An off-the-shelf plasma-based material to prevent pacemaker pocket infection

Bacterial infection of subcutaneous “pockets” housing cardiovascular implantable electronic devices is a significant clinical complication. In this study, pacemakers encapsulated in a blood plasma-based material (PBM) composited with antibiotics were investigated for use as prophylactics against such infections. PBMs, which are made from pooled allogeneic plasma and platelets, are off-the-shelf biomaterials that can be manufactured in the form of complex 3D shapes, extrudable putties, or injectable pastes. In vitro studies with PBM pastes formulated with rifampicin and minocycline demonstrated antibiotic release over 6 days, activity against Escherichia coli, and reduced cytotoxic effects of the antibiotics on fibroblasts. The materials were also evaluated in vivo in a rabbit model in which pacemaker pockets were inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strain and examined 1 week later. The pockets containing the pacemaker plus S. aureus were grossly purulent and culture positive, whereas pockets into which PBM with antibiotics were injected around the pacemaker were free of purulence and culture negative (p < 0.001). None of the pockets into which PBM without antibiotics were placed demonstrated purulence, but 60% were culture positive. These results demonstrate the potential of PBMs to deliver antibiotics to diminish the incidence of pocket infections for pacemakers and other implantable devices.     

Utilization and Complications of Central Venous Access Devices in Oncology Patients

Purpose: To describe how central venous access devices (CVADs) are utilized for ambulatory oncology patients and to evaluate the rate of complications. Method: Single institution retrospective study of oncology patients with CVADs who received systemic treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC) between 1 January and 31 December 2018. Results: A total of 480 CVADS were placed in 305 patients, of which 408 (85%) were peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and 72 (15%) were implanted vascular access devices (PORTs). The incidence of early and late complications was 9% and 24%, respectively. For the entire cohort, the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 16%, of which 9% were CVAD-related thrombosis (CRTs) and 7% were distant VTE. The CRT rates were similar for PICCs and PORTs (9% vs. 7%). A total of 6% of CVADs were complicated by infection (i.e., localized infections and bacteremia), with a total infection rate of 0.43 and 0.26 per 1000 indwelling days for PICCs and PORTs, respectively. The incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) was greater for PICCs than PORTs, at a rate of 0.22 compared with 0.08 per 1000 indwelling days, respectively. The premature catheter removal rate was 26% for PICCs and 18% for PORTs. PORTs required more additional hospital visits. Conclusions: PICCs were utilized more frequently than PORTs and had a higher rate of premature removal. The rates of VTE and CRT were similar for both CVAD types. PORTs had a lower rate of infection per 1000 indwelling days. However, the management of PORT related complications required more visits to the hospital and oncology clinic.     

Successful Use of Surgically Placed Impella 5.0 and Central Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit in a Patient with Postcardiotomy Shock

The Impella 5.0, a percutaneously inserted left ventricular assist device, has been used to support patients who have severe heart failure or who are undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. We report our surgical placement of the Impella 5.0, through a graft sewn to the aorta, to unload the left ventricle of a 59-year-old man who was undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy shock. The patient underwent successful placement of a long-term left ventricular assist device before his discharge from the hospital. The versatility of the Impella 5.0 is exemplified in this patient who was successfully bridged to long-term support.     

腰硬联合镇痛及患者自控镇痛对产程及分娩结局的影响

目的 探讨腰硬联合(CSEA)及患者自控镇痛(PCEA)对产程及分娩结局的影响。方法 随机选取2014年1~12月足月待产、无妊娠合并症和并发症初产妇996例,其中503例产妇于活跃期实施CSEA+PCEA镇痛(分娩镇痛组),493例未行分娩镇痛(对照组),分别记录并比较两组产妇各产程时间、子宫收缩、镇痛效果、运动神经阻滞程度、产程中缩宫素的使用率、产后出血率、羊水Ⅲ度污染率、新生儿Apgar评分、产钳助产和剖宫产率。结果 分娩镇痛组第一产程、第二产程较对照组有所延长,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);第三产程无明显改变;子宫收缩力减弱;分娩镇痛组较对照组镇痛效果显著,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);运动阻滞程度低;缩宫素使用率、产后出血率、羊水Ⅲ度污染率、及新生儿Apgar评分及产钳助产和剖宫产率两组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 腰硬联合分娩镇痛可能会使第一产程、第二产程延长,对子宫收缩力有一定的影响,但并未增加缩宫素的使用率及产钳助产和剖宫产率,其镇痛效果显著,运动阻滞程度低,对分娩结局无不良影响。