Procedural Results and Safety of Common Interventional Procedures in Congenital Heart Disease

Coarctation Angioplasty in Young Children: Does IMPACT Registry Data Accurately Reflect Clinical Outcomes?

Balloon angioplasty for recoarctation of the aorta is routinely performed in young children and is considered successful when the systolic gradient is reduced to < 10 mmHg. IMPACT defines acute procedural success solely based on a final gradient of < 10 mmHg and stratifies participating institutions based on these acute outcomes. Between February 2012 and December 2020, IMPACT data was analyzed for 110 coarctation interventions. Electronic medical records were reviewed, and primary endpoints were one of the following: (1) final analysis end date (June 2021), (2) patient death, or (3) most recent transcatheter or surgical reintervention. 64 (58.2%) interventions had a post-procedure CA gradient < 10 mmHg. Comparison of clinical patient outcome for acute success demonstrated no significant relationship using IMPACT (p = 0.70) criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between clinical success and failure for: pre- and post-treatment systolic gradients; absolute or percent change in systolic gradient; and pre-treatment aorta diameter. Clinical outcome and patient age did show a significant difference (p = 0.0093) with better clinical outcomes in older patients. Our analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference between IMPACT criteria for successful treatment of CA and clinical outcome. These findings underscore a need to identify other clinical metrics that better predict outcome following CA balloon angioplasty treatment.

Cardiovascular procedures in ambulatory cardiac procedures: really?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the current trends, safety, and feasibility of same-day discharge (SDD) in ambulatory cardiac procedures, with a focus on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). This review also discusses the impact of technological advancements and explores future directions for expanding the scope of SDD in more complex cardiac procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have demonstrated that SDD after PCI is both well tolerated and effective for appropriately selected patients, with outcomes comparable with those of patients who remain hospitalized overnight. Advancements in PCI technology, including improved stent designs, smaller sheath sizes, and the adoption of the transradial approach, have significantly enhanced the feasibility of SDD. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways, adapted for ambulatory settings, further improve patient safety, particularly as more complex procedures are attempted. However, challenges remain in determining SDD eligibility, particularly in settings with limited emergency care capabilities.

SUMMARY

SDD is a viable and cost-effective option for low-risk patients undergoing PCI and other ambulatory cardiac procedures. The successful implementation of SDD requires careful patient selection, adherence to standardized protocols, and vigilant postprocedural monitoring. Future research should focus on refining patient selection tools, expanding the scope of SDD to include more complex procedures, and enhancing postdischarge monitoring through advanced technologies. Multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing education are essential to support the well tolerated and effective adoption of SDD in ambulatory cardiac care.

Comparison between transcatheter versus surgical intervention for pediatric aortic valvular stenosis: a multicenter study in Japan

It is controversial whether children with isolated aortic valvular stenosis (vAS) initially undergo transcatheter or surgical aortic valvuloplasty (BAV or SAV). This multicenter retrospective case-control study aimed to explore outcomes after BAV or SAV for pediatric vAS. We studied children (aged < 15 years) with vAS treated at 4 tertiary congenital heart centers, and compared the rates of survival, reintervention, and valve replacement between patients with BAV and SAV. A total of 73 subjects (BAV: N = 52, SAV: N = 21) were studied. Age and aortic annulus z-score at the first presentation were 85 (26-530) days and - 0.45 (- 1.51-0.59), respectively. During the follow-up period of 121 (47-185) months, rates of 10-year survival (BAV: 88% vs. SAV: 92%, P = 0.477), reintervention (BAV: 58% vs. SAV: 31%, P = 0.626), and prosthetic/autograft valve replacement (BAV: 21% vs. SAV: 19%, P = 0.563) did not differ between the groups. Freedom from reintervention rate significantly correlated with aortic annulus z-score (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.88, P = 0.005), and freedom from prosthetic/autograft valve replacement rate significantly correlated to the degree of aortic regurgitation after the first intervention (HR: 4.58, 95% CI 1.19-17.71, P = 0.027). Propensity score-matched analysis (N = 16) did not show the differences in survival and reintervention rates between the groups. Long-term survival was acceptable, and the rates of freedom from reintervention and prosthetic/autograft valve replacement were comparable between children with vAS who underwent BAV and SAV.

Comparative transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus: multicenter collaborative study across pediatric and veterinary cardiology centers

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

Transcatheter therapeutics have revolutionized treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Greater understanding of corrective interventions across species can advance best practices, protocols, and outcomes while minimizing adverse events. The objective of this study was to describe characteristics and outcomes in children and dogs undergoing transcatheter PDA occlusion.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study from two pediatric and three veterinary centers. Demographics, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Data included 202 children and 106 dogs treated from July 2019 to June 2021. Forty-five (23%) children and 19 (18%) dogs had congestive heart failure prior to catheterization. Transvenous and transarterial approaches for deployment were most used in children and dogs, respectively. All children had percutaneous vascular access compared to 17 (16%) dogs. Intraprocedural anticoagulation was standard for children (100% of 165 reported), but not for dogs (2/103). The median (interquartile range) pulmonary ostium diameter in children was 2.2 mm (1.5-3.0 mm) and 3.0 mm (2.0-4.2 mm) in dogs when all body sizes were considered (P<0.001). Amplatzer™ Duct Occluder was most commonly used in children (64/202, 32%); the Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder was used in dogs (96/100, 96%). Closure was manual compression in all children, whereas vessel ligation was most used in dogs (74/104, 73%). Successful device deployment was achieved in 197 (98%) children and 98 (93%) dogs (P=0.03). Major reasons for failure included device embolization in six (2.9%) children and PDA morphology concerns in four (3.8%) dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter PDA occlusion is successful in children and dogs. Study data might be useful for optimizing transcatheter therapeutics and animal models for interventional cardiology.

Effect of Ablation Energy Source on Outcomes of Slow Pathway Modification for AVNRT in Children

BACKGROUND

Selection of radiofrequency ablation (RF) or cryoablation (Cryo) for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) in children remains controversial due to a lack of contemporary comparison studies in this population.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare outcomes of RF and Cryo for AVNRT in the pediatric population.

METHODS

AVNRT ablation outcomes were retrospectively analyzed utilizing the National Cardiovascular Data Registry IMPACT (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment) Registry from April 2016 to March 2019. Data from subjects 1 to 21 years of age undergoing elective first-time slow pathway (SP) modification for AVNRT were included. Exclusion criteria included <1 year of age, congenital heart disease, and >1 ablation target. Cases were analyzed by ablation energy: 1) RF only; 2) Cryo only; 3) radiofrequency ablation switching to cryoablation (RF→Cryo); and 4) cryoablation switching to radiofrequency ablation (Cryo→RF). The primary outcome was acute ablation failure. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital adverse events.

