW MRI before cardiac catheterization. After catheterization, we detected only 1 additional acute cerebral diffusion abnormality in a single case (2.2%), although cerebral microemboli were detected in all transcranial Doppler-monitored patients during cardiac catheterization, as expected. All patients remained asymptomatic. Based on these results a mid-point incidence of 5.9% (95% CI, 0.01 to 12.5) for abnormalities on DW MRI in asymptomatic cardiac catheterization patients in our center can be assigned. CONCLUSIONS: Unsuspected cerebral infarctions can be detected by DW MRI after cardiac catheterization, but this phenomenon remains unfrequent in our series. Further studies are needed to identify factors explaining the discrepancy between these results and those of previous studies.

Aged↗

Should all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty receive oxygen?

BACKGROUND: Supplemental oxygen is routinely administered to patients with acute coronary syndromes. The risk of significant morbidity during cardiac catheterization or coronary angioplasty has been well described; however, to our knowledge, the need for routine oxygen supplementation in these patients has not been investigated. METHODS: In phase 1, we prospectively studied 142 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization (n = 94) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (n = 48) to determine the incidence of procedure-related hypoxemia (pulse oximetry derived oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 90 percent of > 1 min duration) while breathing room air (RA). In phase 2, 134 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization (n = 78) or PTCA (n = 56) were randomly allocated to breathe either RA or supplemental oxygen (O2, 6 L/min by nasal cannula) to determine the effect of oxygen administration on procedure-related hypoxemia. Oximetry results were compared with pertinent clinical and procedural data that might predispose patients to develop hypoxemia. RESULTS: Phase 1--Moderate to severe hypoxemia occurred in 36 percent (34/94) of patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization and in 56 percent (27/48) of patients undergoing PTCA. In the diagnostic catheterization group, there were a total of 25 episodes of moderate hypoxemia (SpO2 85 to 89 percent) lasting 4.0 +/- 4.3 min and 11 episodes of severe hypoxemia (SpO2 < 85 percent) of greater duration, 11.7 +/- 7.5 min (p < 0.008). In the PTCA group, there were 24 episodes of moderate hypoxemia and six episodes of severe hypoxemia lasting 4.8 +/- 4.3 min and 8.2 +/- 3.8 min, respectively. A history of chronic lung disease was associated with hypoxemia (p < 0.05) in the diagnostic group. In addition, 11 patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization who had baseline SpO2 < 95 percent all developed hypoxemia during the procedure. In this subset of patients, there was a higher incidence of cigarette smoking (p = 0.02), chronic lung disease (p = 0.04), higher left ventricular diastolic pressure (p = 0.02), and lower ejection fraction (p = 0.002) when compared with the 83 remaining patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization with a baseline SpO2 > 95 percent. Phase 2--Oxygen therapy was associated with a reduction in the incidence of hypoxemia from 42 percent to 5 percent (RA vs O2, p < 0.001) in the diagnostic catheterization group and 39 percent to 11 percent (RA vs O2, p < 0.03) in the PTCA group. CONCLUSIONS: Significant hypoxemia is a common finding among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or angioplasty despite the absence of predictive risk factors. Severe and prolonged hypoxemic episodes occurred in 10 percent (14/142, phase 1) of patients breathing room air. Patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization with history of chronic lung disease or a baseline SpO2 < 95 percent are at high risk to develop moderate-severe hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy significantly reduced the incidence and severity of procedure-induced hypoxemia in both groups. Our data support the use of both pulse oximetry and oxygen supplementation in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and PTCA.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Utility of bedside bladder ultrasound before urethral catheterization in young children.

