Utility of cardiac catheterization in pediatric cardiac patients on ECMO

Management of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation in the Perioperative Period: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

To derive systematic review-informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the management of children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) undergoing invasive procedures or interventions developed by the Pediatric Anticoagulation on ECMO CollaborativE (PEACE) Consensus Conference.

DATA SOURCES

A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

ECMO anticoagulation and hemostasis management in the perioperative period and during procedures.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. Seventeen references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. Four good practice statements, 7 recommendations, and 18 consensus statements are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Although agreement among experts was strong, important future research is required in this population for evidence-informed recommendations.

Cardiac Catheterization During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

Cardiac catheterization can affect clinical outcomes in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after congenital heart surgery; however, its effect in this group of patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and outcome of cardiac catheterization in patients undergoing ECMO after congenital cardiac surgery and determine predictors that influence successful weaning. This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients who underwent cardiac catheterization while on ECMO after congenital heart surgery in two cardiac centers between November 2012 and February 2020. Predictors of successful weaning from ECMO were studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of 123 patients on ECMO support after congenital cardiac surgery, 60 patients underwent 60 cardiac catheterizations (31 diagnostic and 29 interventional). Thirty-four (56.7%) and 22 patients (36.7%) underwent successful decannulation from ECMO support and survived after hospital discharge, respectively. Patients who underwent earlier catheterization (within 24 h of ECMO initiation) had more successful weaning from ECMO and survival compared to others. Patients who underwent an interventional procedure (interventional catheterization or redo cardiac surgery after cardiac catheterization) had better survival than those who underwent only diagnostic catheterization (P = 0.038). Shorter durations of ECMO was the most important predictor of successful weaning from ECMO. Early cardiac catheterization greatly impacts successful weaning from ECMO and survival. Patients with correctable lesions amenable either by catheterization or redo surgery are more likely to survive. Shorter durations of ECMO could have a significant influence on successful weaning from ECMO and survival.

Residual Lesion Diagnostics in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Its Outcomes

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of diagnostic procedures in identifying residual lesions during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on survival after pediatric cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and December 2017, 74 patients required postcardiotomy ECMO. Patients were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: Group I underwent only echocardiography ([echo only] 46 patients, 62.2%) and group II (echo+) underwent additional diagnostic tests (ie, computed tomography [CT] or cardiac catheterization; 28 patients, 37.8%). Propensity score matching was used to balance the 2 groups by baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Two equal groups (28 patients in each group) were formed by propensity score matching. Fourteen (50%) patients in the echo-only group and 20 (71%) patients in the echo+ group were successfully weaned from ECMO (P = .17). Four (14.3%) patients survived in the echo-only group and 15 (53.5%) patients survived in the echo+ group (P = .004). Patients in the echo+ group had a lower chance of dying compared to the echo-only group (odds ratio, 0.14.6; 95% CI, 0.039-0.52; P = .003). The residual lesions, which may have served as a mortality factor, were found by autopsy in 8 (40%) patients in the echo-only group, while none were found in the echo+ group (P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

The autopsies of patients who died despite postcardiotomy ECMO support showed that in 40% of cases that had been investigated by echo only, residual lesions that had not been detected by echocardiography were present. The cardiac catheterization and CT during ECMO are effective and safe for identifying residual lesions. Early detection and repair of residual lesions may increase the survival rate of pediatric cardiac patients on ECMO.

Cardiac catheterization addressing early post-operative complications in congenital heart surgery-a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Cardiac catheterization after congenital heart surgery may play an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with a complicated or unusual post-operative course. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of cardiac catheterization performed in the early post-operative period following congenital heart surgery. All patients who underwent cardiac catheterization after congenital heart surgery during the same admission of cardiac surgery from November 2015 to May 2018 were included in the study.