RESULTS

Among 2,448 patients (mean age 13.6 ± 3.4 years, 60% female), RF only was employed in 43% (n = 1,046), Cryo only in 49% (n = 1,201), RF→Cryo in 6% (n = 135), and Cryo→RF in 66 (3%). Acute ablation failure occurred in 1.3% (n = 33), with no difference by energy source (1% in RF only, 1.5% in Cryo only, 1.5% in RF→Cryo, 3% in Cryo→RF; P = 0.5). Atrioventricular (AV) block requiring permanent pacemaker did not occur in any group; transient AV block occurred in 0.4% of the cohort, with no difference by group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this largest pediatric study of AVNRT ablation, RF and Cryo demonstrated comparable high acute success and rare documentation of AV block that did not result in temporary or permanent pacing. Longitudinal data are important for further comparison of these modalities with regard to recurrence risk and late complications.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement With Balloon-Expandable Valves: Utilization and Procedural Outcomes From the IMPACT Registry

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) has expanded and evolved since its initial commercial approval in the United States in 2010.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to characterize real-world practice, including patient selection, procedural outcomes, complications, and off-label usage.

METHODS

Characteristics and outcomes for patients undergoing balloon-expandable TPVR were collected from the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry IMPACT (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment) Registry.

RESULTS

Between April 2016 and March 2021, 4,513 TPVR procedures were performed in patients with a median age of 19 years, 57% with a Melody (Medtronic Inc) and 43% with a SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences) valve. Most implanting centers performed <10 cases annually. One-third of transcatheter pulmonary valve implants were into homograft conduits, one-third were into bioprosthetic valves (BPVs), 25% were in native or patched right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs), and 6% were into Contegra (Medtronic Inc) conduits. Over the course of the study period, SAPIEN valve use grew from ∼25% to 60%, in large part because of implants in patients with a native/patched RVOT. Acute success was achieved in 95% of patients (95.7% in homografts, 96.2% in BPVs, 94.2% in native RVOTs, and 95.4% in Contegra conduits). Major adverse events occurred in 2.4% of procedures, more commonly in patients with a homograft (2.9%) or native RVOT (3.4%) than a prior BPV (1.4%; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes novel population data on the use and procedural outcomes of TPVR with balloon-expandable valves. Over time, there has been increasing use of TPVR to treat regurgitant native RVOT anatomy, with the SAPIEN valve more commonly used for this application.

Changes in the Cath Lab in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: A 12-Year Experience in a Single Referral Center with the Establishment of a Dedicated Working Group

BACKGROUND

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a growing population needing ongoing care. The aim of this study was to investigate if a dedicated ACHD team impacted the timing and indication of invasive cardiology procedures in these patients at our hospital.

METHODS

Our retrospective single-center study enrolled adult patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease and with at least one cardiac catheterization between January 2010 and December 2021. According to the period, procedures were labeled as group A (2010 to 2015) or group B (2016 to 2021) and further divided into diagnostic (DCC) and interventional cardiac catheterizations (ICC).

RESULTS

594 patients were eligible for the study. Both DCC (p < 0.05) and ICC increased between groups A and B (p < 0.05). In group B: Fontan patients accounted for the majority of DCC (p < 0.001), while DCC decreased in arterial switch repair (p < 0.001). In Fontan patients, conduit stenting was prevalent (p < 0.001), while fenestration closures dropped (p < 0.01). In patients with tetralogy of Fallot and native outflow tract, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantations (PPVI) increased, with a concurrent reduction in pulmonary valve replacements (p < 0.001 vs. surgical series). In right ventricular conduits, ICC increased (p < 0.01), mainly due to PPVI. Among Mustard/Senning patients, baffle stenting increased from Group A to Group B (p < 0.001). In patients with pulmonary atresia and biventricular repair, ICC often increased for pulmonary artery stenting.

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated working group could improve ACHD patients' indications for interventional procedures, leading to tailored treatment, better risk stratification and optimizing time until heart transplantation.

Association of Interstage Monitoring Era and Likelihood of Hemodynamic Compromise at Intervention for Recoarctation Following the Norwood Operation

Background Intensive monitoring has been associated with a lower death rate between the Norwood operation and superior cavopulmonary connection, possibly due to early identification and effective treatment of residual anatomic lesions like recoarctation before lasting harm occurs. Methods and Results Neonates undergoing a Norwood operation and receiving interstage care at a single center between January 1, 2005, and September 18, 2020, were studied. In those with recoarctation, we evaluated association of era ([1] preinterstage monitoring, [2] a transitional phase, [3] current era) and likelihood of hemodynamic compromise (progression to moderate or greater ventricular dysfunction/atrioventricular valve regurgitation, initiation/escalation of vasoactive/respiratory support, cardiac arrest preceding catheterization, or interstage death with recoarctation on autopsy). We also analyzed whether era was associated with technical success of transcatheter recoarctation interventions, major adverse events, and transplant-free survival. A total of 483 subjects were studied, with 22% (n=106) treated for recoarctation during the interstage period. Number of catheterizations per Norwood increased (P=0.005) over the interstage eras, with no significant change in the proportion of subjects with recoarctation (P=0.36). In parallel, there was a lower likelihood of hemodynamic compromise in subjects with recoarctation that was not statistically significant (P=0.06), with a significant difference in the proportion with ventricular dysfunction at intervention (P=0.002). Rates of technical success, procedural major adverse events, and transplant-free survival did not differ (P>0.05). Conclusions Periods with interstage monitoring were associated with increased referral for catheterization but also reduced likelihood of ventricular dysfunction (and a suggestion of lower likelihood of hemodynamic compromise) in subjects with recoarctation. Further study is needed to guide optimal interstage care of this vulnerable population.

A Narrative Review of Multiinstitutional Data Registries of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease in Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth anomalies. While the care of children with CHD has improved over recent decades, children with CHD who undergo general anesthesia remain at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Electronic health record systems have enabled institutions to combine data on the management and outcomes of children with CHD in multicenter registries. The application of descriptive analytics methods to these data can improve clinicians' understanding and care of children with CHD. This narrative review covers efforts to leverage multicenter data registries relevant to pediatric cardiac anesthesia and critical care to improve the care of children with CHD.

Association of Weight With Ablation Outcomes in Pediatric Wolff-Parkinson-White: Analysis of the NCDR IMPACT Registry

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for electrophysiology study (EPS) and catheter ablation in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) are age based, but size may be a more relevant factor in determination of outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the association of patient weight with outcomes of catheter ablation for pediatric WPW.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed on children aged 1 to 21 years with WPW and first-time EPS from April 2016 to December 2019 recorded in the IMPACT (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment) registry, excluding those with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and >1 ablation target. A weight threshold of 30 kg was selected, representing 1 SD below the cohort mean. The primary outcome was major adverse events (MAEs); additional outcomes included deferred ablation, use of cryoablation, and ablation success.

