Entanglement of a pigtail catheter by the chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve during pulmonary angiography

Two cases are presented in which a pigtail catheter was entrapped by the chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve during pulmonary arteriography. A technique for removal of the catheter from its entanglement by the chordae tendineae is described. Caution must be taken when advancing through the right ventricle a catheter that appears to be entrapped by the chordae tendineae. When such an entanglement occurs, measures to reduce the risk of rupturing a papillary muscle must be taken.     

A lower-lobe-seeking pulmonary artery catheter

The Grollman pulmonary artery catheter was modified by turning the pigtail downward to facilitate lower lobar catheterization with the femoral approach. The advantage of this tip configuration was obvious in the 30 cases in which it was attempted. The superiority of this catheter in traversing the tricuspid valve and in entering the right or left pulmonary artery with equal ease was also noted.     

The Hunter Pulmonary Angiography Catheter for a Brachiocephalic Vein Approach

The purpose of this work was to describe our experience in performing pulmonary angiography using the Hunter pulmonary catheter, manufactured by Cook, Inc., which is a modified 6F pigtail catheter with a "C-shaped" curve, designed for a brachiocephalic vein approach. One hundred twenty-three patients underwent pulmonary angiograms using the Hunter catheter between August 1997 and January 2002. Operator comments were gathered in 86 (70%) of the cases. The operator was, if possible, the most junior resident on the service. Thirty-nine operators participated in the survey. Efficacy, safety, and ease of use of the catheter were determined by operators' comments and ECG observations during the procedure. Corroborating clinical data were gathered from medical records. In 68 (79%) of the procedures that were commented upon, the operator described insertion into the pulmonary artery (PA) as easy; only 2 (2%) indicated difficulty in accessing the PA. In 41 (63%) of the bilateral angiograms that were commented upon, the operator described accessing the left PA from the right PA as easy; only 6 (9%) rated it as difficult and all were with an older technique in which the catheter was withdrawn to the pulmonary bifurcation without a wire or with only the soft tip of the wire in the pigtail and then rotated to the left main pulmonary artery. Thirty-one of the 41 patients who demonstrated premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) had a previous history of heart disease. Nineteen of the 39 patients who did not have PVCs had a history of heart disease (p = 0.018). The maneuverability and shape of the Hunter catheter make pulmonary angiography an easy procedure, even for operators with minimal experience and limited technical proficiency. PVCs demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with a positive patient history for cardiac disease, rather than being a universal risk.     

超声检查胎儿肺动脉瓣缺如的临床分析

目的探讨产前超声诊断胎儿肺动脉瓣缺如的临床价值。方法回顾性分析8例经引产后尸检证实的肺动脉瓣缺如胎儿的声像图资料及尸检结果,总结其声像图特征及病理改变。结果 8例胎儿右室流出道切面均显示主肺动脉扩张与肺动脉瓣环狭窄,呈"沙漏状"征象,无肺动脉瓣叶回声及启闭活动,其中5例主肺动脉及左、右肺动脉呈瘤样扩张;彩色多普勒均显示肺动脉瓣口往返的五彩镶嵌血流信号,频谱多普勒显示肺动脉瓣口全收缩期湍流和全舒张期反流频谱。8例肺动脉瓣缺如胎儿中3例伴发法洛四联症,2例伴发三尖瓣闭锁、右心发育不良,伴发右室双出口、三尖瓣下移畸形各1例,1例为孤立性肺动脉瓣缺如。伴发法洛四联症及右室双出口的4例胎儿均显示室间隔缺损、动脉导管缺如,另4例胎儿室间隔完整并显示动脉导管。结论产前超声诊断胎儿肺动脉瓣缺如具有重要临床价值,应注意其合并症的诊断。     

