Pieter-Jan Palmers

The accuracy of noninvasive cardiac output and pressure measurements with finger cuff: a concise review.

Purpose of reviewThe present review aims to summarize literature on the accuracy of the finger cuff method to measure cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure, its ability to track hemodynamic changes, and to predict fluid responsiveness. Recent findingsFinger cuff is an easy-to-use hemodynamic monitoring technique. Different devices are currently available, which provide continuous arterial blood pressure (Finapress), whereas only ClearSight (previously known as Nexfin; BMEYE) provides an estimate of CO. In most studies, the criteria for clinical interchangeability (for CO) were not met, when compared with the currently used invasive monitoring systems such as uncalibrated CO via a radial artery line, and calibrated CO either via a pulmonary artery catheter or a femoral artery catheter connected to the PiCCO (Pulsion Medical Systems) or VolumeView (Edwards Lifesciences) devices. In particular, ClearSight obtained CO seems to be less accurate in patients with a low CO. However, in most patients, ClearSight is able to track hemodynamic changes induced by a fluid challenge or passive leg raising test. We will discuss in this review the relevant literature with regard to validation of the finger cuff technique for both arterial blood pressure and CO. SummaryThe finger cuff method provides a reasonable estimate of CO and blood pressure, which does not meet the criteria for clinical interchangeability with the currently used invasive devices.

Clinical value of echocardiographic Doppler-derived right ventricular dp/dt in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

AIMS Right ventricular (RV) dp/dt is the instantaneous rate of RV pressure rise during early systole and is a surrogate marker of RV contractility. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of echocardiographic Doppler obtained RV dp/dt to predict long-term survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS AND RESULTS Seventy-eight consecutive newly diagnosed untreated patients (64 ± 15 years, 71% female, 57% PAH, 43% inoperable CTEPH) were included in the study. At baseline, patients were assessed clinically [New York Heart Association (NYHA) and 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD)], by transthoracic cardiac ultrasound and by right heart catherization. RV dp/dt was assessed using spectral Doppler recordings from the tricuspid regurgitation signal at a sweep speed of 200 mm/s by measuring the time interval in which the regurgitant velocity increased from 0.5 to 2 m/s. During a mean follow-up period of 3.5 ± 1.7 years, 31 patients died and 3 received a lung transplant [study endpoint reached in 34/78 (44%) patients]. The optimal RV dp/dt cut-off was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis at 3 years to be 410 mmHg/s (specificity 84%, positive-predictive value 55%, and negative-predictive value 83%). In univariate analysis, RV dp/dt <410 mmHg/s (hazard ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.30-5.47, P = 0.007), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <15 mm, NYHA, 6MWD, and right atrial pressure were predictors of mortality. In a multivariate model with TAPSE, RV dp/dt remained an independent predictor of mortality (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION A reduced baseline RV dp/dt is a clear indicator of poor outcome independent of TAPSE in patients with PAH/CTEPH.

From therapeutic hypothermia towards targeted temperature management: a decade of evolution

More than a decade after the first randomised controlled trials with targeted temperature management (TTM), it remains the only treatment with proven favourable effect on postanoxemic brain damage after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Other well-known indications include neurotrauma, subarachnoidal haemorrhage, and intracranial hypertension. When possible pitfalls are taken into consideration when implementing TTM, the side effects are manageable. After the recent TTM trials, it seems that classic TTM (32-34°C) is as effective and safe as TTM at 36°C. This supports the belief that fever prevention is one of the pivotal mechanisms that account for the success of TTM. Uncertainty remains concerning cooling method, timing, speed of cooling and rewarming. New data indicates that TTM is safe and feasible in cardiogenic shock, one of its classic contra-indications. Moreover, there are limited indications that TTM might be considered as a therapy for cardiogenic shock per se.

Mean arterial pressure of 65 mm Hg versus 85-100 mm Hg in comatose survivors after cardiac arrest: Rationale and study design of the Neuroprotect post–cardiac arrest trial