RESULTS

A total of 4,456 subjects from 84 centers were evaluated, with 14% weighing <30 kg. Subjects weighing <30 kg were more likely to have preprocedural supraventricular tachycardia (45% vs 29%; P < 0.001) and less likely to have right septal accessory pathways (25% vs 33%; P < 0.001). MAEs were rare, although with higher incidence in the <30 kg cohort (0.3% vs 0.05%; P = 0.04). No difference was seen in likelihood of deferred ablation (9% vs 12%; P = 0.07) or use of cryoablation (11% vs 11%; P = 0.70). Success was higher in the <30 kg cohort: 95% vs 92% (P = 0.009). This effect persisted after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.01-2.70; P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight <30 kg was associated with a small but elevated risk of MAEs. Rates of deferred ablation and cryoablation were similar. Adjusting for factors (including accessory pathway type and location), weight <30 kg remained an independent predictor of acute success.

Changes in Practice/Outcomes of Pediatric/Congenital Catheterization in Response to the First Wave of COVID

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed tremendous stress on the health care system. Its effects on pediatric/congenital catheterization program practice and performance have not been described.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how case volumes, risk-profile, and outcomes of pediatric/congenital catheterization procedures changed in response to the first wave of COVID-19 and after that wave.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective observational study was performed using Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes Registry (C3PO) data to study changes in volume, case mix, and outcomes (high-severity adverse events [HSAEs]) during the first wave of COVID (March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020) in comparison to the period prior to (January 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020) and after (June 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020) the first wave. Multivariable analyses adjusting for case type, hemodynamic vulnerability, and age group were performed. Hospital responses to the first wave were captured with an electronic study instrument.

Results

During the study period, 12,557 cases were performed at 14 C3PO hospitals (with 8% performed during the first wave of COVID and 32% in the postperiod). Center case volumes decreased from a median 32.1 cases/month (IQR: 20.7-49.0 cases/month) before COVID to 22 cases/month (IQR: 13-31 cases/month) during the first wave (P = 0.001). The proportion of cases with risk factors for HSAE increased during the first wave, specifically proportions of infants and neonates (P < 0.001) and subjects with renal insufficiency (P = 0.02), recent cardiac surgery (P < 0.001), and a higher hemodynamic vulnerability score (P = 0.02). The observed HSAE risk did not change significantly (P = 0.13). In multivariable analyses, odds of HSAE during the first wave of COVID (odds ratio: 0.75) appeared to be lower than that before COVID, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Despite increased case-mix complexity, C3PO programs maintained, if not improved, their performance in terms of HSAE. Exploratory analyses of practice changes may inform future harm-reduction efforts.

Transcatheter Closure of Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects: JACC Focus Seminar

The field of congenital interventional cardiology has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Beginning with the development of early devices for transcatheter closure of septal defects in the 1970s and 1980s, such technologies have evolved to become a mainstay of treatment for many atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Percutaneous device closure is now the preferred approach for the majority of secundum ASDs. It is also a viable treatment option for selected VSDs, though limitations still exist. In this review, the authors describe the current state of transcatheter closure of ASDs and VSDs in children and adults, including patient selection, procedural approach, and outcomes. Potential areas for future evolution and innovation are also discussed.

Isolated Coarctation of the Aorta: Current Concepts and Perspectives

Current management of isolated CoA, localized narrowing of the aortic arch in the absence of other congenital heart disease, is a success story with improved prenatal diagnosis, high survival and improved understanding of long-term complication. Isolated CoA has heterogenous presentations, complex etiologic mechanisms, and progressive pathophysiologic changes that influence outcome. End-to-end or extended end-to-end anastomosis are the favored surgical approaches for isolated CoA in infants and transcatheter intervention is favored for children and adults. Primary stent placement is the procedure of choice in larger children and adults. Most adults with treated isolated CoA thrive, have normal daily activities, and undergo successful childbirth. Fetal echocardiography is the cornerstone of prenatal counseling and genetic testing is recommended. Advanced 3D imaging identifies aortic complications and myocardial dysfunction and guides individualized therapies including re-intervention. Adult CHD program enrollment is recommended. Longer follow-up data are needed to determine the frequency and severity of aneurysm formation, myocardial dysfunction, and whether childhood lifestyle modifications reduce late-onset complications.

IMPACTing the Future: Are we on the Right Track?

More than ten years have passed since data collection was initiated in the IMPACT registry. Over the last decade, difficulties in data access and a lack of autonomy have led to a disengagement of the congenital community, with the usefulness of IMPACT to patients and providers being questioned. This article outlines some of problems identified using an online survey among interventional congenital cardiologists, and provides possible solutions for the future.

Balloon dilatation versus surgical valvotomy for congenital aortic stenosis: a propensity score matched study

BACKGROUND

Balloon valvuloplasty and surgical aortic valvotomy have been the treatment mainstays for congenital aortic stenosis in children. Choice of intervention often differs depending upon centre bias with limited relevant, comparative literature.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to provide an unbiased, contemporary matched comparison of these balloon and surgical approaches.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with congenital aortic valve stenosis who underwent balloon valvuloplasty (Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane) or surgical valvotomy (Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne) between 2005 and 2016. Patients were excluded if pre-intervention assessment indicated ineligibility to either group. Propensity score matching was performed based on age, weight, and valve morphology.

RESULTS

Sixty-five balloon patients and seventy-seven surgical patients were included. Overall, the groups were well matched with 18 neonates/25 infants in the balloon group and 17 neonates/28 infants in the surgical group. Median age at balloon was 92 days (range 2 days - 18.8 years) compared to 167 days (range 0 days - 18.1 years) for surgery (rank-sum p = 0.08). Mean follow-up was 5.3 years. There was one late balloon death and two early surgical deaths due to left ventricular failure. There was no significant difference in freedom from reintervention at latest follow-up (69% in the balloon group and 70% in the surgical group, p = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary analysis of balloon aortic valvuloplasty and surgical aortic valvotomy shows no difference in overall reintervention rates in the medium term. Balloon valvuloplasty performs well across all age groups, achieving delay or avoidance of surgical intervention.

