Complication rate of diagnostic carotid angiography performed by interventional cardiologists

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate of diagnostic carotid angiography performed by interventional cardiologists and compare it to previously published data. Background: Percutaneous treatment for carotid artery stenosis is increasingly being performed. Previously published data describes the complication rate of diagnostic carotid angiography performed by radiologists and vascular surgeons, yet the information regarding interventional cardiologists is sparse. Currently in the United States, interventional cardiologists perform a great deal of diagnostic carotid angiograms. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done on 333 patients who underwent diagnostic carotid angiography at a single medical center from January 2000 to February 2007. Medical records were reviewed for cardiovascular risk factors, indications for the procedure, angiography technique and in‐hospital complications. Complications were categorized as neurological and non‐neurological. Neurological complications were further grouped into transient (<7 days) or permanent. Non‐neurological complications were grouped into major (requiring additional treatment) or minor. Results: Three hundred and thirty‐three patients underwent 347 diagnostic carotid angiograms. Twelve (3.5%) complications occurred in 12 patients. No cerebral vascular accidents occurred and only one (0.3%) transient ischemic attack occurred. Two patients required blood transfusions following the index procedure yielding a major non‐neurological complication rate of 0.6%. Review of the literature revealed a transient neurological complication rate from 0 to 2.4% and a major non‐neurological complication rate of 0.26–4.3%. Conclusions: Neurological and non‐neurological complication rates for carotid angiograms performed by interventional cardiologists are low and compare well with the literature. Interventional cardiologists can safely perform diagnostic carotid angiography with low complication rates. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Thromboembolic cerebral ischaemic attack complicating cardiac catheterization. Successful local thrombolytic therapy with reduced dose rt-PA

Cerebral ischaemia caused by thromboembolism is a possible complication of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization. In this case report we describe the diagnostic steps and successful treatment strategy in the management of a patient who suffered from cerebral ischaemia during cardiac catheterization. Initial CT scanning to exclude cerebral haemorrhage was followed by angiography through the cardiac catheterization sheath in the right femoral artery. Occlusion just before the intracranial bifurcation of the right internal carotid artery was found and local thrombolysis given with a reduced dose of 34 mg rt-PA. The subsequent angiogram showed restored perfusion in the affected vessel after completion of thrombolytic therapy and resolution of neurological symptoms.     

Thromboembolic cerebral ischaemic attack complicating cardiac catheterization Successful local thrombolytic therapy with reduced dose rt-PA

Cerebral ischaemia caused by thromboembolism is a possible complication of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization. In this case report we describe the diagnostic steps and successful treatment strategy in the management of a patient who suffered from cerebral ischaemia during cardiac catheterization. Initial CT scanning to exclude cerebral haemorrhage was followed by angiography through the cardiac catheterization sheath in the right femoral artery. Occlusion just before the intracranial bifurcation of the right internal carotid artery was found and local thrombolysis given with a reduced dose of 34 mg rt-PA. The subsequent angiogram showed restored perfusion in the affected vessel after completion of thrombolytic therapy and resolution of neurological symptoms.     

Stroke complicating cardiac catheterization--a preventable and treatable complication

Stroke is a rare but serious complication of cardiac catheterization. Due to the low incidence of stroke complicating catheterization of the left heart, there is no clearly defined optimal treatment. With increasing numbers of diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures being performed, definitive management pathways for periprocedural neurological complications need to be defined. Many studies have shown excellent results with both thrombolytic and catheter-based neurovascular rescue, but equal attention should be paid to identify measures to prevent this iatrogenic complication. It is also imperative that management decisions be taken jointly by the cardiologist and stroke physician. We review the literature regarding the features of ischemic stroke complicating cardiac catheterization, the various management modalities and suggest a management protocol.     

Organization of cardiovascular nuclear medicine units

Progress in the development of cardiovascular nuclear medicine can be accelerated by close cooperation between cardiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in the planning, performance and interpretation of diagnostic tracer studies. The special needs of patients with acute cardiovascular disorders often require supplementation of the hospital's central nuclear medical facility with one or more satellite units in or near the coronary care unit, cardiac operating suite, postoperative intensive care unit or emergency room. Newly emerging noninvasive cardiac diagnostic laboratories should be equipped to perform certain nuclear medicine procedures. Selected nuclear diagnostic procedures also can provide useful supplemental information during cardiac catheterization and angiography.     