Background Post–cardiac arrest (CA) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have a poor prognosis, with estimated survival rates of around 30%‐50%. On admission, these patients have a large cerebral penumbra at risk for additional damage in case of suboptimal brain oxygenation during their stay in the ICU. The aim of the Neuroprotect post‐CA trial is to investigate whether forcing mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) in a specific range (MAP 85–100 mm Hg, SVO2 65%‐75%) with additional pharmacological support (goal‐directed hemodynamic optimization) may better salvage the penumbra, reduce cerebral ischemia, and improve functional outcome when compared with current standard of care (MAP 65 mm Hg). Design The Neuroprotect post‐CA trial (NCT02541591) is a multicenter, randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label, assessor‐blinded, monitored, and investigator‐driven clinical trial. The trial will be conducted in 2 tertiary care hospitals in Belgium (UZ Leuven and ZOL‐Genk). A total of 112 eligible patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to goal‐directed hemodynamic optimization or standard care strategy by an interactive voice response system. Patients will be stratified according to the presence of an initial shockable rhythm. Adult patients (≥18 years) resuscitated from out‐of‐hospital CA of a presumed cardiac cause who are unconscious upon hospital admission are eligible for inclusion. Patients can be included irrespective of their presenting heart rhythm but need to have a sustained return of spontaneous circulation. Trial interventions will take 36 hours starting from ICU admission. The primary outcome is the extent of cerebral ischemia as quantified by the apparent diffusion coefficient on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging to be performed at day 4–5 post‐CA. Secondary outcomes include surrogate biomarkers of brain injury (neuron specific enolase) at day 1–5, neuropsychological and functional testing at hospital discharge, a Short Form–36 health questionnaire at 180 days, and outcome as assessed with cerebral performance category scores at ICU discharge and at 180 days. Conclusions The Neuroprotect post‐CA trial will investigate whether a more aggressive hemodynamic strategy to obtain a MAP 85–100 mm Hg and SVO2 65%‐75% reduces brain ischemia and improves outcome when compared with standard treatment (MAP 65 mm Hg) in comatose post‐CA survivors.

Telescopic Corsair in 5F Guidion for Retrograde Recanalization of Complex Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs)

Case series Patient: Male, 81 • Female, 72 • Male, 58 Final Diagnosis: CTO Symptoms: Angina pectoris Medication: — Clinical Procedure: PCI Specialty: Cardiology Objective: Unusual setting of medical care Background: Retrograde advancement of microcatheters through septal/epicardial connectors can be challenging. Although several tricks might help to do so (e.g., balloon trap of retro wire in second guiding, balloon trap of retro wire in native coronary artery, and use of antegrade extension to approximate the antegrade conduit to the retrograde gear), these tricks cannot always be applied, especially in patients with poor access. Also, puncturing, knuckling, and crossing of the distal CTO cap (or the aorta as described in 1 of the cases) sometimes needs a lot of backup of the microcatheter. Case Report: We describe 3 cases in which we used a novel telescopic technique with 5F Guidion (IMDS®) supported retrograde Corsair (Asahi®) advancement in complex CTO lesions. Conclusions: The telescopic Corsair in 5F Guidion may offer the support needed to end successfully in these situations.

Initial Experience and Feasibility of the New Low-Profile Stingray Catheter as Part of the Antegrade Dissection and Re-Entry Revascularization Strategy for Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions

Case series Patient: Male, 77 • Male, 57 • Male, 73 Final Diagnosis: Coronary chronic total occlusion Symptoms: Angina pectoris Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Percutaneous coronary intervention of coronary chronic total occlusions Specialty: Cardiology Objective: Unusual setting of medical care Background: During antegrade dissection re-entry (ADR) of chronic total occlusions (CTO), the first-generation Stingray catheter requires the use of large-bore guides (sheathless 7.5 Fr or 8 Fr), which increases the risk for access site-related complications and compromises radial approaches. Smaller guiding sizes necessitate long guidewires (e.g., 300 cm) or guidewire extensions for catheter advancement or removal. However, friction between guides and the Stingray catheter can result in unstable guidewire position or unintentional removal. Furthermore, failure to deliver the catheter at the distal re-entry zone is a common problem. To overcome issues of deliverability and reduce the need for pre-dilatations, with its inherent risk of creating subintimal hematomas, the Stingray low-profile (LP) balloon catheter was developed. Case Report: We describe 3 cases of successful application of the novel Stingray LP catheter during ADR. In all cases, 7 Fr guiding catheters were successfully used in combination with the device. The lower profile facilitated a good exchange and delivery of the device, without the need for balloon pre-dilatations in 2 cases. This resulted in a limited subintimal plane, enabling a smooth puncture into the true lumen. One case presented with extreme levels of calcification and tortuosity, resulting in a high degree of friction, despite the lower catheter profile. No in-hospital coronary or access site-related complications occurred. Conclusions: This case report illustrates the feasibility of the Stingray LP catheter for the treatment of CTOs via the ADR technique. The lower profile of the catheter potentially increases the deliverability, safety, and exchangeability of the device.

An echocardiographic finding leading to the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis

A 68-year-old patient with a history of unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and episodes of low-grade fever for several months was referred to our hospital for high-grade fever, malaise, and presyncope. There were no clear clinical foci of infection. Laboratory results showed an elevated sedimentation rate (119 mm/h) and C-reactive protein level (32 mg/L). A transoesophageal …