Stent Implantation for Congenital Heart Diseases in Japan - Comprehensive Analysis From the Japanese Society of Congenital Interventional Cardiology Registry

BACKGROUND

Stent implantation for vascular stenosis associated with congenital heart diseases is commonly performed as an off-label procedure in Japan because there is no officially approved stent for any congenital heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from the Japanese Society of Congenital Interventional Cardiology Registry collected from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients who underwent stent implantation were enrolled in the present analysis. During the study period, there were 470 procedures, 443 sessions, and 391 cases. Of 443 sessions, 427 (96.4%) succeeded procedurally. There were no differences in the procedural success rates among age groups. In all, 416 sessions (367 patients; 94%) resulted in survival to 30 days after catheter intervention. Of 392 admissions, 357 patients (91%) survived to discharge. Only 4 deaths were directly related to stent implantation. Some in-hospital complications were observed during 55 of 443 sessions. Both hospital deaths and serious complications were significantly more frequent in the group with various preoperative risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not officially approved for congenital heart diseases in Japan, stent implantation in congenital heart diseases has been widely and routinely performed for many years with safety and efficacy. The aim of stenting was variable and broad because of many different applications and morphological variations. These data may facilitate approval of such an important device in Japan.

Outcomes of Operator-Directed Sedation and Anesthesiologist Care in the Pediatric/Congenital Catheterization Laboratory: A Study Utilizing Data From the IMPACT Registry

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess contemporary use of operator directed sedation (ODS) and anesthesiologist care (AC) in the pediatric/congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory (PCCL), specifically evaluating whether the use of operator-directed sedation was associated with increased risk of major adverse events.

BACKGROUND

The safety of ODS relative to AC during PCCL procedures has been questioned.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed studying procedures habitually performed with ODS or AC at IMPACT (Improving Adult and Congenital Treatment) registry hospitals using ODS for ≥5% of cases. The risks for major adverse events (MAE) for ODS and AC cases were compared, adjusted for case mix. Current recommendations were evaluated by comparing the ratio of observed to expected MAE for cases in which ODS was inappropriate (inconsistent with those guidelines) with those for similar risk AC cases, as well as those in which ODS or AC was appropriate.

RESULTS

Of the hospitals submitting data to IMPACT, 28 of 101 met inclusion criteria. Of the 7,042 cases performed using ODS at these centers, 88% would be inappropriate. Use of ODS was associated with lower likelihood of MAE both in observed results (p < 0.0001) and after adjusting for case-mix (odds ratio: 0.81; p = 0.006). Use of AC was also associated with longer adjusted fluoroscopy and procedure times (p < 0.0001 for both). The observed/expected ratio for ODS cases with high pre-procedural risk (inappropriate for ODS) was significantly lower than that for AC cases with comparable pre-procedural risk. Across a range of pre-procedural risks, there was no stratum in which risk for MAE was lower for AC than ODS.

CONCLUSIONS

Across a range of hospitals, ODS was used safely and with improved efficiency. Clinical judgment better identified cases in which ODS could be used than pre-procedural risk score. This should inform future guidelines for the use of ODS and AC in the catheterization laboratory.

Pediatric/Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Quality: An Analysis of Existing Metrics

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to enumerate and categorize quality metrics relevant to the pediatric/congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory (PCCL).

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures are an increasingly important part of the care of young patients with cardiac disease. Measurement of the performance of PCCL programs in a stringent and consistent fashion is a crucial step toward improving outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, a systematic evaluation of current quality metrics in PCCL has not been performed previously.

METHODS

Potential metrics were evaluated by: 1) a systematic review of peer-reviewed research; 2) a review of metrics from organizations interested in quality improvement, patient safety, and/or PCCL programs; and 3) a survey of U.S. PCCL cardiologists. Collected metrics were grouped on 2 dimensions: 1) Institute of Medicine domains; and 2) the Donabedian structure/process/outcome framework. Survey responses were dichotomized between favorable and unfavorable responses and then compared within and between categories.

RESULTS

In the systematic review, 6 metrics were identified (from 9 publications), all focused on safety either as an outcome (adverse events [AEs], mortality, and failure to rescue along with radiation exposure) or as a structure (procedure volume or operator experience). Four organizations measure quality metrics of PCCL programs, of which only 1 publicly reports data. For the survey, 229 cardiologists from 118 hospital programs responded (66% of individuals and 72% of hospital programs). The highest favorable ratings were for safety metrics (p < 0.001), of which major AEs, failure to rescue, and procedure-specific AEs had the highest ratings. Of respondents, 67% stated that current risk adjustment were not effective. Favorability ratings for hospital characteristics, PCCL characteristics, and quality improvement processes were significantly lower than for safety and less consistent within categories.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a limited number of PCCL quality metrics, primarily focused on safety. Confidence in current risk adjustment methodology is low. The knowledge gaps identified should guide future research in the development of new quality metrics.

Comparison of Outcomes of Pediatric Catheter Ablation by Anesthesia Strategy: A Report From the NCDR IMPACT Registry

[Figure: see text].

Transcatheter management of adult aortic coarctation with "Railway" technique

Endografting for atretic coarctation is technically feasible to avoid the risks of open surgery. It requires a strategic and structured endovascular approach such as the "Railway" technique for safe and successful restructuring of complete aortic atresia and avoiding rupture or bleeding.

Interventions after Arterial Switch: A Single Low Case-Volume Center Experience

Background and Objectives: With the growing population of arterial switch operation survivors, the rate of late complications associated with the operation is growing as well. The aim of this publication is to share our experience and encourage collaboration between congenital cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists in treating late complications after arterial switch operation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of Vilnius University Santaros Clinics Cardiothoracic Surgery Centre arterial switch operation survivors who underwent additional treatment for late neo-pulmonary artery stenosis and aortic arch obstruction between 1989 and 2019 was conducted. Results: Out of 95 arterial switch operation survivors 14 (15%) underwent 36 reinterventions. The majority were treated for neo-pulmonary stenosis. The median time from arterial switch operation to the first reintervention was 1.4 years (interquartile range, 2 months to 2.4 years). 1, 3, 5, and 10 years intervention-free survival in patients treated for neo-pulmonary stenosis and aortic arch obstruction was 98, 94, 94, and 93% vs. 95, 94, 94, and 93%, respectively. There were no complications associated with redo surgical procedures, while eight patients who underwent catheter-based interventional treatment had treatment-related complications, including one death. Conclusions: Both neo-pulmonary stenosis and aortic arch obstruction (new aortic coarctations or aortic recoarctations) tend to develop in the first decade after an arterial switch operation. Surgical and catheter-based interventional treatment with good results is possible even in a small volume center. Close collaboration of the congenital heart team (congenital cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists) in choosing the best treatment option for an individual patient helps to minimize the risk of potential complications.

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).