Catheter‐based anatomic and functional assessment of coronary arteries in anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery,myocardial bridges and Kawasaki disease

Most diagnostic testing in patients with anomalous aortic origins of coronary arteries, myocardial bridges, and coronary artery changes after Kawasaki disease are performed with the use of noninvasive techniques. In some cases, however, further diagnostic information is needed to guide the clinician in treating these patients. In such instances, cardiac catheterization with invasive anatomic and functional testing is an invaluable tool. Moreover, interventional treatment in the cardiac catheterization laboratory may be performed in a small subset of these patients. As the diagnosis of these conditions is now becoming more common, it is important for pediatric interventional cardiologists to be familiar with these techniques. In this article, the role of angiography, intravascular ultrasound, fractional flow reserve, and optical coherence tomography in these patients is reviewed.     

Acute stroke intervention for acute embolic procedural strokes performed by cardiologists

Acute ischemic stroke is a feared complication during cardiovascular procedures associated with high morbidity and mortality if not immediately recognized and treated. We conducted a review of cases at our center where patients experienced an acute, procedure-related ischemic stroke and underwent immediate endovascular stroke treatment by the interventional cardiologists trained in acute endovascular stroke intervention. Baseline demographics, procedural and follow-up data were collected. Three patients were identified in whom the percutaneous procedure (peripheral arterial intervention, transapical NeoChord [NeoChord Inc, Minnesota, USA] implantation and transcatheter aortic valve implantation, respectively) was complicated by an acute embolic ischemic stroke. In all cases, cerebral vessel re-canalization was technically successful with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) IIB/III flow. Follow-up computed tomography scans showed no infarct demarcation, oedema or intracranial hemorrhage. One patient survived with no neurological symptoms at 6-month follow-up whereas the two other patients died of unrelated intensive care complications and decompensated heart failure. We conclude that endovascular stroke treatment during cardiovascular interventions can be performed by interventional cardiologists with appropriate training. It offers the unique opportunity to treat cerebral embolization in a time-efficient manner, potentially improving morbidity and mortality of affected patients.     

Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology on requirements and equipment in hemodynamic and interventional cardiology]

In the last 20 years the work performed in catheterization laboratories has changed greatly, and while also taking the diagnostic aspects also into account, interventional cardiology has acquired an important role. Work in the catheterisation laboratory has evolved from only diagnostic studies of cardiac anatomy and function, and evaluation of potential surgical candidates, to interventional procedures mainly based on catheters techniques. As new diagnostic and interventional procedures are now available, human and technical requirements of the catheterization laboratory have changed. The aim of this report is to make an update of the requirements needed to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.     

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of establishing a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) program for acute ischemic stroke in a community hospital using interventional cardiologists working closely with neurologists.BackgroundAmerican Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2018 guidelines give a Class I (Level of Evidence: A) recommendation for MT in eligible patients with large vessel occlusion stroke. Improvement in neurological outcomes with MT is highly time sensitive. Most hospitals do not have trained neurointerventionalists to perform MT, leading to treatment delays that reduce the benefit of reperfusion therapy.MethodsAn MT program based in the cardiac catheterization laboratory was developed using interventional cardiologists with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction teams.ResultsForty patients underwent attempted MT for acute ischemic stroke. An additional 5 patients who underwent angiography did not undergo attempted thrombectomy, because of absence of target thrombus (n = 4) or unsuitable anatomy (n = 1). Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score prior to MT was 19 and at discharge was 7. TICI (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction) grade 2b or 3 flow was restored in 80% of patients (32 of 40). At 90 days, 55% of patients (22 of 40) were functionally independent (modified Rankin score ≤2). In-hospital mortality was 13% (5 of 40). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 15% of patients (6 of 40). Major vascular complications occurred in 5% of patients (2 of 40).ConclusionsMT can be successfully performed by interventional cardiologists with carotid stenting experience working closely with neurologists in hospitals lacking formally trained neurointerventionists. This model has the potential to increase access to timely care for patients with acute ischemic stroke.     