RESULTS

Thirty procedures were performed for 27 patients (20 interventional and 10 diagnostic). The median age of the patients was 15 months (15 days to 20 years), median weight was 8.2 kg (3.4 to 53 kg), and median time from surgery was 3 days (0-32 days). Eleven procedures were performed for 11 patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The main indications for catheterization included the inability to wean from ECMO (10 procedures) and cyanosis (10 procedures). Interventional procedures included angioplasty using stents (10 procedures, success rate of 90%), angioplasty using only balloons (2 procedures, success rate of 50%), and occlusion for residual shunts (8 procedures, success rate of 100%). No mortality was recorded during any procedure. Vasoactive-inotropic score had significantly decreased 48 h after catheterization when compared to pre-catheterization scores (p = 0.0001). Moreover, 72% of patients connected to ECMO support were successfully weaned from ECMO after catheterization. Procedural complications were recorded in 3 interventional procedures. Survival to hospital discharge was 55.5% and overall survival was 52%. Patients on ECMO support had a higher mortality than other patients.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac catheterization can be performed safely in the early post-operative period, and it could improve the outcome of the patient (depending on the complexity of the cardiac lesions involved).

Accessing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits to perform emergent interventional cardiac catheterisation

Cardiac catheterisation in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may reveal new information leading to modification of a therapeutic plan and correction of newly recognised or residual lesions. Complications associated with cardiac catheterisation during ECMO are not uncommon and often related to the access site. We report a straightforward technique for accessing the ECMO circuit to perform an emergent cardiac catheterisation in two patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome decompensated after Norwood I, due to presumed systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt obstruction.

Catheterization Performed in the Early Postoperative Period After Congenital Heart Surgery in Children

The aim of this study was to describe pediatric patients who underwent early postoperative cardiac catheterization after congenital heart surgery, their clinical indications, findings, interventions, and complications in a cardiovascular center. A descriptive retrospective study was performed. All catheterizations performed within 6 weeks after congenital heart surgery between January 2004 and December 2014 were reviewed. We analyzed 101 early postoperative catheterizations. They were performed on median postoperative day five (IQR: 0-39); the median age was 64 days (IQR: 22-240). The most common diagnoses were single ventricle (53%), left heart obstruction (12%), and tetralogy of fallot or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (11%). Most common indications were persistent cyanosis (53%), low cardiac output (24%), and residual defect on echocardiogram (20%). Most frequent findings during the catheterization were pulmonary artery stenosis (29%), surgical conduit obstruction (12%), and coarctation or hypoplasia of the aorta (11%). Forty-six (45%) procedures involved intervention. Most frequent interventions were pulmonary artery, aorta, and Blalock-Taussig fistula angioplasty with or without stent implantation. There were adverse effects in 11 cases (11%), and 30-day mortality was 28% (28 patients) with the majority unrelated to the catheterization directly. Although early postoperative catheterizations are high-risk procedures, they are currently a very good option to solve acute problems in critically ill patients. This study provides relevant information for a better understanding and approach to this complex group of patients.

Efficacy of catheter interventions in the early and very early postoperative period after CHD operation

BACKGROUND

Catheter interventions for residual lesions in the early postoperative period after CHD operations are still not established as a reliable treatment option.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our institutional experience of cardiac catheterisations and catheter interventions performed in the early postoperative period. We classified our patients into two groups. The "hyper" acute phase group - operation to cardiac catheterisation of ⩽7 days - and acute phase group - operation to cardiac catheterisation from 7 to 30 days.

RESULTS

Of the 47 patients, catheter interventions were performed in 38 patients (81%). The success rate of the intervention was 96% in the acute phase group and 90% in the "hyper" acute phase group. The overall success rate was 95%. There were two self-limited complications in the acute phase group, but not in the "hyper" acute phase group. There were four cases of catheter interventions performed for a newly reconstructed aortic arch, and those procedures were also safe and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac catheterisations and catheter interventions were safe and effective not only in the early postoperative period but also in the very early postoperative period. Catheter interventions for the left-sided heart in the early postoperative period were also safe and effective.

Early Cardiac Catheterization Leads to Shortened Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Run Duration

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac catheterization in patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has previously been shown to be safe and, in many cases, therapeutic. However, the influence of cardiac catheterization on clinical outcomes in this patient population has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