Feasibility of Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Low Weight Infants Under 2-Year-Old from a 3-year Retrospective Cohort Study

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of interventional treatment of atrial septal defect (ASD) in low weight infants under 2-year-old. Seven hundred and ninety-three secundum ASD patients were divided into 2 groups: 665 were above 2-year-old and 128 were under 2-year-old. The basic conditions before the operation, postoperative complications within 24 hours, and adverse outcomes during a three-year follow-up were compared between the 2 groups using multivariate analysis. There were significant differences in age, weight, and the diameter of the ASD between the 2 groups (p <0.001). The immediate success rate of the procedure was 96.7%. There were no significant differences in the success rate of the procedure, the incidence of residual shunt, arrhythmia, procedure-related arrhythmia, and occluder shedding between 2 groups (p >0.05). Similarly, we found no association between age ≤2-year-old and any adverse outcomes postprocedure within 24 hours, including procedure failure (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.04 to 2.93), residual shunt (OR = 1.07; 95%CI: 0.54 to 2.14), arrhythmia (OR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.32 to 1.43), or procedure-related arrhythmia (OR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.04 to 2.87). In the follow-up data, we found no association between age ≤2-year-old and arrhythmia (HR = 0.95; 95%CI: 0.50 to 1.80) and procedure-related arrhythmia (HR = 0.96;95%CI:0.25 to 3.64). Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated no significant difference in the occurrence of arrhythmia between the 2 groups (log-rank test: p = 0.776). In conclusion, percutaneous ASD closure in young and low weight infants has a high success and low complication rate, along with reliable effects.

The effect of the duration of the procedure on the risk of complications during pediatric cardiac catheterization

Background

This study aims to evaluate the frequency of and associated risk factors for adverse events caused by cardiac catheterization procedures in pediatric patients.

Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2012, a total of 599 pediatric patients (320 males, 279 females; mean age 5.4±4.7 years; range, 1 day to 21 years) who underwent cardiac catheterization in our cardiac catheterization laboratory were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data of the patients including the duration of the procedure, management of anesthesia, the American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and Catheterization Risk Score for Pediatrics, and procedure-related serious adverse events were recorded.

Results

The incidence of procedure-related serious adverse events was 9.18%. Potential risk factors associated with serious adverse events were identified as interventional heart catheterization, high scores obtained from the Catheterization Risk Score for Pediatrics, the use of endotracheal tube in airway control, and prolonged procedural duration.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that prolonged duration of catheterization is a potential risk factor for procedure-related adverse events and the duration of the procedure needs to be included as a variable in the Catheterization Risk Score for Pediatrics scoring system for predicting procedure-related adverse events.

Left ventricular size and function after percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus in Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction can occur after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure and data in adult Chinese patients are lacking.

METHODS

We examined adult Chinese patients who underwent successful transcatheter PDA closure at Zhongshan Hospital. Echocardiographic studies were performed before closure, before discharge, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after closure. A total of 430 patients were included between January 2010 and December 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD): Dilated LV Group: >56 mm (n = 191) and Non-dilated LV Group: ≤56 mm (n = 239).

RESULTS

LVEDD and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly decreased immediately after closure. Reductions in LVEDD (-10.5% ± 7.1% vs. -4.6% ± 7.0%, P < 0.001) and LVEF (-8.9% ± 12.6% vs. -2.1% ± 8.6%, P < 0.001) were greater in the Dilated LV Group. LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) remained unchanged compared to levels before closure (-4.0% ± 5.4%, P = 0.257; -2.6% ± 5.4%, P = 0.201). 48 patients in the Dilated LV Group (25.1%) and 7 patients in the Non-dilated LV Group (2.9%) developed late LV systolic dysfunction. In multivariable analysis, LVEF ≥60%, LVEDD <63 mm, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) <29 mmHg were predictive of normal LV function after closure.

CONCLUSION

Many adult Chinese patients developed early LV dysfunction after PDA closure and some patients developed late LV dysfunction. LVEF, LVEDD, and mPAP were identified as significant predictors of late LV systolic function.

Interhospital Variation in the Costs of Pediatric/Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Procedures: Analysis of Data From the Pediatric Health Information Systems Database

Background

Cardiac catheterization is an important but costly component of health care for young patients with cardiac disease. Measurement of variation in their cost between hospitals and identification of the reasons for this variation may help reduce cost without compromising quality.

Methods and Results

Using data from Pediatric Health Information Systems Database from January 2007 to December 2015, the costs of 9 procedures were measured. Mixed‐effects multivariable models were used to generate case‐mix–adjusted estimates of each hospital's cost for each procedure and measure interhospital variation. Procedures (n=35 637) from 43 hospitals were studied. Median costs varied from $8249 (diagnostic catheterization after orthotopic heart transplantation) to $38 909 (transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement). There was marked variation in the cost of procedures between hospitals with 3.5‐ to 8.9‐fold differences in the case‐mix–adjusted cost between the most and least expensive hospitals. No significant correlation was found between hospitals’ procedure‐specific mortality rates and costs. Higher procedure volume was not associated with lower cost except for diagnostic procedures in heart transplant patients and pulmonary artery angioplasty. At the hospital level, the proportion of cases that were outliers (>95th percentile) was significantly associated with rank in terms of cost (Spearman's ρ ranging from 0.37 to 0.89, P<0.01).

Conclusions

Large‐magnitude hospital variation in cost was not explained by case‐mix or volume. Further research is necessary to determine the degree to which variation in cost is the result of differences in the efficiency of the delivery of healthcare services and the rate of catastrophic adverse outcomes and resultant protracted and expensive hospitalizations.

Current practice in atrial septal defect occlusion in children and adults

INTRODUCTION

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases (CHD) in children and adults. This group of malformations includes several types of atrial communications allowing shunting of blood between the systemic and the pulmonary circulations. Early diagnosis and treatment carries favorable outcomes. Patients diagnosed during adulthood often present with complications related to longstanding volume overload such as pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), atrial dysrhythmias, and right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular dysfunction.

AREA COVERED

This article intended to review all aspects of ASD; anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, natural history, and indication for treatment. Also, we covered the transcatheter therapy in detail, including the procedural aspect, available devices, and outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

There has been a remarkable improvement in the treatment strategy of ASD over the last few decades. Transcatheter closure of ASD is currently accepted as the treatment of choice in most patients with appropriately selected secundum ASDs. This review will focus on the most recent advances in diagnosis and treatment strategy of secundum ASD.

Longitudinal Improvements in Radiation Exposure in Cardiac Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

The C3PO-QI (Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes – Quality Improvement), a multicenter registry launched in 2015, instituted quality improvement (QI) initiatives to reduce patient radiation exposure. Through regular collaboration, this initiative would allow for harmony among active participants, maximizing efforts and efficiency at achieving radiation best practices. This study sought to report these efforts with a detailed methodology for which institutions can target initiatives, reducing radiation exposure, and increasing patient safety.

Methods:

Data were collected prospectively by 8 C3PO-QI institutions between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Radiation exposure was measured in dose area product per body weight (dose area product/kg; µGy*m 2 /kg) and reported by expected radiation exposure categories (REC) and institution for 40 published unique procedure types. Targeted interventions addressing selected strategic domains for radiation reduction were implemented in the pediatric catheterization labs of the C3PO-QI institutions.