孤立性右心室发育不全的影像学诊断

目的 评价孤立性右心室发育不全的影像学诊断价值。方法 本组共７例,均经手术病理证实,术前作了心血管造影、超声心动图、２例做了ＭＲＩ检查。结果 ７例右心室心腔变小,小梁部缺如,右心室流入部缩短。肺动脉发育正常,心房间有交通（继发孔房间隔损和卵圆孔未闭（,其中４例三尖瓣发育正常,３例三瓣口狭小,结论右心室造影和超声心动图在诊断孤立性右心室发育不全中可以互相补充充,ＭＲＩ是辅助手段。     

A new method of imaging the right ventricle using peripheral vein infusion of xenon 127

We report the development of a new method for obtaining right ventriculograms using the peripheral intravenous infusion of a new tracer, 127Xe dissolved in saline. This tracer has a half life of 36 days, emits 172 keV and 203 keV photons, and is completely cleared by the lungs during pulmonary transit. The right ventricle can therefore be imaged free from interfering activity in the systemic circulation. The technique was used in 11 normal subjects and the results compared with those obtained using first pass and gated equilibrium blood pool angiography with 99mTc. Excellent images of the right ventricle were obtained and the tricuspid and pulmonary valve planes could be easily identified. This imaging technique has significant advantages over existing methods for the noninvasive assessment of right ventricular function.     

Fragmentation of massive pulmonary embolism by pigtail rotation catheter: possible complication

Fragmentation by pigtail rotation catheter may be a therapeutic option in acute massive pulmonary embolism, especially in patients with high risk of right ventricular failure. We report a patient with an occlusion of the right intermediate pulmonary artery by a large embolus, slightly protruding into the perfused right upper lobe artery. After initial catheter fragmentation, part of the embolus dislocated and produced an additional occlusion of the upper lobe artery. Hemodynamic parameters deteriorated. Continuation of catheter fragmentation finally provided for a hemodynamic stabilization and partial recanalization. Inadvertent occlusion of a major pulmonary arterial branch by dislocated embolus material may be considered as a complication of catheter fragmentation, which can be successfully managed by continuation of the fragmentation therapy.     

A new method of imaging the right ventricle using peripheral vein infusion of xenon 127

We report the development of a new method for obtaining right ventriculograms using the peripheral intravenous infusion of a new tracer, ¹²⁷Xe dissolved in saline. This tracer has a half life of 36 days, emits 172 keV and 203 keV photons, and is completely cleared by the lungs during pulmonary transit. The right ventricle can therefore be imaged free from interfering activity in the systemic circulation. The technique was used in 11 normal subjects and the results compared with those obtained using first pass and gated equilibrium blood pool angiography with ^99mTc. Excellent images of the right ventricle were obtained and the tricuspid and pulmonary valve planes could be easily identified. This imaging technique has significant advantages over existing methods for the noninvasive assessment of right ventricular function.     

Massive tricuspid regurgitation identified on renal flow scintigraphy.

A Tc-99m glucoheptonate renal flow study performed in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency and worsening congestive heart failure demonstrated evidence of massive tricuspid regurgitation, with activity appearing in a markedly dilated inferior vena cava within 4 seconds of the tracer bolus entering the right ventricle. Autopsy subsequently confirmed the scintigraphic findings, demonstrating an incompetent tricuspid valve secondary to immobilization of the posterior leaflet as a result of adhesions from a longstanding right ventricular pacemaker wire.     

Modified technique for percutaneous transfemoral pulmonary angiography

Percutaneous transfemoral pulmonary arteriography was easily performed in 175 patients with a newly modified Grollman catheter developed to facilitate catheter passage through the tricuspid valve without a tip deflector. No significant catheter-related complications occurred. This simple technique allowed rapid and safe access to the pulmonary arteries.     

