Project description:BackgroundTranscatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using Watchman device has been demonstrated to be efficacious in decreasing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not suitable for long-term anticoagulation. Residual leaks are frequently encountered following LAAO procedures and their clinical implications and optimal management remain controversial.Case summaryIn this report, we describe a case of peri-Watchman device leak treated successfully with percutaneous device closure using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II device.DiscussionThe clinical implications of peri-device leaks remain controversial with general consensus to continue anticoagulation along with serial imaging for larger leaks (>5 mm). As an alternative strategy, percutaneous closure of these leaks has been attempted in hope of avoiding anticoagulation and minimizing the risk of stroke and should be studied further.
Project description:BackgroundHaemolytic anaemia is a complication of paravalvular leak (PVL). The correlation between the size of the leak and the severity of haemolysis is unclear. Small leaks can cause severe haemolysis, whereas significant leaks may cause no haemolysis.Case summaryWe report the case of a 40-year-old male who underwent mechanical mitral and aortic valve replacement 20 years ago. In the last 3 years, the procedure was repeated three times due to infective endocarditis. He presented with severe shortness of breath. A transoesophageal echocardiogram with three-dimensional surgical view showed that both discs of the mechanical mitral valve opened sufficiently but a severe PVL had occurred at the 9-12 o'clock position. The location of the mitral valve was abnormal, the sewing ring was inserted high at the mid-interatrial septum. The mechanical aortic valve functioned well. Closure of the transcutaneous PVL was accomplished with two percutaneously implanted devices, leaving a small leak in between. After closure, he developed haemolytic anaemia (haemoglobin: 6 g/dL, lactate dehydrogenase: 1896 units/L, reticulocyte count: 4.6%). He then received 16 units of packed red blood cells. He developed acute kidney injury and was started on haemodialysis. We then installed two additional devices to completely close the mild residual leak and another device to resolve the bidirectional transseptal defect. After 2 days, his renal function returned to normal and anaemia improved (haemoglobin: 9.1 g/dL).DiscussionMild residual paravalvular leak can cause severe haemolytic anaemia that is correctable via percutaneous closure of the leak.
Project description:Peroneus brevis tendon injury is the most common lesion of the peroneal tendons. The initial treatment is conservative, and surgical treatment is indicated if conservative treatment fails. It is often necessary to open the entire upper and lower retinaculum to obtain adequate visualization of the structures. We present a case in which the peroneus brevis tenodesis was used with the aid of tendoscopy. This technique should be used for patients with lesions affecting more than 50% of the tendon diameter. We found that, by making small incisions, the patient recovered well, quickly, with resolution of pain.
Project description:BackgroundInadvertent lead malposition (ILM) in the left ventricle (LV) via the subclavian artery is a rare complication during the insertion of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). If not identified, there is a risk of systemic thromboembolism. Transarterial pacing lead extraction often requires surgical removal and carries high risks of bleeding and thromboembolism, but percutaneous extraction has also been previously described.Case summaryA 71-year-old female presented with left homonymous hemianopia on Day 1 post-insertion of a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker (PPM). A computed tomography (CT) angiogram of the brain and aortic arch revealed an acute occlusion of a branch of the right posterior circulating artery (PCA) and a malpositioned pacing lead in the left subclavian artery. Urgent percutaneous removal of the transarterial lead using the retained wire technique was successfully performed.DiscussionInadvertent lead malposition in the arterial system is rare and often requires lead extraction due to systemic thromboembolic complications. The retained wire technique has been previously described for percutaneous transvenous lead extraction and exchange, but to our knowledge, we are the first to report utilizing this technique for transarterial lead extraction. Using a case report, we highlight the utility, safety, and effectiveness of the retained wire technique in extracting a malposition lead in the subclavian artery and LV.
Project description:Renal leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are extremely rare neoplasms with aggressive behaviour and poor survival prognosis. The most frequent somatic events in leiomyosarcomas are mutations in TP53, RB1, ATRX and PTEN genes, chromosomal instability and chromoanagenesis. By using chromosomal microarray analysis we identified monosomy of chromosomes 3 and 11, gain of Xp (ATRX) arm and three chromoanasynthesis regions (6q21-q27, 7p22.3-p12.1 and 12q13.11-q21.2), with MDM2 and CDK4 oncogenes copy number gains, whereas no CNVs or tumor specific SNVs in TP53, RB1 and PTEN genes were observed.
Project description:BackgroundMinimally invasive alternatives to surgical closure of cardiac perforations are a recognized need, especially in critically ill patients in whom predicted surgical mortality is prohibitive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an iatrogenic left atrium (LA) puncture closed with a plug-based vascular closure device (VCD).Case summaryDuring a palliative right-sided thoracentesis on a 73-year-old woman, with end-stage heart failure due to rheumatic valvular heart disease, an accidental puncture and insertion of a central venous catheter into an aneurysmatic LA occurred. This complication was successfully managed percutaneously, under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance, after cardiac computed tomography planning, using a plug-based VCD.DiscussionThis case demonstrates the possible utility of plug-based devices for iatrogenic LA perforation closure, when surgical risk is deemed prohibitive.
Project description:Background and Aims:GI perforations, leaks, and fistulas are types of full-thickness mural defects that frequently occur as adverse events from GI surgeries such as esophagectomy for malignancy and bariatric surgery. Historically, treatment has entailed a combination of reoperation, percutaneous drainage, and bowel rest. Recently, there has been a changing paradigm in the management of these defects. Endoscopic interventions, including endoclipping and placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs), have been increasingly used with good success. Despite this, some defects remain refractory to these techniques. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC) is a new, promising endoscopic approach to repairing these defects. EVAC works through applying continuous, controlled negative pressure at the defect with the use of an endoscopically placed polyurethane sponge connected to an electronic vacuum device. EVAC has been shown to be feasible, safe, and effective. Methods:We present a video series of 3 cases demonstrating the successful application of EVAC for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy and of fistula formation after bariatric surgery. Results:Two patients experienced anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and 1 patient experienced a chronic gastric fistula after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The gastric bypass patient's fistula failed to resolve with over-the-scope-clip placement, and all 3 patients' defects did not heal despite SEMS placement; therefore, EVAC was performed. The bariatric surgery patient required 9 sponge exchanges over 35 days, and the 2 esophagectomy patients each required 3 sponge exchanges over 13 days. All 3 patients had resolution of their defects with EVAC. No adverse events occurred, and all patients have had no recurrence for several months. Conclusions:These cases help to highlight the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EVAC for the closure of full-thickness GI defects. On the basis of our experience, the use of EVAC should be considered for these complex and refractory cases.