Results:

The study consisted of 15 257 unique cases. Median exposure (dose area product/kg) was decreased by 30% for all procedures. Dose area product/kg was reduced in all 3 REC, with the greatest improvement observed in REC I (REC I, −37%; REC II, −23%; REC III, −27%). Although the baseline radiation exposures and exact percent decrease varied across all C3PO-QI sites, each institution demonstrated improvements in radiation dose over time. These improvements occurred with the implementation of institution-specific QI interventions accelerated by participation in the C3PO-QI multicenter collaborative.

Conclusions:

Substantial radiation dose reductions can be achieved using targeted QI methodology and interventions. Participation in a multicenter QI collaborative may accelerate improvement across all centers due to enhanced engagement and shared learning between sites.

Anesthesia timing for children undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterization after upper respiratory infection: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze anesthesia timing and perioperative respiratory adverse event (PRAE) risk factors in children undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterization after upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

METHODS

We prospectively included children for elective therapeutic cardiac catheterization. Parents or legal guardians were asked to complete a questionnaire on the child's demographics, tobacco exposure, and URI symptoms. PRAEs (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, coughing, airway secretion, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation) as well as details of anesthesia management were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 332 children, 201 had a history of URI in the preceding eight weeks. The occurrence rate of PRAEs in children with URI≤two weeks reached the highest proportion, which was higher than that in children without URI (66.3% vs. 46.6%, P=0.007). The overall incidence of PRAEs in children with URI in 3-8 weeks was significantly lower than that in children with URI in the recent ≤two weeks (49.0% vs. 66.3%, P=0.007), and similar to that in the control group (49.0% vs. 46.6%). Multivariate analysis showed association between PRAEs and type of congenital heart disease (CHD) (P<0.001), anesthesia timing (P=0.007), and age (P=0.021). Delayed schedule (two weeks after URI) minimized the risk of PRAEs to the level comparable to that observed in children without URI (OR, 1.11; 95% CI: 0.64-1.91; P=0.707).

CONCLUSIONS

If treatment is not urgent, a pediatric patient at a high risk of PRAEs will be benefit from the postponement of an interventional operation by at least two weeks after URI.

Cardiac catheter intervention complexity and safety outcomes in adult congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe the intervention spectrum, complexity, and safety outcomes of catheter-based interventions in a contemporary adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) tertiary cohort.

METHODS

All patients over 16 years who underwent a catheter-based intervention for ACHD in our centre between 2000 and 2016 were included. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, indications for and complexity of intervention, procedural complications and early and mid-term mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1644 catheter-based interventions were performed. Intervention complexity ranged from simple (67.5%) to intermediate (26.4%) and to high (6.1%). Commonly performed procedures were atrial septal defect (33.4%) and patent foramen ovale closure (26.1%) followed by coarctation of the aorta (11.1%) and pulmonary artery interventions (7.0%). Age at index intervention was 40±16 years, 758 (46.1%) patients were male, 73.2% in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 20.2% in NYHA class II, whereas 6.6% in NYHA class III/IV. In-hospital mortality was 0.7%. Median postinterventional length of stay was 1 day. Complications occurred in 129 (7.9%) with major adverse events in 21 (1.3%). One-year postintervention survival rates were 98.7% (95% CI 98.2 to 99.2). Over the study period, there was a notable shift in intervention complexity, with a predominance of simple procedures performed in early years and more complex procedures in later years. Furthermore, the case mix during the study broadened (p<0.001) with new catheter-based interventions and a more individualised approach to therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study shows an increasing complexity and expanding variability of ACHD catheter-based interventions, associated with low major complications, short hospital stays and low early and mid-term mortality. Ongoing investment in ACHD catheter interventions is warranted.

Registries, Risk Calculators, and Risk-Adjusted Outcomes: Current Usage, Limitations, and Future Prospects

Small study sizes are a limiting factor in assessing outcome measures in pediatric cardiology. It is even more difficult to assess the outcomes of congenital catheterizations where the sample sizes are even smaller, particularly on a individual institutional level. The creation of multicenter registries is a method by which investigators can pool data to better assess quality and outcome measures of these procedures. No registry is perfect with several being available today, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In addition, there are a multitude of methods currently used to assess quality and outcomes from the data contained in these registries, each having its own limitations as well. Nonetheless, multicenter registrities remain one of the best available options to improve the quality of care for pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization. Below, we provide an overview of the current state of quality assessment/improvement in pediatric interventional cardiology including a review of the available registrities and the metrics used to measure quality of care and outcomes.

Stent treatment of ostial branch pulmonary artery stenosis: initial and medium-term outcomes and technical considerations to avoid and minimise stent malposition

OBJECTIVE

Stenting of ostial pulmonary artery stenosis presents several unique challenges. These include difficulty in defining anatomy and need for precise stent placement in order to avoid missing the ostial stenosis or jailing either the contralateral branch pulmonary artery or the ipsilateral upper lobe branch.

DESIGN

A retrospective review of outcomes was conducted in 1.5 or 2-ventricle patients who underwent stent placement for ostial branch pulmonary artery stenosis. Specific catheterisation lab techniques were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-seven branch pulmonary arteries underwent stent placement for ostial stenosis in 43 patients. The median age and weight were 3.7 (0.3-18.1) years and 14.2 (5.6-70.0) kg, respectively. Three (2-8) angiographic projections were needed to profile the ostial stenosis. Open-cell stents were used in 23 and stents were modified in 5 cases. Following stent implantation, the minimum diameter improved from 3.6 (0.8-10.5) to 8.1 (4.2-16.5) mm (p < 0.001). The gradient improved from 21 (0-66) to 4 (0-27) mmHg (p < 0.001). Stent malposition occurred in eight (17%) of the stents placed. Five migrated distally causing suboptimal ostial coverage necessitating placement of a second stent in four. Three migrated proximally and partially jailed the contralateral pulmonary artery. Intentional jailing of the upper lobe branch occurred in four additional cases. At a follow-up of 2.4 (0.3-4.9) years, 15 stents underwent further dilation and 1 had a second stent placed within the exiting stent.

CONCLUSION

Ostial branch pulmonary artery stenosis may require additional angiography to accurately define the ostial stenosis. Treatment with stents is effective but carries high rates of stent malposition.

