1. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism and contraindications for thrombolytic therapyMatjaž Bunc, Klemen Steblovnik, Simona Kržišnik-Zorman, Peter Popović, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Background. High-risk pulmonary embolism is associated with a high early mortality rate. We report our experience with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism and contraindications for thrombolytic therapy.Patients and methods. This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism and contraindications to thrombolytic therapy. They were treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy which included thrombectomy and additional thrombus aspiration when needed. Clinical parameters and survival to discharge were measured. Results. From November 2005 to September 2015 we treated 25 patients with a mean age of 62.6 +- 12.7 years, 64% were men. Mean simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index was 2.9. Mean maximum lactate levels were 7.8 +- 6.6 mmol/L, vasopressors were used in 77%, and 59% needed mechanical ventilation. Mechanical treatment included thrombus fragmentation complemented with aspiration (56%) and aspiration using Aspirex S catheter (44%). Local (5 patients; 20%) and systemic (3 patients; 12%) thrombolytics were used as a salvage therapy. We observed nonsignifi-cant improvements in systemic blood pressure (100 +- 41 mm Hg vs 119 +- 34; p = 0.100) and heart frequency (99 +- 35 min-1vs 87 +- 31 min-1; p = 0.326) before and after treatment, respectively. Peak systolic tricuspid pressure gradient was significantly lower after treatment (57 +- 14 mm Hg vs 31 +- 3 mm Hg; p = 0.018). Overall the procedure was technically successful in 20 patients (80%) and 17 patients (68%) survived to hospital discharge. Conclusions. In patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism who cannot receive thrombolytic therapy, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is a promising alternative to reduce pulmonary artery pressure. Keywords: high-risk pulmonary embolism, treatment, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy Published in DiRROS: 16.07.2024; Views: 230; Downloads: 135 Full text (554,75 KB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Computed tomographic perfusion imaging for the prediction of response and survival to transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinomaPeter Popović, Ana Leban, Klara Kregar, Manca Garbajs, Rok Dežman, Matjaž Bunc, 2018, original scientific article Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, computed tomography perfusion imaging, drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization, response to treatment, survival Published in DiRROS: 11.06.2024; Views: 387; Downloads: 206 Full text (1,59 MB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) as a bridge to aortic valve replacement in cancer patients who require urgent non-cardiac surgeryPolonca Kogoj, Rok Devjak, Matjaž Bunc, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a percutaneous treatment option for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Due to early restenosis and failure to improve long term survival, BAV is considered a palliative measure in patients who are not suitable for open heart surgery due to increased perioperative risk. BAV can be used also as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in hemodinamically unstable patients or in patients who require urgent major non-cardiac surgery.We reported 6 oncologic patients with severe aortic stenosis that required a major abdominal and gynecological surgery. In 5 cases we performed BAV procedure alone, in one patients with concomitant coronary artery disease we combined BAV and PCI. With angioplasty and BAV we achieved a good coronary artery flow and an increase in aortic valve area without any periprocedural complications. After the successful procedure, we observed a hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. As a consequence the operative risk for non-cardiac surgery decreased and the surgical treatment was done without complications in all the 6 cases.We conclude that BAV can be utilized as a part of a complex therapy in severe aortic stenosis aimed to improve the quality of life, decrease the surgical risk for major non-cardiac surgery or as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Keywords: aortic valve stenosis, elderly comorbidities, coronary artery disease Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 353; Downloads: 174 Full text (390,58 KB) This document has many files! More... |