Feasibility and safety of transradial artery approach for selective cerebral angiography.

The transradial artery (TRA) approach is a conventional means of diagnostic cardiac catheterization and catheter-based coronary intervention. However, to our knowledge, the safety and feasibility of cerebrovascular angiographic studies using the TRA approach for patients with brain ischemia has not been reported. This study investigated whether the TRA approach using 6 Fr Kimny guiding catheter for both extracranial and intracranial angiographies is safe and effective for patients with a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or significant carotid stenosis. From February 2003 to June 2004, a total of 46 consecutive patients with an age range from 50 to 83 years were enrolled into the study. The retrograde engagement technique that involved lopping the guiding catheter was utilized. Outpatient carotid angiography was performed in 40% of the study patients. The overall procedural success (defined as completely evaluating both carotid and vertebral arteries and intracranial vessels) was 93.5% (n = 43) using the Kimny guiding catheter. Significant cerebrovascular stenosis (> 50%), including carotid artery in 52.2% (n = 24), vertebral artery in 15.2% (n = 7), and intracranial major artery in 15.2% (n = 7), was found in 82.6% of the patients. Notably, 17 (37.0%) of these patients with severe carotid stenosis (> or = 70%) required staged carotid stenting. Concomitant vertebral artery stenting was performed in four (8.7%) patients because of severe stenosis (> or = 70%) of these vessels. Two patients experienced transient dizziness (duration < 30 min) following the procedure. TRA approach for selective cerebral angiography is safe and feasible in patients with a history of brain ischemia.     

全脑血管造影术中主动脉弓形态学的分析

目的 分析全脑血管造影术中主动脉弓分支的变异、畸形情况及不同年龄患者主动脉弓的变化情况.方法 连续纳入774例行脑血管造影术的患者,均经股动脉置管,行主动脉弓造影及其分支动脉的超选择造影,分析主动脉弓分支的变异和畸形情况.分析年龄因素对Myla分型、主动脉弓上各分支呈锐角、头臂干发自主动脉弓上升段以及主动脉弓上分支迂曲情况的影响.结果 ①共发现异常主动脉弓78例,占10.08%（78/774）.其中主动脉弓变异68例,占8.79%（68/774）;主动脉弓畸形10例,占1.29%（10/774）.②随年龄的增长,Myla 型主动脉弓的比例降低.MylaⅡ型和MylaⅢ型主动脉弓的比例增加.③随年龄的增长,头臂干、左侧颈总动脉和左侧锁骨下动脉的锐角发生率逐渐增加,头臂干发自主动脉弓上升段的比例升高.④随年龄的增长,主动脉弓上分支无迂曲的发生率逐渐降低,轻、中、重度迂曲的发生率逐渐升高.⑤该组患者主动脉弓上各分支造影成功751例,失败23例,其中因主动脉弓变异5例,因主动脉弓畸形1例,因高龄、弓上分支角度小或血管严重迂曲17例.结论 应充分掌握异常复杂主动脉弓的解剖学和影像学表现.结合其他三维血管成像技术,使脑血管造影术及介入治疗更加安全有效.     

冠心病合并缺血性脑血管病患者一站式完成心脑血管介入治疗的可行性研究

目的探索对冠心病合并缺血性脑血管病患者行一站式介入治疗的可行性。方法对首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院通州院区2019年2月至2020年1月收治的符合条件的冠心病合并缺血性脑血管病患者进行一站式心脑血管造影检查,然后经心血管和脑血管介入团队共同讨论决定介入治疗策略和方案,完成介入治疗。分析所有患者的临床资料、手术资料、随访结果。主要终点是院内和随访期内主要不良心脑血管事件(包括死亡、心肌梗死和卒中的复合事件)发生率。次要终点是主要终点中的任何一个(心肌梗死、卒中、死亡)及对比剂肾病、再入院。结果共入组30例患者,全部行一站式造影检查。其中,19例行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗,18例行脑血管介入治疗,包括13例同时行经皮冠状动脉和脑血管介入治疗者。共计一站式介入手术41次,其中一站式完成冠状动脉和脑血管介入治疗13次。所有患者治疗手术成功率为100%,住院期间和随访1~12个月内无主要不良心脑血管事件发生。2例患者再入院,包括1例股动脉并发症和1例肺部感染,均经治疗好转出院。结论一站式完成心脑血管介入治疗的模式可行,有较好的有效性和安全性,在有条件的医院可以推广开展。     

Contemporary management of acute lower extremity ischemia following percutaneous coronary and cardiac interventional procedures using femoral access--a case series and discussion.

