Catheter interventions in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Heart catheterization in adults in a sub-Saharan tertiary centre: 8 years' experience

Background

The goal of the investigation was to analyze the results of heart catheterization in the Cardiac centre Shisong from December 2010 till December 2017.

Methods

This retrospective study done in the Cardiac centre Shisong in adult patients that underwent a procedure in the catheterization laboratory from December 2010 till December 2017.

Results

Three hundred and sixty-five adult underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure during the study period. Among the patients, 126 were female while 239 were male. The mean age at presentation was 52.6±12.9 years old. Patients were coming from neighboring countries: Nigeria n=5 (1.3%), Tchad n=3 (0.8%), Equatorial Guinea n=4 (1%), Democratic republic of Congo n=2 (0.5%). Patients were also coming from all the ten regions of Cameroon: Littoral n=122 (33.2%), Centre n=127 (34.8%), North west n=47 (12.9%), South west n=17 (4.5%), West n=26 (7.1%), North n=7 (1.8%), Adamaoua n=8 (2.1%), Far North n=5 (1.3%), South n=2 (0.5%), East n=4 (1%). Depending on the type of procedures diagnostic coronarography in case with suspicion of coronary artery disease and presurgical coronarography were the main procedures done in 171 patients (46.8%) and in 146 patients (40%) respectively. Diagnostic coronarography was positive in 31 cases (8.4%). In patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), percutaneous intervention with dilatation of the coronary arteries and implantation of stents was done in 19 cases (5.2%). The remaining 12 cases (3.2%) were having many lesions that could be managed only by coronary artery grafting surgery, done with success in all the cases. In grown up congenital heart disease patients, diagnostic catheterization was done in 48 cases meanwhile interventional catheterization: pulmonary artery valvuloplasty, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, atrial septal defect closure and decoarctation of the aorta were done in n=11 (3.4%), n=9 (2.4%), n=12 (3.2%), n=6 (1.6%) cases respectively.

Conclusions

Coronary heart disease was confirmed by angiography in 8.4% cases, and among grown up congenital heart disease 'patients, atrial septal defect was the pathology the most managed. Heart catheterization is done in the Cardiac centre Shisong with good results.

Applications of 3D printing in cardiovascular diseases

3D-printed models fabricated from CT, MRI, or echocardiography data provide the advantage of haptic feedback, direct manipulation, and enhanced understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and underlying pathologies. Reported applications of cardiovascular 3D printing span from diagnostic assistance and optimization of management algorithms in complex cardiovascular diseases, to planning and simulating surgical and interventional procedures. The technology has been used in practically the entire range of structural, valvular, and congenital heart diseases, and the added-value of 3D printing is established. Patient-specific implants and custom-made devices can be designed, produced, and tested, thus opening new horizons in personalized patient care and cardiovascular research. Physicians and trainees can better elucidate anatomical abnormalities with the use of 3D-printed models, and communication with patients is markedly improved. Cardiovascular 3D bioprinting and molecular 3D printing, although currently not translated into clinical practice, hold revolutionary potential. 3D printing is expected to have a broad influence in cardiovascular care, and will prove pivotal for the future generation of cardiovascular imagers and care providers. In this Review, we summarize the cardiovascular 3D printing workflow, from image acquisition to the generation of a hand-held model, and discuss the cardiovascular applications and the current status and future perspectives of cardiovascular 3D printing.

Complex Interventions in the Adult with Congenital Heart Disease: Percutaneous Solutions for Venous Baffles, Coronary Artery Fistulas, and Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysms

We describe 3 distinct ACHD lesions amenable to percutaneous repair: (1) venous baffle obstruction in transposition of the great arteries, (2) coronary artery fistulas, and (3) ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms. For each entity, we chronicle the typical clinical scenario and indications for intervention to supplement the technical approach and potential pitfalls with treatment.

Stenting vs. balloon angioplasty for discrete unoperated coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults

More information is needed to clarify whether stenting is superior to balloon angioplasty (BA) for unoperated coarctation of the aorta (CoA). From September 1997, 21 consecutive adolescents and adults (24 +/- 11 years) with discrete CoA underwent stenting (G1). The results were compared to those achieved by BA performed in historical group of 15 patients (18 +/- 10 years; P = 0.103; G2). After the procedure, systolic gradient reduction was higher (99% +/- 2% vs. 87% +/- 17%; P = 0.015), residual gradients lower (0.4 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.9 +/- 7.9 mm Hg; P = 0.019), gain at the CoA site higher (333% +/- 172% vs. 190% +/- 104%; P = 0.007), and CoA diameter larger (16.9 +/- 2.9 vs. 12.9 +/- 3.2 mm; P < 0.001) in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities were found in eight patients in G2 (53%) and in one in G1 (7%; P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Repeat catheterization (n = 33) and/or MRI (n = 2) was performed at a median follow-up of 1.0 year for G1 and 1.5 for G2 (P = 0.005). Gradient reduction persisted in both groups, although higher late gradients were seen in G2 (median of 0 mm Hg for G1 vs. 3 for G2; P = 0.014). CoA diameter showed no late loss in G1 and a late gain in G2 with a trend to being larger in G1 (16.7 +/- 2.9 vs. 14.6 +/- 3.9 mm; P = 0.075). Two patients required late stenting due to aneurysm formation or stent fracture in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities did not progress and one patient required redilation in G2. Blood pressure was similar in both groups at follow-up (126 +/- 12/81 +/- 11 for G1 vs. 120 +/- 15/80 +/- 10 mm Hg for G2; P = 0.149 and 0.975, respectively). Although satisfactory and similar clinical outcomes were observed with both techniques, stenting was a better means to relieve the stenosis and minimize the risk of developing immediate aortic wall abnormalities.

Aortic dissection after stent dilatation for coarctation of the aorta: a case report and literature review

A case of stenting for native coarctation is described in a 65-year-old female with a fatal dissection after implantation. The histology of the aorta in coarctation and in the elderly is described. The experience of stenting in older patients is reviewed and discussed.