BACKGROUND: Urethral catheterization is the method of choice for obtaining samples for urine culture and urine analysis in infants. Before the procedure, there is little certainty of the presence or amount of urine in the bladder. Consequently, this relatively invasive and uncomfortable procedure often needs to be repeated. The newly available technology of portable ultrasound may be useful in reducing the number of unsuccessful procedures. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of bedside ultrasound of the bladder performed by pediatric emergency medicine physicians before catheterization in reducing the number of unsuccessful attempts. METHODS: A prospective, 2-phase study was performed in the setting of an urban pediatric emergency department from August 2003 to February 2004. Children who were between the ages of 0 and 24 months were enrolled. During the observation phase, the amount of urine obtained during the first catheterization was recorded for each patient. During the intervention period, a rapid bedside ultrasound of the bladder was performed by a pediatric emergency medicine physician immediately before urethral catheterization. When a sufficient amount of urine was seen, catheterization was conducted as usual. Otherwise, catheterization was deferred and repeated ultrasound was performed at 30-minute intervals until sufficient urine was identified. The amount of urine obtained was recorded. RESULTS: During the observation phase, 136 infants underwent urethral catheterization. Overall, the rate of success during the first attempt, defined as obtaining >2 mL of urine, sufficient for culture and other routine studies, was 72% (95% confidence interval: 66%-78%). A total of 112 subjects were enrolled during the intervention phase. Sufficient urine was identified on the first ultrasound in 76% (n = 85) of the patients. Among these, 98% (n = 83) underwent successful urethral catheterization during the first attempt. Among those in whom insufficient urine was identified initially (n = 27; 24%), subsequent ultrasound revealed sufficient amount in all patients within 90 minutes. Among these, 93% (n = 25) underwent successful urethral catheterization during the first attempt. Overall rate of success of initial urethral catheterization during the intervention phase was 96% (95% confidence interval: 93%-99%). Compared with the success rate during the observation phase, the differences were statistically significant. The results were consistent after being adjusted for gender. CONCLUSION: A rapid bedside ultrasound of the bladder performed by pediatric emergency physicians led to an increased success rate of urethral catheterization in children who were younger than 2 years. We were able to avoid repeated invasive testing with a simple noninvasive procedure.

Emergency Medicine↗

Pain in infants who are younger than 2 months during suprapubic aspiration and transurethral bladder catheterization: a randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Proper diagnosis of urinary tract infections depends on obtaining an uncontaminated urine sample for culture. Suprapubic aspiration and transurethral catheterization are the 2 recommended procedures for obtaining specimens for urine culture from young infants. The objective of the current study was to compare the pain that is experienced during these 2 procedures when performed in young infants. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Israel. Institutional Research Ethics Board approved the study. Infants who were 0 to 2 months of age and presented to the emergency department with fever and therefore required urine collection for culture were randomly assigned evenly into 2 sample collection groups: suprapubic aspiration or transurethral catheterization. Patients were excluded when they were born prematurely or had had a previous sepsis workup or other painful procedures or an anomaly of the urogenital system or abdominal wall. Eutectic mixture of local anesthetic cream that contained lidocaine and prilocaine was applied 1 hour before the procedure. The urethra was catheterized using a 5-Fr latex-free feeding tube that was lubricated with sterile water-soluble jelly that contained 2% lidocaine hydrochloride. Pediatric residents who were experienced with the procedures performed both suprapubic aspiration and transurethral catheterization. The parents were instructed to use any comfort strategies that they wished, including verbal or physical comforting and pacifiers. Pain during collection was assessed on a 100-mm visual analog scale by a nurse and a parent. In addition, the infant's upper part of the body was videotaped during the procedure. An investigator, who was blinded to the procedure, assigned a point score according to the Douleur Aigue du Nouveaune neonatal acute pain scale. For ensuring a successful blinding process, the following steps were taken. First, camera recording started 30 seconds before the procedure to prevent the possibility of distinguishing between the procedures on the basis of their duration. Second, the physician and the nurse were asked not to speak during the procedure to avoid revealing the nature of the procedure. Third, the person who videotaped the procedure watched the tape before it was analyzed to ensure the impossibility of identifying the procedure from the tape. The Student's t test was used to compare the groups. The primary outcome was the mean Douleur Aigue du Nouveaune score. Secondary outcomes were the mean visual analogue scale for pain as estimated by the parents and by the nurse. We estimated that 25 patients would be needed in each group to detect a difference in the mean Douleur Aigue du Nouveaune score of at least 2 points with a power of 80% and alpha of .05. RESULTS: The study was conducted between April 1, 2004, and April 30, 2005. Fifty-eight infants were recruited; 29 were randomly assigned to suprapubic aspiration, and 29 were randomly assigned to transurethral catheterization. Seven infants were excluded because of consent withdrawal (3 patients), because of technical difficulties during videotaping (3 patients), or because the child voided during the procedure (1 patient). Twenty-seven infants in the suprapubic aspiration group and 24 in the transurethral catheterization group completed the study. All male infants were circumcised. An adequate urine sample was obtained in 18 (66%) of 27 patients in the suprapubic aspiration group and in 20 (83.3%) of 24 in the transurethral catheterization group. The mean Douleur Aigue du Nouveaune score was significantly higher in patients who were randomly assigned to suprapubic aspiration compared with patients who were randomly assigned to transurethral catheterization (7 and 4.5, respectively). The differences in Douleur Aigue du Nouveaune score also were significant in a subgroup analysis of boys and girls. Mean visual analogue scale scores by parents was higher in the suprapubic aspiration group compared with transurethral catheterization (63 +/- 27 mm vs 46 +/- 26, respectively). Similarly, mean visual analogue scale scores by nurses was higher in the suprapubic aspiration group compared with transurethral catheterization (3 +/- 18 mm vs 43 +/- 25 mm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In infants who are younger 2 months, suprapubic aspiration is more painful than transurethral catheterization. Health professionals should consider these differences when choosing a method for obtaining a urine sample from young infants.

