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Angiographic and hemodynamic predictors for successful outcome of transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in infants less than 8 kilograms.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using Gianturco coils (GCs) has been performed for the past decade. However, little has been written regarding anatomical and hemodynamic predictors for successful occlusion of the PDA in infants. This report is to evaluate the outcome of transcatheter occlusion of PDA in symptomatic infants less than 8 kg and to assess predictors of successful occlusion. Retrospective review of catheterization charts and cineangiograms of 42 symptomatic infants who underwent cardiac catheterization for attempted transcatheter occlusion of their PDA was conducted. The hemodynamic and angiographic data evaluated included the length/diameter (L/D) ratio, defined as the length divided by the narrowest diameter of the ductus arteriosus, and preocclusion pulmonary artery pressures. Thirty-one out of 42 patients (74%) had successful occlusion. Twenty-nine out of 42 infants had an L/D ratio > 3. Of these, 26 (90%) had successful occlusion of their PDA. Thirteen out of 42 patients had an L/D ratio < or = 3. Of these, 8 (62%) had unsuccessful occlusion. Complications encountered were transient loss of femoral arterial pulse (n = 6), coil embolization (n = 5), hemolysis (n = 2), and mild left pulmonary artery obstruction (n = 2). No permanent loss of femoral arterial pulse was noted. These complications resulted in no mortality and minimal morbidity. The L/D ratio was the strongest predictor of successful outcome, with an L/D ratio greater than 3.0 being more amenable to transcatheter occlusion (odds ratio of 4.6). Other predictors for success included lower preocclusion systolic, diastolic, and mean pulmonary artery pressure and smaller ductal diameter. Our conclusion was that infants less than 8 kg with an L/D ratio > 3.0 can safely and successfully undergo transcatheter occlusion of their PDA using transcatheter coils.

Body Weight↗

Valsalva leak-point pressure changes after successful and failed suburethral sling.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether changes in Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) relate to the success of suburethral sling operations. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 31 suburethral sling operations in 30 women with stress urinary incontinence in whom VLPP was quantified before and after the operation. Operative success was determined by documented physical examination and telephone interview. The patients' mean age was 70.7 years (range 51-81). The operation was successful in 24 cases and unsuccessful in 7. VLPP increased significantly after successful operations (mean change 61.1 cmH(2)O; P<0.001) but not after failure (9.7 cmH(2)O); P = 0.226), with a significantly greater change for successful operations ( P = 0.0011). All patients with postoperative VLPP >126 cmH(2)O had successful operations. We concluded that there are significant increases in VLPP after successful suburethral sling operations, but not after unsuccessful operations.

Aged↗

Success rate of catheter ablation in atrial flutter: comparison of a 4- or 5-mm tip electrode catheter with an 8-mm tip electrode catheter.

BACKGROUND: Radio frequency (RF) energy is capable of interrupting the reentrant circuit of atrial flutter and curing the arrhythmia. The development of 8-mm tip catheter provides more tissue damage and has offered the promise of improved success. The purpose of our study was to determine if the acute and long-term success with the 8-mm tips were superior to the 4- or 5-mm tips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcomes of the first 20 patients in whom an 8-mm tip catheter was used were compared with the previous 20 patients in whom a 4-or 5-mm tip catheter was used. Procedural (acute) ablation success was defined by creation of bi-directional isthmus block. Long-term success was defined as the prevention of clinically evident atrial flutter (AFl) as determined by the absence of symptoms or maintenance of sinus rhythm on electrocardiogram, six months to one year after the procedure. RESULTS: Compared to the 4- or 5-mm tip, the 8-mm catheter tip was associated with a reduced ablation duration {22.3 +/- 16 versus 11.5 +/- 5 min (p = 0.0078)}, a lower mean number of ablations {13.5 +/- 9.9 versus 6.8 +/- 2.9 (p = 0.0065)} and a reduced procedure time {1.8 +/- 0.7 versus 1.1 +/- 0.5 h (p = 0.0032)}. Acute success was 95% in the 4- or 5-mm group versus 80% in the 8-mm group (p = NS), but long-term success was higher in the 8-mm group than the 4- or 5-mm group (87.5 versus 63.2%, p = 0.0436). CONCLUSIONS: Eight-millimeter tip catheters for AFl shorten procedure time, reduce the duration and number of ablations and accomplish bi-directional block when compared with smaller tipped catheters. The long-term success rate is better with the 8-mm tips and should be the preferred catheter for RF ablation of AFl.

