Publications by authors named "Gerri Hempfling"

Background: The VASCADE MVP venous vascular closure system is commonly used for percutaneous venotomy closure in catheter-based procedures utilizing sheath sizes 6-12 French. However, its application with larger sheaths such as ones required in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has yet to be explored.

Aims: This study compared the efficacy and safety of VASCADE MVP versus conventional Figure-of-8 sutures (Fo8) for femoral venotomy closure in patients undergoing Watchman LAAO.

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Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with WATCHMAN currently requires preprocedural imaging, general anesthesia, and inpatient overnight admission. We sought to facilitate simplification of LAAO.

Aims: We describe and compare SOLO-CLOSE (single-operator LAA occlusion utilizing conscious sedation TEE, lack of outpatient pre-imaging, and same-day expedited discharge) with the conventional approach (CA).

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Conventional venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) places a functional afterload burden on the left ventricle. In the setting of acute severe aortic insufficiency-induced cardiogenic shock, the utility of VA-ECMO in combination with a failing valve may result in catastrophic haemodynamic consequences. This challenge is compounded when the culprit is a failing surgical bioprosthetic valve.

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Article Synopsis
  • The WATCHMAN device is typically used for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusions (LAAO), but existing guidelines make the procedure complicated and costly for many hospitals due to requirements like general anesthesia and overnight observation.
  • A new approach, called SOLO-CLOSE, uses a single operator with conscious sedation and transoesophageal echocardiography, allowing for same-day outpatient discharge without the need for extensive pre-screening imaging.
  • In a study of five patients, this method was shown to be safe and effective, with all patients having well-placed devices and no complications at follow-up, suggesting that it could become a more accessible option for stroke prevention.
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