Crying↗

[Psychologic status comparison in patients treated with transradial or transfermoral approach coronary catheterizations].

OBJECTIVE: We previously showed that factorial score of somatization, which was obtained by the examination of symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90), was higher in patients received transfemoral coronary catheterization than norm. The aim of the present study was to compare the patient's psychologic status between transradial approach and transfemoral approach percutaneous coronary catheterizations. METHODS: A total of 198 inpatients (105 transfemoral, 93 transradial) underwent scheduled first time coronary catheterizations were enrolled. All patients were studied by symptom SCL-90 on present psychologic status 24 hours before and 24-48 hours after coronary catheterizations. RESULTS: Age, sex, weight, smokers, employment, educational background, marriage status, family relations, family history of cardiovascular disease, income and medical insurance status were similar between the two groups. There was also no difference in diabetes, hypertension history as well as coronary heart disease confirmed by coronary catheterization between the 2 groups. Compared with the status before the procedure, factorial scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, global severity index and total positive symptoms were significantly reduced after percutaneous coronary catheterizations (1.50 +/- 0.51 vs. 1.64 +/- 0.53, 1.50 +/- 0.48 vs. 1.67 +/- 0.55, 1.28 +/- 0.41 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.49, 1.42 +/- 0.43 vs. 1.55 +/- 0.53, 1.38 +/- 0.41 vs. 1.58 +/- 0.54, 1.32 +/- 0.35 vs. 1.44 +/- 0.41, 1.38 +/- 0.34 vs. 1.49 +/- 0.42, and 23.08 +/- 17.30 vs. 27.72 +/- 18.79, respectively, P all < 0.05). Scores on somatization, depression and positive symptom severity index were significantly lower in patients received transradial coronary catheterizations than those received transfemoral coronary catheterization approach (1.52 +/- 0.51 vs. 1.62 +/- 0.53, 1.43 +/- 0.54 vs. 1.54 +/- 0.43 and 2.36 +/- 0.66 vs. 2.50 +/- 0.43, respectively, P all < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients' psychologic status improved significantly after percutaneous coronary catheterizations. Improvement on psychologic status is significantly better in patients underwent transradial coronary catheterizations than that underwent transfemoral coronary catheterizations.

Aged↗

A prospective study of femoral versus subclavian vein catheterization during cardiac arrest.