A single institution, retrospective review of all pediatric cardiac ECLS patients who underwent cardiac catheterization between January 2006 and September 2015 was performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-two interventional cardiac catheterization procedures were performed on 74 patients. Catheterization findings directly led to catheterization-based or surgical intervention in 54 (73%) patients. One (1.2%) catheterization-related complication occurred (pulmonary artery rupture), which ultimately resulted in death. Patients who underwent early catheterization (≤72 hours of ECLS initiation) required shorter total duration of ECLS than patients who underwent catheterization >72 hours after ECLS initiation (136 hours vs. 227 hours, P < 0.01). The groups experienced similar rates of interventions based on catheterization findings (72% early cath vs. 74% late cath, P = 0.81). Survival to hospital discharge was higher in the early catheterization group (74% vs. 51%, P = 0.04). In multivariate models adjusting for covariates, early catheterization was associated with a reduction in ECLS duration by approximately 150 hours (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac catheterization is safe in pediatric ECLS patients and an earlier catheterization is associated with shorter duration of ECLS and improved hospital survival. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization should be considered in patients who remain dependent on ECLS after several days of support.

Impacts of early cardiac catheterization for children with congenital heart disease supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Cardiac catheterization is often required for patients on extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) support, though its efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of catheterization on successful ECMO weaning.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study from 2000 to 2014. Patients with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization while on cardiac ECMO support were included. Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test were performed to determine predictors for successful weaning and patient outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-nine catheterizations in 47 patients with the median age of 65 days (range: 1 day-12 years) and the median body weight of 4.2 kg (range: 1.9-32.7 kg) were included. Median duration between ECMO cannulation and catheterization was 1 day (range: 0-11 days). Thirty-three patients (70%) succeeded in decannulation and 24 patients (51%) survived to hospital discharge. Absence of renal (P = 0.045) and respiratory complications (P = 0.031) were significant prognostic factors for successful weaning in multivariate analysis. Patients who received catheterization within 48 hr after ECMO cannulation demonstrated less respiratory complications (P = 0.006) and better survival at 30 days after ECMO initiation (P = 0.039) than those who underwent later catheterization. There was no mortality; however, nine major catheterization-related complications (18%) were detected.

CONCLUSION

Catheterization for pediatric patients on ECMO support can be performed, although this group contained high risk of serious adverse events. The absence of ECMO complications is a predictor for successful weaning. An earlier catheterization appears to be associated with better short-term survival in this cohort. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Elective ECMO support for pulmonary artery stent placement in a 4.9-kg shunt-dependent patient

Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is traditionally used to emergently manage respiratory and/or cardiovascular failure, ECMO can also support cardiorespiratory function in nonemergent settings. Here we present the elective use of ECMO to support a 4.9-kg pediatric patient undergoing a complex percutaneous catheter-based intervention.

Outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

The aim of the study is to explore the indications for cardiac catheterization while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and the various catheter interventions performed as well as assess the safety profile and determine the short- and intermediate-term survival. ECMO is a lifesaving intervention for pediatric patients with respiratory and/or cardiovascular failure. There is limited recent literature discussing the survival and outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization while on ECMO. A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing catheterization while on ECMO from 2004 to 2013 was performed. Thirty-six patients who underwent 40 cardiac catheterizations were identified. Indications for catheterization included hemodynamic/anatomic assessment of postoperative (16) and non-operative patients (7), planned catheter interventions (CI) (12), and cardiomyopathy assessment (5). CI were performed during 18 (45 %) catheterizations, including stenting of vessels/surgical shunts (9), balloon atrial septostomy (4), device closure of septal defects/vessels (3), thrombolysis of vessels (2), endomyocardial biopsy (2), and temporary pacer wire placement (1). Unexpected diagnostic information was found in 21 (52 %), and 13 patients were referred for surgical intervention. Successful decannulation was achieved in 86 % of patients. Survival to discharge was 72 % and intermediate survival was 69 % (median = 29 months). Survival was 88 % (15/17) among patients who underwent CI. There were six procedural complications (15 %); five vascular and one non-vascular. There were no complications related to patient transport. Cardiac catheterization and interventions while on ECMO are safe, with a survival to discharge of 72 %. Diagnostic information obtained from catheterization leads to management decisions which may impact survival.

Percutaneous left atrial decompression in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac disease

OBJECTIVES

Left atrial decompression using cardiac catheterization techniques has been described at centers with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation programs. Left atrial decompression can decrease cardiogenic edema, minimize ventricular distension, and allow myocardial recovery. We describe Boston Children's Hospital's experience with percutaneous left atrial decompression techniques, acute outcomes, and clinical impact of left atrial decompression in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

SUBJECTS

Patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation undergoing percutaneous left atrial decompression were identified and assigned to two groups 1) myocarditis/suspected myocarditis or 2) nonmyocarditis cardiac disease.