New onset of acute lower extremity ischemia following percutaneous coronary and cardiac interventional procedures using femoral access is an important clinical entity that requires emergent assessment to determine the precise etiology and institute appropriate therapy. We report four cases of this clinical event from our catheterization laboratories that serve to highlight the most frequent etiologies, the importance of immediate diagnostic angiography, and the potential for endovascular techniques to effectively manage this complication.     

Trained and supervised physician assistants can safely perform diagnostic cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography.

Using a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, we sought to compare the outcomes of procedures performed by supervised physician assistants (PAs) with those performed by supervised cardiology fellows-in-training. Outcome measures included procedural length, fluoroscopy use, volume of contrast media, and complications including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia requiring defibrillation or pacemaker placement, pulmonary edema requiring intubation, and vascular complications. Class 3 and 4 congestive heart failure was more common in patients who underwent procedures by fellows compared with those undergoing procedures by PAs (P = 0.001). PA cases tended to be slightly faster (P = 0.05) with less fluoroscopic time (P < 0.001). The incidence of major complications within 24 hr of the procedure was similar between the two groups (0.54% in PA cases and 0.58% in fellow cases). Under the supervision of experienced attending cardiologists, trained PAs can perform diagnostic cardiac catheterization, including coronary angiography, with complication rates similar to those of cardiology fellows-in-training.     

亚急性期脑梗死患者全脑血管造影致脑栓塞的危险因素分析

目的探讨亚急性期脑梗死患者数字减影全脑血管造影(DSA)致脑栓塞的可能危险因素。方法 327例亚急性期脑梗死患者行全脑DSA,手术前后24h内行头颅MRI+弥散加权成像(DWI)检查,收集其临床和实验室资料。根据头颅MRI+DWI结果分为栓塞组65例和非栓塞组262例。比较2组差异筛选可能的危险因素,进一步行logistic回归分析致脑栓塞的独立危险因素。结果头颅MRI+DWI提示脑栓塞65例,其中有症状19例,无症状46例;logistic回归分析显示,年龄≥65岁、空腹血糖≥11.1mmol/L、纤维蛋白原≥5.0g/L、颈动脉斑块、Ⅲ型主动脉弓、手术操作时间≥30min是脑栓塞的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论高龄、高纤维蛋白原水平、颈动脉斑块和Ⅲ型主动脉弓、血糖控制不佳及手术时间操作过长的亚急性脑梗死患者行全脑DSA易发生脑栓塞,临床上对该类高危患者必须加以重视,慎重筛选造影患者。     

Relationship of Von Willebrand Factor with carotid artery and aortic arch calcification in ischemic stroke patients

BackgroundLarge population studies have revealed that increased von Willebrand Factor (VWF) levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. In previous studies VWF was associated with atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. However, it is yet unknown what the association is between atherosclerosis and VWF levels in patients with ischemic stroke.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to determine the association of atherosclerosis, measured with recent developed techniques, and VWF levels in a large, well characterized, cohort of ischemic stroke patients and to determine the prognostic value.MethodsWe included 925 consecutive patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke. Calcification volumes (mm³) were scored in the aortic arch and both carotid arteries using multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography. VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) levels were measured using ELISA.ResultsMean VWF:Ag levels were significantly higher in the presence of calcification in either the aortic arch (1.47 vs. 1.37 IU/ml [P = 0.039]) or the carotid arteries (1.49 vs. 1.34 IU/ml [P = 0.001]). Patients with a large artery atherosclerosis ischemic stroke had significantly higher VWF:Ag levels then the other TOAST subtypes (P < 0.0001). High VWF:Ag levels were associated with an unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2 vs. ≤2; 1.64 vs. 1.41 IU/ml, [P < 0.0001]).ConclusionOur study showed a strong association between the extent of atherosclerosis in both the aortic arch and the carotid arteries and VWF levels in patients with TIA or ischemic stroke. Higher VWF levels are found in large artery atherosclerosis and are associated with a poor outcome.     