Prediction value of pulmonary hypertension in newly identified left ventricular dysfunction among adult patients after patent ductus arteriosus closure

The present study aimed to propose the pulmonary hypertension for predicting left ventricular dysfunction in adults after patent ductus arteriosus closure. A total of 183 patients (age ≥18 years) after patent ductus arteriosus occlusion were retrospectively collected in this study. In brief, pre-, post-procedure and short-term follow-up transthoracic echocardiography were performed. Simpson’s method was used to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and LVEF less than 50% after procedure was utilized as a criterion to identify left ventricular dysfunction. As a result, 36 (19.67%) patients developed newly identified left ventricular dysfunction. The rate of newly identified left ventricular dysfunction was significantly higher in moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension groups compared to the groups of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) <25 mmHg (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated mPAP ( ≥25 mmHg) was an independent predictive value for newly identified left ventricular dysfunction (OR = 3.584, 95%CI: 1.186–10.832, P = .024) after adjusting confounders. The ROC curve revealed a good discrimination power for predicting newly identified left ventricular dysfunction (AUC = 0.924, 95%CI: 0.885–0.963, P < .001). Taken together, newly identified left ventricular dysfunction after patent ductus arteriosus closure was prevalent in patients with elevated mPAP. The pre-procedure elevated mPAP is an independent risk factor for the prediction of the newly identified left ventricular dysfunction in adult patients undergoing percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure. It is feasible to propose a risk model for predicting post-procedure left ventricular dysfunction and a heart function monitoring in pulmonary hypertension patients.

Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: is early transcatheter closure a paradigm shift?

The optimal management approach of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants remains uncertain owing the lack of evidence for long-term benefits and the limited analyses of the complications of medical and surgical interventions to date. In recent years, devices suitable to plug the PDA of premature infants (including extremely low birthweight, <1000 g) have become available and several trials have demonstrated successful and safe transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in this population. Whether TCPC represents a paradigm shift in PDA management that will result in improved short- and long-term outcomes, less bronchopulmonary dysplasia, improved neurodevelopment, or better long term renal function remains to be seen. Careful rigorous study of the potential benefits of TCPC in this highly vulnerable population in the context of well-designed adequately powered trials is needed prior to widespread adoption of this approach.

Failure to Rescue as an Outcome Metric for Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Programs: Analysis of Data From the IMPACT Registry

Background

Risk‐adjusted adverse event (AE) rates have been used to measure the quality of pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratories. In other settings, failure to rescue (FTR) has demonstrated utility as a quality metric.

Methods and Results

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the IMPACT (Improving Adult and Congenital Treatment) Registry between January 2010 and December 2016. A modified FTR metric was developed for pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratories and then compared with pooled AEs. The associations between patient‐ and hospital‐level factors and outcomes were evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression models. Hospital risk standardized ratios were then calculated. Rankings of risk standardized ratios for each outcome were compared to determine whether AEs and FTR identified the same high‐ and low‐performing centers. During the study period, 77 580 catheterizations were performed at 91 hospitals. Higher annual hospital catheterization volume was associated with lower odds of FTR (odds ratio: 0.68 per 300 cases; P=0.0003). No association was seen between catheterization volume and odds of AEs. Odds of AEs were instead associated with patient‐ and procedure‐level factors. There was no correlation between risk standardized ratio ranks for FTR and pooled AEs (P=0.46). Hospital ranks by catheterization volume and FTR were associated (r=−0.28, P=0.01) with the largest volume hospitals having the lowest risk of FTR.

Conclusions

In contrast to AEs, FTR was not strongly associated with patient‐ and procedure‐level factors and was significantly associated with pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory volume. Hospital rankings based on FTR and AEs were not significantly correlated. We conclude that FTR is a complementary measure of catheterization laboratory quality and should be included in future research and quality‐improvement projects.

Trends in surgical and catheter interventions for isolated congenital shunt lesions in the UK and Ireland

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate time trends in the use of catheter and surgical procedures, and associated survival in isolated congenital shunt lesions.

METHODS

Nationwide, retrospective observational study of the UK National Congenital Heart Disease Audit database from 2000 to 2016. Patients undergoing surgical or catheter procedures for atrial septal defect (including sinus venosus defect), patent foramen ovale, ventricular septal defect and patent arterial duct were included. Temporal changes in the frequency of procedures, and survival at 30 days and 1 year were determined.

RESULTS

40 911 procedures were performed, 16 604 surgical operations and 24 307 catheter-based interventions. Transcatheter procedures increased over time, overtaking surgical repair in 2003-2004, while the number of operations remained stable. Trends in interventions differed according to defect type and patient age. Catheter closure of atrial septal defects is now more common in children and adults, although surgical interventions have also increased. Patent foramen ovale closure in adults peaked in 2009-2010 before falling significantly since. Surgery remains the mainstay for ventricular septal defect in infants and children. Duct ligation is most common in neonates and infants, while transcatheter intervention is predominant in older children. Excluding duct ligation, survival following surgery was 99.4% and ≈98.7%, and following catheter interventions was 99.7% and ≈99.2%, at 30 days and 1 year, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Trends in catheter and surgical techniques for isolated congenital shunt lesions plot the evolution of the specialty over the last 16 years, reflecting changes in clinical guidelines, technology, expertise and reimbursement, with distinct patterns according to lesion and patient age.

Variations in Practice Patterns and Consistency With Published Guidelines for Balloon Aortic and Pulmonary Valvuloplasty: An Analysis of Data From the IMPACT Registry

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to study variation in the practice of balloon aortic (BAV) and pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV).

BACKGROUND

The IMPACT (IMProving Adult and Congenital Treatment) registry provides an opportunity to study practice variation in transcatheter interventions for congenital heart disease.

METHODS

The authors studied BAV and BPV in the IMPACT registry from January 1, 2011, to September 30, 2015, using hierarchical multivariable models to measure hospital-level variation in: 1) the distribution of indications for intervention; and 2) in cases with "high resting gradient" as the indication, consistency with published guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 1,071 BAV cases at 60 hospitals and 2,207 BPV cases at 75 hospitals were included. The indication for BAV was high resting gradient in 82%, abnormal stress test or electrocardiogram (2%), left ventricular dysfunction (11%), and symptoms (5%). Indications for BPV were high resting gradient in 82%, right-left shunt (6%), right ventricular dysfunction (7%), and symptoms (5%). No association between hospital characteristics and distribution of indications was demonstrated. Among interventions performed for "high resting gradient," there was significant adjusted hospital-level variation in the rates of cases performed consistently with guidelines. For BAV, significant differences were seen across census regions, with hospitals in the East and South more likely to practice consistently than those in the Midwest and West (p = 0.005). For BPV, no association was found between hospital factors and rates of consistent practice, but there was significant interhospital variation (median rate ratio: 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 1.6; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is measurable hospital-level variation in the practice of BAV and BPV. Further research is necessary to determine whether this affects outcomes or resource use.

Operator-Directed Procedural Sedation in the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the method of procedural sedation and outcomes for congenital cardiac catheterization procedures.