INTERVENTIONS

Three techniques including vent placement, static balloon dilation, and stent implantation were used.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Change in left atrial pressure and severity of pulmonary edema on chest radiography pre and post procedure, impact of timing and technique of left atrial decompression on resolution of left atrial hypertension, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survival were evaluated. Furthermore, we evaluated the presence of residual atrial septal defect during follow-up. Percutaneous left atrial decompression was performed in 44 of 419 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cases (10.5%) and was frequently used for myocarditis (22 of 44 patients; 50%). Techniques included 25 vents, 17 static balloon dilations, and two stents. All techniques were equally successful and significantly reduced left atrial pressure and pulmonary edema. Survival to hospital discharge was not associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration prior to left atrial decompression, change in left atrial pressure, or technique used. Persistent atrial septal defect was noted in five surviving patients (excluding transplant recipients and deceased), two required closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Left atrial decompression can be performed effectively in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using various percutaneous techniques. Reduction in pulmonary venous congestion is usually evident by chest radiography within 48 hours of intervention. Persistent atrial septal defect may require closure at the time of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation or during long-term follow-up.

Cardiac catheter procedures during extracorporeal life support: a risk-benefit analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a valuable tool for situations in which cardiac disease acutely threatens the life of a child. Residual anatomic lesions have a strong negative influence on survival when ECLS is used after cardiac operations. Accurate diagnostic information is essential, and although noninvasive studies are preferred (eg, echocardiography and thoracic computed tomographic angiography), they are not always logistically practical nor adequate in complex situations under the loading and nonpulsatile flow conditions of ECLS.

METHODS

We analyzed our experience (February 2009 to August 2012) with cardiac ECLS for 59 children. Of the 59 children, 22 (median age and weight 19.5 days and 4 kg) with advanced cardiac dysfunction had catheter studies performed during support.

RESULTS

The 22 patients had 28 studies, without major adverse events relating to the procedure or transport. Problems leading to further therapeutic procedures (catheter based seven, hybrid two, or surgical eight) were discovered in 17 of the 22 patients. For 22 catheterized patients, total time on ECLS, weaning probability, and survival to discharge were 151.6 ± 122.6 hours, 81%, and 68%, respectively, similar to that for the 37 cardiac support patients not requiring catheter studies during support (P = 0.94, 0.37, and 0.59, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Assuming that undiscovered anatomic and/or hemodynamic issues would have had a strong negative influence on survival, we may conclude that the risk-benefit ratio was positive and favorable. Catheter studies during ECLS are safe and should be performed expeditiously when diagnostic questions cannot be resolved by noninvasive means.

Residual lesions in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and clinical outcomes of residual lesions in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was undertaken at a pediatric heart institution. Postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving ECMO support within 7 days of surgery during the past 7 years (2005-2011) were studied. A hemodynamically significant cardiac lesion on ECMO support that required intervention to decannulate successfully was defined as a residual lesion. Demographic data, complexity of cardiac defect, surgical data, indications for ECMO, echocardiographic findings, and cardiac catheterization results were studied. Evaluation of residual lesions based on duration of ECMO support, interventions undertaken, and clinical outcomes were also examined.

RESULTS

Residual lesions were evaluated in 43 of 119 postoperative patients placed on ECMO support. Lesions were detected in 35 patients (28%), predominantly in branch pulmonary arteries (n = 10), shunts (n = 7), and ventricular outflow tracts (n = 9). Echocardiography detected 7 residual lesions (20%) and cardiac catheterization detected 28 residual lesions (80%). Earlier detection of residual lesions during the first 3 days of ECMO support in 24 patients improved their rate of decannulation significantly (P = .004) and survival to hospital discharge (P = .035), compared with later detection (after 3 days of ECMO support) in 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Residual lesions are present in approximately one-quarter of postoperative cardiac surgery patients requiring ECMO support. All postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients unable to be weaned off ECMO successfully should be evaluated actively for residual lesions, preferably by cardiac catheterization imaging. Earlier detection of residual lesions and reintervention are associated with improved clinical outcome.