Significance of selective carotid angiography during complete cardiac catheterization in patients candidates to combined aortic valve and carotid surgery

AIM: Association of aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with carotid artery disease (CD) constitutes a high risk clinical setting for combined surgery. Carotid angiography is still considered the gold standard for carotid artery imaging, but its use is confined in cases of dubious or inconclusive sonographic examination. Despite the widespread use of ultrasonography, selective angiography may be practical in patients undergoing complete routine cardiac catheterization for AVS due to characteristic abnormalities in flow velocity pattern due to aortic valve stenosis. The present retrospective study aims to estimate the feasibility and role of carotid angiography during complete routine cardiac catheterization in the assessment of CD associated with AVS in patients candidates for combined surgery, in whom Doppler ultrasonography was inconclusive. METHODS: In agreement with cardiac and vascular surgeons, patients aged >60 years, presence of risk factors, and inconclusive Doppler ultrasonographic examination underwent selective carotid artery angiography during complete cardiac catheterization. The angiographic and clinical records of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty patients (male/female 28/32, mean age 64.5+/-10.6 years) underwent carotid angiography during left and right catheterization. Optimal visualization of carotid trunk anatomy and morphology was achieved in all patients. Forty-one patients (68.3%) had no carotid artery atherosclerotic involvement, whereas 4 (6.6%) had low grade CD. Fifteen patients (8.3%, male/female: 7/8, mean age 70+/-10.4 years) were diagnosed with critical stenosis of one (14 patients) or both (1 patients) internal carotid arteries. The mean lesion degree was 77.1+/-2.1%. Culprit plaques, bifurcation lesion and occlusion have been discovered in 6.6%, 20%, and 26.6% of patients, respectively. Two arterial spasms (3.3%), and no intrahospital complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In highly selected patients with combined CD and AVS and inconclusive Doppler ultrasonographic examination, selective carotid angiography during heart catheterization is safe, acceptably time-consuming and it may give an optimal anatomical picture of CD.     

Cortical blindness after coronary angiography: A rare but reversible complication

Transient cortical blindness is a recognized complication after vertebral and cerebral angiography but is a rare event after cardiac angiography. The development of cortical blindness appears to be an adverse reaction to the contrast agent which results in an osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier which appears to be selective for the occipital cortex. Patient outcome appears to be generally favorable with return of vision within 24–48 hr. This study describes three patients who had transient cortical blindness after cardiac catheterization and reviews what is known about this unusual problem.     

Immediate catheterization laboratory management of acute femoral artery occlusion due to a vascular closure device

Acute limb ischemia due to vascular closure devices is an infrequent complication. However, its incidence is increasing because the use of these devices has become commonplace after cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty. It is therefore important for interventional cardiologists to be acquainted with the knowledge and cognitive skills of managing this complication in the catheterization laboratory. The present report describes a strategy to manage this complication in a cardiac catheterization laboratory that is not equipped with standard fluoroscopic equipment for peripheral interventions.     

Aortic arch plaque in stroke

Patients with severe aortic arch plaque are at high risk for stroke. This article addresses the complex nature of the association between aortic arch plaque and stroke. The aortic arch plaque poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. The different imaging modalities currently available for evaluating aortic plaque are discussed. Therapy to prevent emboli from aortic plaque is not yet established. Retrospective data in patients with severe aortic plaque support using oral anticoagulation and statins to prevent stroke. Iatrogenic embolization can occur as a result of aortic manipulation during invasive vascular procedures or cardiovascular surgery. The risks and benefits of these procedures must be carefully weighed, and alternate approaches should be considered for patients with severe aortic arch plaque. Assessing aortic arch plaque combined with a specific prevention strategy may reduce the risk of its feared complication, stroke.