Femoral vein catheterization has advantages over subclavian vein catheterization during cardiac arrest in that there is minimal interference to ongoing CPR. In addition, risks of subclavian catheterization are not a factor in femoral vein catheterization. Few studies have compared the success rate for catheterization of one site with that of the other during cardiac arrest. We conducted a prospective study to compare the success and complication rates for femoral with those of subclavian vein catheterization. Ninety-four patients undergoing CPR had either femoral or subclavian vein catheters placed during the course of the arrest. Catheter placement was verified by injection of radiopaque contrast material. We found that the success rate for femoral catheterization was 77% compared with a success rate of 94% for subclavian vein catheterization (P less than .05). There were no instances of pneumothorax with subclavian vein catheterization. There was no apparent learning curve leading to an increased success rate during the course of the study. We conclude that femoral vein catheterization should not be used except in those instances where attempts at peripheral and central venous cannulation are unsuccessful.

Aged↗

Clinical outcomes and utility of cardiac catheterization prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to characterize the outcomes of routine catheterization prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis and to determine if some patients were unlikely to benefit from catheterization and thus might be evaluated preoperatively with noninvasive methods alone. BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease patients with single ventricle physiology undergo routine echocardiography and cardiac catheterization prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis to determine anatomic and hemodynamic suitability for this procedure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all infants (n = 114) evaluated for potential superior cavopulmonary anastomosis at our institution from January 1997 to June 2000. RESULTS: Patients' median age was 5.5 months. Full echocardiograms were obtained in 79 patients (69%). At catheterization a total of 41 interventions were performed in 35 patients (31%). Twenty-seven patients (24%) were transfused, 18 patients (17%) required cardiac intensive care unit admission, and median length of stay following catheterization was 1 day (range 0 to 22). Complications occurred in 28 patients (25%), most transient. Of 51 patients who had complete echocardiograms without indication for catheterization, none subsequently had significant interventions and only 2 had new findings at catheterization. Three candidates were excluded from operation; all 111 others underwent successful procedures and survived to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions were frequent at catheterization prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, but transient complications, transfusion, intensive care unit admission, and prolonged hospital length of stay were common. For patients in whom no issues indicating need for catheterization are identified by echocardiogram, routine catheterization rarely results in new information or intervention. These patients may be more safely evaluated preoperatively using exclusively noninvasive techniques.

Adolescent↗

Race and sex differences in the refusal of cardiac catheterization among elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported race and sex differences in cardiac catheterization use after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is unclear whether race or sex differences in procedure refusal may contribute to this difference. We sought to determine whether cardiac catheterization refusal rates differ by patient race or sex. METHODS: We evaluated medical records of 74,745 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for AMI between January 1994 and February 1996 to ascertain refusal of cardiac catheterization during hospitalization. Patient race and sex were evaluated for their association with cardiac catheterization refusal adjusting for patient, physician, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: The cardiac catheterization refusal rate in the overall cohort was 2.92% (95% CI 2.80%-3.04%). Race and sex differences in cardiac catheterization were observed after multivariate adjustment, with white women (odds ratio [OR] 1.28), black men (OR 1.34), and black women (OR 1.37) more likely to refuse cardiac catheterization than white men (OR 1.00). Relative differences in refusal were associated with only modest absolute differences in risk-standardized rates of cardiac catheterization refusal; rates were lowest for white men (2.55%), and higher for white women (3.21%), black men (3.36%), and black women (3.38%, P <.001 for global comparison). CONCLUSIONS: Patient race and sex were associated with cardiac catheterization refusal among elderly patients hospitalized with AMI. However, absolute race and sex differences in rates of procedure refusal were small, suggesting that race and sex differences in cardiac catheterization refusal provide only a partial explanation of observed differences in cardiac procedure use.

Black or African American↗

Cerebral emboli during left heart catheterization may cause acute brain injury.

AIMS: Left heart catheterization carries a risk for cerebral complications. The aims of this prospective study were to determine the frequency and composition of catheterization-related cerebral microemboli and to detect cerebral morphological changes and acute cognitive impairment due to catheterization. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-seven unselected patients undergoing elective left heart catheterization, either by transradial or by transfemoral access, were monitored for cerebral microemboli using multifrequency transcranial Doppler. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and neuropsychological assessments were carried out on the day before and the day after catheterization. A median number of 754 cerebral microemboli were detected: 92.1% were gaseous and 7.9% were solid. New cerebral lesions were observed in 15.2% of the transradial, but none of the transfemoral, catheterization patients (P=0.567). These lesions were significantly associated with a higher number of solid microemboli (P=0.016) and a longer fluoroscopy time (P=0.039). There was also a significantly higher number of solid microemboli during transradial than during transfemoral catheterization (P=0.012). Cognitive impairment following the investigations was associated with the degree of pre-catheterization cerebral MRI injury (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: During left heart catheterization, cerebral microemboli, especially those which are solid, may damage the brain. Cardiac catheterization may therefore pose a greater risk for the brain than previously acknowledged.