Percutaneous left-heart decompression during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an alternative to surgical and transeptal venting in adult patients

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often applied for acute cardiorespiratory failure. Left ventricular distension can compromise recovery of the failing heart. To overcome this complication, we describe a new technique to decompress the left heart through the insertion of a venting cannula in the pulmonary artery. A 43-year-old woman was connected to ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock after left pneumonia and severe sepsis. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a large intraventricular clot. A 15F venous cannula was placed percutaneously in the pulmonary artery and connected to the venous limb of the ECMO circuit to decompress the left heart, and to prevent left ventricular ejection and potential embolization. After myocardial recovery, when the thrombus was judged as stable, the patient was weaned, and ECMO was removed on day 16. The patient was discharged from the cardiac surgery intensive care unit on day 30 and subsequently had an uneventful recovery. This new percutaneous approach represent a feasible and effective method to vent the left heart during ECMO, when it becomes necessary to reduce wall tension or to prevent ejection.

Intrahospital transport of children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: indications, process, interventions, and effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate indications, process, interventions, and effectiveness of patients undergoing intrahospital transport. Critically ill patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are transported within the hospital to the radiology suite, cardiac catheterization suite, operating room, and from one intensive care unit to another. No studies to date have systematically evaluated intrahospital transport for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING

Cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who required intrahospital transport between January 1996 and March 2007 were included and analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 57 intrahospital transports for cardiac catheterization and head computed tomography scans were analyzed. In 14 (70%) of 20 of patients with cardiac catheterization, a management change occurred as a result of the diagnostic cardiac catheterization. In ten (59%) of 17 patients, bedside echocardiography was of limited value in defining the critical problem. In the interventional group, the majority of transports were for atrial septostomy. In the head computed tomography group, significant pathology was identified, which led to management change. No major complications occurred during these intrahospital transports.

CONCLUSIONS

Although transporting patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is labor intensive and requires extensive logistic support, it can be carried out safely in experienced hands and it can result in important therapeutic and diagnostic yields. To our knowledge, this is the first study designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of intrahospital transport for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Extra-corporeal life support following cardiac surgery in children: analysis of risk factors and survival in a single institution

OBJECTIVE

Application of extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) following pediatric cardiac surgery varies between different institutions based on manpower availability and philosophy towards ECLS utilization. We examined a large single institution experience with postoperative ECLS in children aiming to identify outcome predictors.

METHODS

Hospital records of all children who required postoperative ECLS at our institution were reviewed. Patients' demographics, cardiac anatomy, surgical and ECLS support details were entered into a multivariable regression analysis to determine factors associated with survival.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2007, 180 consecutive children, median age 109 days (range: 1 day-16.9 years), required postoperative ECLS. Sixty-nine children (38%) had undergone palliative treatment for single ventricle pathology. ECLS support was required for failure to separate from cardiopulmonary bypass (n=83) or for postoperative low cardiac output state (n=97). Forty-eight patients (27%) received rescue extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during active chest compression for refractory cardiac arrest. Under ECLS support, 37 patients required surgical revision and 20 received orthotopic heart transplantation. One hundred and nine patients (61%) survived >24h following ECLS discontinuation and 68 (38%) were discharged alive. Hospital survivors required shorter ECLS support duration compared to non-survivors (median 3 vs 5 days, respectively, p=0.05) however survival occurred after up to 16 days of ECLS support. ECLS indication (OR: 0.85 for failure to separate from bypass vs postoperative low cardiac output 95% CI (0.47-1.56), p=0.62) and rescue ECMO (OR: 0.63 for rescue ECMO vs not 95%CI (0.32-1.24), p=0.18) were not associated with risk of mortality. In a multivariable logistic regression model, neurological complications (p=0.0007), prolonged ECLS duration (p=0.003), repeat ECLS requirement (p=0.02), renal dysfunction (p=0.04) and not performing heart transplantation (p=0.04) were significant factors for hospital death.

CONCLUSION

ECLS plays a valuable role in children with low cardiac output state following cardiac surgery. More than one third of those patients, including young neonates, older children, patients with single ventricle, or those requiring rescue ECMO can be salvaged. Although prognosis worsens with prolonged ECLS duration, survival can be noted up to 16 days of support. Heart transplantation is often an important ECLS exit strategy and should be considered early in selected children. Patients' survival could improve if renal and neurological complications are avoided.