超声心动图在肺动脉栓塞诊断中的价值

目的探讨超声心动图在肺动脉栓塞诊断中的应用价值。方法对临床综合检查而诊断的肺动脉栓塞37例患者,进行经胸超声心动图检查,着重观察右房、右室、肺动脉及其分叉、下腔静脉等处,测量三尖瓣返流速度,估测肺动脉压力,观察肺动脉频谱形态的变化,测量肺动脉峰值流速、加速时间、射血时间等。结果右心系统内可见活动或附壁实质性中低等回声。右房、右室增大,主肺动脉及分支增宽,右室壁增厚,运动幅度减低。右心功能减低,下腔静脉增宽,三尖瓣可见不同程度的返流,肺动脉压增高,肺动脉频谱形态见特征性的“指拳征”。肺动脉频谱加速时间及射血时间缩短。结论超声心动图在诊断肺动脉栓塞中具有重要的临床意义,可提高诊断的正确率。     

Ebstein's anomaly of tricuspid valve: critical review of roentgenological features and additional angiographic signs.

The plain roentgenographic and angiocardiographic features of 15 patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve were reviewed. Of note on the plain roentgenogram was the fact that the "posterior bulge" seen on the lateral view was demonstrated to be due to either a markedly enlarged right atrium or the posterior displacement of normal left heart structures. The angiocardiographic features described in the literature were reviewed. Two main features seen were the "sail-like" appearance of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, which sometimes produces a tumor like picture, and the 2 notches seen when the ventricle contracts. One notch corresponds to the true tricuspid annulus. The other represents the site of attachment of the displaced tricuspid valve. The previously undescribed features were noted: (a) all three leaflets could sometimes be identified; (b) fenestrations in the anterior leaflet were demonstrated in 5cases; and (c) the sinus portion of the ventricle was sometimes filled in a retrograde fashion from the infundibular chamber.     

双腔右心室95例的外科治疗

目的总结双腔右心室(DCRV)的诊断和外科治疗经验。方法回顾性分析近10年收治的DCRV95例,其中男56例,女39例,年龄1～48岁。单纯DCRV13例,合并其他心脏畸形82例,其中合并室间隔缺损56例。采用右房和右室漏斗部联合切口57例,单纯右房切口8例,单纯右室漏斗部切口30例。结果肌隔型61例,肌束型34例。全组无手术死亡。术前超声心动图误诊为VSD 15例,误诊为PS 3例,均于术中探查确诊。结论单纯DCRV少见,以合并VSD多见。多普勒超声心动图对诊断有较高价值,但也有较高的误诊和漏诊率。术中探查很重要,应常规探查三尖瓣和肺动脉瓣。采用右室切口更有利于右室流出道狭窄的彻底解除。     

Transbrachial approach for aortic and selective supraaortic vessel catheterization using a safe and easy technique to reform the Simmons II catheter tip.

A total of 286 patients (158 outpatients) were examined by intra-arterial DSA in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease using a transbrachial approach. In all cases a 5F introducer sheath, a 5F pigtail catheter for aortic arch injection and a 5F Simmons II catheter for selective catheterization were used. Excellent demonstration of aortic arch and supraaortic arteries (including intracranial circulation) was obtained (92.2-100%). The complication rate was favorable, with only one major complication (thrombosis of an axillary artery). The use of an introducer sheath minimizes local complications and vessel wall damage during catheter exchange. Aortic arch injection must always be performed prior to selective catheterization. The results of selective catheterization prove the suitability of the Simmons II catheter, whose typical shape was easily and safely obtained using the configuration of the pigtail catheter and a 180 cm long guide wire for catheter exchange. Using the technique as described, the transbrachial approach is a safe and easy way for optimal vascular evaluation in cerebrovascular disease, especially useful in outpatients.     

Roentgenology of tetralogy of Fallot

If the patient is cyanotic and has EKG evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy, tetralogy can be suggested from the plain chest film. The characteristic plain film findings are a slightly enlarged heart with an elevated apex, a prominent aorta, an inconspicuous pulmonary artery and decreased pulmonary vascularity. Helpful associated findings are a right aortic arch and disproportionate decrease in left pulmonary vascularity. If the heart is large, an additional anomaly, especially atrial defect, should be suspected.

Angiography is often needed to distinguish tetralogy from pseudotruncus, truncus, transposition, single ventricle and double outlet right ventricle. Angiography is vital for alerting the surgeon to the anatomy of the obstruction.