Aged↗

Subclavian venous catheterization: greater success rate for less experienced operators using ultrasound guidance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if ultrasound guidance can be safely performed and improve success rates for subclavian venous catheterization performed by less experienced operators. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Twenty-bed trauma-surgical-medical intensive care unit in a 524-bed, community, tertiary care, teaching hospital. PATIENTS: After the decision for central venous cannulation was made, informed consent was obtained, and less experienced operators then attempted to insert subclavian catheters in 33 critical care patients. INTERVENTIONS: Catheter placements were attempted, either by landmark technique, ultrasound technique, or by landmark attempts with ultrasound salvage. Catheterization techniques to be used were randomized using a random number table. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-three placement procedures were attempted in 33 patients. One procedure was excluded from data analysis. Successful catheterizations, occurrence rates of complications, number of attempts, and number of catheter kits used were recorded. In the analysis, 52 catheterization procedures were studied. Twelve (44%) catheters were successfully placed from 27 attempts using the landmark technique vs. 23 (92%) successful catheterizations during 25 ultrasound procedures (p = .0003). Fifteen failed landmark technique attempts had ultrasound salvage attempted, with 12 (80%) catheters successfully inserted. Eleven complications (minor) occurred in 27 attempts of subclavian venous catheterization using conventional landmark technique vs. one complication (minor) in 25 attempts of subclavian venous catheterization with ultrasound guidance (p = .002). There were no major complications in either group. The landmark group required an average of 2.5 venipunctures and 1.4 catheter kits per attempted catheterization. The ultrasound group required an average of 1.4 venipuncture attempts and 1.0 insertion kit. The statistical significance in differences in groups for the average number of venipunctures was p = .0007 and average number of kits used was p = .0003. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound guidance improves the success rate of subclavian venous catheterization performed by less experienced operators. There were no major complications in either group. Ultrasound guidance is usually successful in allowing performance of subclavian venous catheterizations when landmark techniques fail.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

Transhepatic cardiac catheterization in children. Evaluation of efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: In some children with congenital heart disease, conventional venous access is unavailable for cardiac catheterization. This study investigates a novel transhepatic venous approach to cardiac catheterization in children and evaluates its efficacy and safety. METHODS AND RESULTS: Percutaneous transhepatic puncture was performed using a 22-gauge Chiba needle under fluoroscopic guidance. After wire exchanges were performed, a 5F to 8F sheath was positioned in the low right atrium and cardiac catheterization was performed. On completion of the catheterization, the sheath was withdrawn and a 3-mm steel coil was placed in the parenchymal tract between the hepatic vein and liver capsule. Liver enzyme studies were obtained before and after transhepatic catheterization, and an abdominal ultrasound was performed to evaluate the liver 24 hours after the procedure. Percutaneous transhepatic cardiac catheterization was performed successfully in 17 of 18 children in whom it was attempted. Patient age was 30 +/- 8 months (mean +/- SEM; range, 1 day to 9 years), weight was 10.5 +/- 1.5 kg (3.1 to 27.5 kg), and mean right atrial pressure was 10 +/- 1 mm Hg (5 to 19 mm Hg). Time from initial needle puncture to right atrial entry was 6.2 +/- 1.2 minutes. Diagnostic catheterization was performed successfully in all 17 children, and additional interventional procedures were performed in 5 children. The total catheterization time was 2.0 +/- 0.2 hours. Serum aspartate aminotransferase increased from 57 +/- 15 to 78 +/- 8 IU/L (P = .06), but alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase did not change. Ultrasound was performed 24 hours after transhepatic catheterization, and no evidence was found in any patient of hemorrhage or subcapsular hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that this novel transhepatic approach provides an effective and safe route for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization in children.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

The impact of federal regulations on urethral catheterization in Virginia nursing homes.