Decompression of the left atrium during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a transseptal cannula incorporated into the circuit

OBJECTIVES

When extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in the setting of severe myocardial dysfunction, left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial pressure can rise to extremely high levels. Decompression of the left atrium in this setting is essential for resolution of pulmonary edema and recovery of left ventricular function. We sought to evaluate whether adequate left atrial decompression can be achieved via percutaneous placement of a transseptal left atrial drain incorporated in the ECMO venous circuit.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care center pediatric intensive care unit and cardiac catheterization laboratory.

PATIENTS

Seven patients (age 8 months to 28 yrs) with cardiac failure on venoarterial ECMO with left atrial hypertension.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent left atrial decompression with transseptal puncture and placement of a drain (8- to 15-Fr) incorporated into the ECMO venous circuit. Catheterization and ECMO records and echocardiograms were reviewed, as were the clinical course and outcome for each patient.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The median time from ECMO cannulation to left atrial decompression was 11 hrs. Average initial left atrial pressure was 31 mm Hg. Successful drain placement was achieved in seven patients with no major procedural complications. Echocardiographic improvement in left atrial dilation was achieved in five patients (71%). Inability to decompress the left atrium was fatal in two patients. Four patients were decannulated (57%), and three survived to hospital discharge (43%). Larger sheath size and higher flow rate correlated with a greater likelihood of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate decompression of the left atrium can be achieved by transseptal placement of a left atrial drain incorporated into the ECMO circuit. This technique represents a reasonable alternative to blade or balloon atrial septostomy for patients requiring left atrial decompression.

Transcatheter techniques in the management of perioperative vascular obstruction

The role of transcatheter intervention for the treatment of vascular obstruction is well documented in the preoperative or remote postoperative settings. More recently, the roles of angioplasty and stent implantation have been advocated as intraoperative and immediate postoperative strategies. As one considers the inherent advantages in this cooperative approach to congenital heart disease, the development of a truly hybrid interventional suite seems imperative.

Interventional catheterization performed in the early postoperative period after congenital heart surgery in children

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of interventional catheterization performed early after congenital heart surgery.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter interventions performed in the early postoperative period are viewed as high risk. To date, there have been limited published data regarding these procedures.

METHODS

All catheterizations performed within six weeks after congenital heart surgery between August 1995 and January 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. A cardiac anesthesiologist, cardiac intensivist, cardiac surgeon, and operating room team were available for all cases. Interventional procedures were performed based on clinical indications, regardless of the time elapsed from surgery.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients, median age four months (2 days to 11 years), weight 4.7 kg (2.3 to 45 kg), underwent 66 catheterizations on median postoperative day 9 (0 to 42 days). Thirty-five cases involved 50 interventional procedures. Nine patients required extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support. Success rates by procedure were: angioplasty, 100%; stent implantation, 87%; vascular/septal occlusion, 100%; and palliative pulmonary valvotomy, 75%. Complications included stent migration (one patient), cerebral vascular injury (one patient), and left pulmonary artery stenosis (one patient). Thirty procedures involved angioplasty or stent implantation, including 26 involving a recently created suture line. Suture disruption or trans-mural vascular tears were not observed. There was no procedural mortality. Thirty-day survival for patients undergoing intervention was 83%.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter interventions can be successfully performed in the early postoperative period. These procedures can have a positive impact on patient outcome; however, they should be performed only by a pediatric interventional cardiologist supported by a multi-disciplinary team.

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.

Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: therapeutic cardiac catheter interventions

The extant nomenclature for therapeutic cardiac catheter interventions is reviewed for the purpose of establishing a unified reporting system. The subject was debated and reviewed by members of the STS-Congenital Heart Surgery Database Committee and representatives from the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. All efforts were made to include all relevant nomenclature categories using synonyms where appropriate. A comprehensive database set is presented which is based on a hierarchical scheme. Data are entered at various levels of complexity and detail which can be determined by the clinician. These data can lay the foundation for comprehensive risk stratification analyses. A minimum database set is also presented which will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Outcome tables relating diagnoses, procedures, and various risk factors are presented.