BACKGROUND

The safety of operator-directed sedation (ODS) in the pediatric/congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory has been questioned. To our knowledge, the relative safety of ODS versus general anesthesia (GA) in these cases has not to date been critically evaluated.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed to compare the relative safety, cost, and times of catheterization procedures performed with ODS and those performed with GA from a cardiac anesthesiologist. The risk of adverse outcomes was compared using propensity-score-adjusted models. Using the same propensity score, procedure times and relative charges were also compared.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 4,424 procedures in 2,547 patients were studied. Of these, 27% of cases were performed with ODS. ODS procedures were 70% diagnostic procedures, 17% device closure of patent ductus arteriosus, 5% balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, and 3% pulmonary artery angioplasty. The risk of adverse event in adjusted models for ODS cases was significantly lower than in GA cases (odds ratio: 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.45 to 0.95; p = 0.03). Total room time and case time were also significantly shorter (p < 0.001). Professional (charge ratio: 0.88; p < 0.001) and hospital (charge ratio: 0.84; p < 0.001) charges for ODS cases were also lower than those for GA cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that clinical judgment can identify subjects in whom ODS is not associated with increased risk of adverse events. The use of ODS was associated with reduced case times and charges. In combination, these findings suggest that the selective use of ODS can allow for greater efficiency and higher value care without sacrificing safety.

The great debate series: surgical treatment of aortic valve abnormalities in children

This article is the latest in an EJCTS series entitled 'The Great Debates'. We have chosen the topic of aortic valve (AoV) surgery in children, with a focus on infants and neonates. The topic was selected due to the significant challenges that AoV problems in the young may present to the surgical team. There are many areas of active controversy, despite the vast accumulated world experience. We have tried to incorporate many of these issues in the questions posed, not claiming to be all-inclusive. The individuals invited to this debate are experts in paediatric valve surgery, with broad and successful clinical experiences on multiple continents. We hope that the facts and opinions presented in this debate will generate interest and discussion and perhaps prove useful in decision-making for future complex valve cases.

Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects: Comparable Experience and Outcomes Between Developing and Developed Countries

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the most common congenital heart defects. Transcatheter device closure of ASDs is safe and effective with most of the reported data being described from developed countries. To evaluate the short and mid-term results and experience of device closure of ASDs at a tertiary center in a developing country and compare it to that from developed countries. Retrospective study based on data collection from all patients who have undergone transcatheter percutaneous device closure for ASD from January 2005 until December 2017 at the Children's Heart Center at the American University of Beirut, Medical Center, Lebanon. During the study period, a total of 254 cardiac catheterizations were performed for device closure of ASDs. The mean age of the patients was 18 ± 17.9 years with 37% being less than 6 years of age. Females were 54%. Defect size ranged from 7 to 37 mm and device size ranged from 8 to 40 mm. The procedure was executed with a success rate of 96%. Five patients had device embolization (2%); in one patient the device was snared and for the remainder the devices were removed surgically. None of the study patients had thrombus formation, neurological complications, bacterial endocarditis, or cardiac erosions. There was no mortality. Device closure of ASDs at our tertiary center in a developing country has an effective and safe profile with excellent results and low complications rates, which compare favorably to those reported from centers in developed countries.

A review: Percutaneous pulmonary artery stenosis therapy: state-of-the-art and look to the future

Stenosis, or narrowing, of the branches of the pulmonary artery is a type of CHD that, if left untreated, may lead to significant complications. Ideally, interventions to treat stenosis occur before significant complications or long-term sequelae take place, often within the first 2 years of life. Treatment depends on specifics of the condition, the presence of other malformations, and age of the child. Research and recent innovation to address these shortcomings have provided physicians with safer and more effective methods of treatment. This has further continued to push the ceiling of pulmonary arterial stenosis treatment available for patients. Despite continuous advancement in angioplasty - such as conventional and cutting balloon - and stenting, each treatment method is not without its unique limitations. New technological developments such as bioresorbable stents can accommodate patient growth and pulmonary artery stenosis treatment. As more than a decade has passed since the review by Bergersen and Lock, this article aims to provide a contemporary summary and investigation into the effectiveness of various therapeutic tools currently available, such as bare metal stents and potential innovations including bioresorbable stents.

Pulmonary artery interventions after the arterial switch operation: Unique and significant risks

BACKGROUND

In the modern era, results of the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries are excellent. However, because of the LeCompte maneuver, there may be a propensity for development of pulmonary artery stenosis. We encountered atypical complications of pulmonary artery stenting in patients after the ASO, including aorto-pulmonary fistula and coronary compression.

METHODS

We performed a 10-year retrospective review of catheterizations performed in patients after ASO in our institution with a focus on adverse events.

RESULTS

Diagnostic and interventional catheterizations were performed in 47 patients. In 29 patients, 37 interventional procedures performed, which included pulmonary artery angioplasty and/or stenting. In this group, there were five major adverse events (14%), including three aorto-pulmonary fistulae and one coronary artery compression among patients having stent implantation or stent redilation. In addition, there were 6/37 (16%) intended stent procedures, which were aborted because there appeared to be high-risk of significant adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests that percutaneous intervention on pulmonary artery stenosis after ASO has high-risk and should be undertaken advisedly. Prior thorough evaluation of coronary arteries is mandatory as coronary reimplantation sites may be adjacent to sites of pulmonary artery stenosis. Furthermore, if pulmonary artery stent implantation or stent redilation is contemplated, the risk of stent fracture and possible AP fistula should be recognized. Primary use of reinforced covered stents should be considered.

IMPACT Registry and National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative: Contributions to Quality in Congenital Heart Disease

The IMproving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatments (IMPACT) Registry and the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPC-QIC) are two efforts initiated to improve outcomes in the congenital heart disease field. The IMPACT Registry is focused on evaluating the use, risks, adverse events (AEs), and outcomes associated with diagnostic and common interventional catheterization procedures in all children and adults with congenital heart disease. Utilizing a modular approach, the common procedures include diagnostic cardiac catheterization, atrial septal defect device closure, patent ductus arteriosus device closure, pulmonary valvuloplasty, aortic valvuloplasty, balloon and stent angioplasty of coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary artery balloon stent angioplasty, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement, and electrophysiology procedures including radiofrequency ablation. To date, important observations on the common procedures have been made and a risk stratification methodology has been created to allow comparisons between centers in AEs and quality improvement activity. The registry is open to international participation. The NPC-QIC was developed to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life of infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) during the interstage period between discharge from the Norwood operation and admission for the bidirectional Glenn procedure. Mortality in the interstage has been reduced by 44%. The IMPACT Registry and the NPC-QIC have demonstrated value to the congenital heart disease community. The IMPACT Registry, however, has not yet demonstrated an impact on patient outcomes. The NPC-QIC, which combines both a registry with a learning collaborative with specific aims, key drivers, and change strategies, has made more significant gains with reductions in variation, growth failures, and mortality.