The 1990 Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act (OBRA) nursing home regulations limit the use of indwelling urinary catheterization to certain appropriate cases. This study examines the impact of OBRA on catheterization among 3149 pre-OBRA and 5073 post-OBRA Virginia residents. The two cohorts were similar in activities of daily living function and medical status, but the post-OBRA cohort was more incontinent. A higher percentage of residents were catheterized pre-OBRA than post-OBRA. Post-OBRA, catheterized residents were more likely to meet OBRA conditions for appropriate catheterization than noncatheterized residents, and less than 1% of long-term catheterized residents were catheterized inappropriately. Long-term catheterized residents had more urinary tract infections than short-term catheterized residents, however. Also, some nursing homes may substitute ostomies for catheters. Catheter use may no longer be a reliable indicator of quality of care at the nursing home level, if homes are minimizing catheterization in response to OBRA.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Impact of on-site cardiac catheterization on resource utilization and fatal and non-fatal outcomes after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patterns of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) strongly depend on the availability of on-site cardiac catheterization facilities. Although the management found at hospitals without on-site catheterization does not lead to increased mortality, little it known about its impact on resource utilization and non-fatal outcomes. METHODS: We identified all patients (n = 35,289) admitted with a first AMI in the province of Quebec between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1999 using population-based administrative databases. Medical resource utilization and non-fatal and fatal outcomes were compared among patients admitted to hospitals with and without on-site cardiac catheterization facilities. RESULTS: Cardiac catheterization and PCI were more frequently performed among patients admitted to hospitals with catheterization facilities. However, non-invasive procedures were not used more frequently at hospitals without catheterization facilities. To the contrary, echocardiography [odds ratio (OR), 2.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.93-2.16] and multi-gated acquisition imaging (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.32) were used more frequently at hospitals with catheterization, and exercise treadmill testing (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.15) and Sestamibi/Thallium imaging (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) were used similarly at hospitals with and without catheterization. Use of anti-ischemic medications and frequency of emergency room and physician visits, were similar at both types of institutions. Readmission rates for AMI-related cardiac complications and mortality were also similar [adjusted hazard ratio, recurrent AMI: 1.02, 95% CI, 0.89-1.16; congestive heart failure: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90-1.15; unstable angina: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.02; mortality: 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05)]. CONCLUSION: Although on-site availability of cardiac catheterization facilities is associated with greater use of invasive cardiac procedures, non-availability of catheterization did not translate into a higher use of non-invasive tests or have an impact on the fatal and non-fatal outcomes available for study in our administrative database.

Acute Disease↗

Bilateral cardiac catheterizations: the safety and feasibility of a superficial forearm venous and transradial arterial approach.

The transradial approach for left heart catheterization has become increasingly popular recently because of its clinical benefits. We examined the safety and feasibility of a transforearm approach for bilateral cardiac catheterizations, using the radial artery and a superficial forearm vein (the cephalic, basilic, or median antecubital vein). Between August 2002 and October 2003, 296 right heart catheterizations were performed in our hospital. A superficial forearm vein was used in one group of 101 patients, of which 98 had a concomitant left heart catheterization through the radial artery. The femoral vein was used for right heart catheterization in the second group of 195 patients. Of these patients, 37 underwent left heart catheterization through the radial artery and 157 through the femoral artery. All instances of bilateral catheterizations were successful except for one complication of pseudoaneurysm occurring in the transfemoral group. The procedure time for right heart catheterization was significantly less in the forearm group than the femoral group. The transforearm group had a larger proportion of males and of patients undergoing diagnostic right heart catheterization for congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Patients with aortic stenosis (AS), atrial septal defect (ASD), and mitral stenosis (MS) were mainly restricted to the transfemoral approach. We conclude that the transradial artery and superficial forearm venous approach for bilateral cardiac catheterizations is a safe and feasible alternative to the femoral approach in a wide range of patients, with the exception of patients with AS, ASD, or MS.

Adult↗