Obstruction to right ventricular outflow may be demonstrated at any one or combination of five levels: the infundibulum, pulmonary valve, valve ring, main pulmonary artery or left pulmonary artery.     

Management of visceral interventional radiology catheters: a troubleshooting guide for interventional radiologists.

Visceral interventional radiology catheters can be difficult to exchange or remove for a variety of reasons. These reasons include exit of the guide wire through the side holes of the catheter, blockage of the catheter, difficulty unlocking the pigtail, retention of the string after catheter removal, migration of the string ahead of the guide wire, catheter fracture, and snaring of an adjacent stent by the pigtail. Secure fixation of the catheter to the skin is important. A technique that allows secure fixation without direct puncture and suturing of the catheter to the skin is recommended. If a catheter falls out or is inadvertently removed, access can occasionally be regained and the catheter can be replaced without repuncture. The timing of catheter removal is based on the clinical condition of the patient and the daily output from the catheter. "Tractography" is a useful study before removal of any catheter that requires a mature tract for removal, particularly cholecystostomy catheters and transpleural catheters. In biliary catheter exchange, the most vital issue is the position of the side holes of the catheter. If an abscess cavity remains large after catheter drainage, the catheter can be repositioned or a second catheter can be placed.     

Angiocardiography after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot using large homograft arteries.

Postoperative angiocardiographic findings were examined in eight patients whose pulmonary artery was reconstructed using an aortic or pulmonary homograft with valve. Apparent dilatation of the outflow tract of the right ventricle was seen in three patients. Only four showed valve mobility, with function judged almost normal in two of them. Calcification in a valve was not seen. The pulmonary trunk showed three directional patters, and stenosis was clearly observed in two cases. calcification of the pulmonary trunk was seen in only one case. The most difficult problem in the reconstruction of the pulmonary artery is the high incidence of pulmonary stenosis.     

“Balloon valvulotomy” of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis with tricuspid valve insufficiency

The rare congenital anomaly of pulmonary valve stenosis and massive tricuspid valve insufficiency with intact ventricular septum is a lethal condition without reported survival after attempted treatment. In a neonate suffering from this syndrome, the pulmonary valve stenosis was relieved by rupturing the fused valve with a balloon catheter introduced transvenously. The desperate conditon of the patient quickly improved after this procedure, with subsequent disappearance of the tricuspid valve incompetence. Balloon rupturing of fused valves at angiography may represent a therapeutic alternative in cases in which surgical valvulotomy is associated with a high mortality.     

犬全腔静脉肺动脉连接术动物模型的建立

为改进全腔静脉肺动脉连接术（TCPC）动物模型的手术方法和探讨术后血液动力学变化，采用Y型人造血管分别与上、下腔静脉及主肺动脉行端侧吻合，结扎腔静脉吻合口近心端，术后予羟乙基淀粉代血浆维持肺动脉在20mmHg，测量血流动力学指标。结果表明，所有实验犬均耐受手术，平均存活时间为14h，最长达5天，术后血流动力学指标保持相对稳定，心排量、平均主动脉压、右／左肺血流量比值与肺血管阻力均成显著负相关。本实验在非体外循环、心脏跳动下进行，且不缝闭三尖瓣和肺动脉瓣，避免了心内操作，方法简便，术后存活时间长，有助于对TCPC术后血流动力学改变的深入研究。     

Left ventricular function evaluation using radionuclide methods in the intensive coronary care unit

We describe an adapted first-transit (FT) technique to perform left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurements on patients with Swan-Ganz catheters in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). The radionuclide is introduced directly into the right pulmonary artery through the catheter. High-quality images of the left ventricle are obtained owing to minimal activity in the right ventricle and left lung. LVEF measurements obtained by FT compared well with measurements obtained from gated blood pool studies (r = 0.91) but gave consistently lower values. The adapted FT method improves LVEF determination and left-ventricular wall motion evaluation in the ICCU patient.