Aged↗

Prognostic factors of success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of renal stones.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the factors that affect the success rate of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treatment of renal stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2003, 427 patients with single or multiple renal stones (< 30 mm, largest diameter) underwent ESWL monotherapy using Storz SL 20 lithotriptor. The results of treatment were evaluated after 3 months of follow-up. Treatment success was defined as complete clearance of the stones or presence of clinically insignificant residual fragments < 4 mm. The success rate was correlated with the characteristics of the patients, conditions of the urinary tract and stone features. RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up, the overall success rate was 333/427 (78%). Repeat treatment was needed in 226 patients (53.1%). Post-ESWL auxiliary procedures were required in 36 patients (8.4%). Post-ESWL complications were recorded in 16 patients (3.7%). Of the 10 prognostic factors studied, 5 had a significant impact on the success rate, namely: renal morphology, congenital anomalies, stone size, stone site and number of treated stones. Other factors including age, sex, nationality, stone nature (de novo or recurrent) and ureteric stenting had no significant impact on the success rate. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of ESWL for the treatment of renal stones could be predicted by stone size, location and number, radiological renal features and congenital renal anomalies.

Adolescent↗

The relationship between successful defibrillation and delivered energy in open-chest dogs: reappraisal of the "defibrillation threshold" concept.

The traditional assessment of the energy required for successful ventricular defibrillation involves the measurement of a "defibrillation threshold" (DFT), implying a clear-cut distinction between effective and ineffective energies. We examined the relationship between delivered energy and the likelihood of successful defibrillation in 10 open-chest pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, with the use of an internal spring/patch electrode system. An initial DFT was determined by decreasing the energy discharged until a failure first occurred (10.3 +/- 3.4 J). Six energy levels in 1 to 2 J increments were then selected surrounding this value and each was administered eight times in balanced random order (total 48 trials). The relationship between energy and percent success in defibrillation exhibited a shallow slope, with a gradual increase in success from 0% to 100% over several energy increments. The initial DFTs showed actual success rates varying from 25% to 87.5% (mean 71 +/- 26%). The results were fitted to a sigmoidal dose-response curve by logistic regression analysis and the energy associated with 50% success (E50) and 80% success (E80) was determined, as no single value for DFT could be defined in any animal. In 12 other dogs, a defibrillation curve was similarly constructed at baseline and was repeated after 90 minutes. No significant change in E50 (5.0 +/- 2.1 J vs 5.2 +/- 2.7 J) or E80 (6.3 +/- 2.5 J vs 6.6 +/- 3.2 J) was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Angiographic follow-up after successful percutaneous coronary angioplasty for chronic total coronary occlusion: experience in 110 consecutive patients.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed in 110 consecutive patients (111 vessels) with chronically occluded coronary arteries and was successful in 69 patients (69 vessels). Successful initial PTCA was related to the extent of coronary artery disease, the morphology of the proximal surface of the occlusion site, and the clinical duration of occlusion. Repeat angiography was performed for 62 patients, with successful initial PTCA and demonstrated restenosis in 34 (55%) patients, of whom 11 had total occlusion. Repeat PTCA was performed in 30 patients and was successful in 80%. Follow-up angiography after repeat PTCA was carried out in all patients who underwent successful second PTCA, and, it demonstrated re-restenosis in 7 (29%) patients. In this study, among 111 total occlusions, 28 vessels undergoing successful initial PTCA and 17 undergoing successful repeat PTCA were free from restenosis or re-restenosis at the time of follow-up angiography.

Adult↗

Predicting success of external cephalic version.

OBJECTIVE: Many authors have identified prognostic factors for external cephalic version success, but there has not been an attempt to integrate these factors into a simple, quantitative scoring system for predicting version success. Nor have any prognostic factors been prospectively tested. STUDY DESIGN: We examined the clinical characteristics of 108 consecutive breech versions performed between 1984 and 1986. These characteristics were evaluated by stepwise linear regression and discriminate analysis to identify those factors associated with success. Five factors explained the majority of the variability in outcome (parity, placental location, dilation, station, and estimated fetal weight). A model was developed to incorporate the trends identified among these five variables to create a scoring system similar to that of Bishop. This scoring system was then applied to 286 women undergoing external cephalic version since October 1986. RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between a rising version score and the likelihood of successful breech version. No versions were successful with a score < or = 2, and all breech versions were successful with a score of 9 or 10. The results of the version score may have significantly altered physician recommendations in more than one third of cases. CONCLUSION: We believe that this simple, quantifiable scoring system is a refinement in our ability to predict the likelihood of external cephalic version success.

Body Weight↗

Analysis of factors related to successful transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects using the HELEX septal occluder.

BACKGROUND: The HELEX septal occluder is a new transcatheter atrial septal defect occlusion device. This study analyzes the data collected from the first US clinical trials with this device to determine the most significant factors in successful use of the device. METHODS: Tables of subsets of data were constructed in categories of possibly significant patient and device variables compared with important outcomes. Chi2 analysis was used to determine which variables had significant impact on outcomes. RESULTS: The device was successfully implanted in 87% of patients (298/342). A major adverse event occurred in 5.8% (mostly device removal for various reasons). A significant residual leak persisted at 1 year in 2.6%. A fracture of the wire frame occurred in 8%--all were asymptomatic and only 1 required treatment. Overall composite success (no significant leak and no major adverse event) was seen in 91.5%. Patient age, body surface area, and device size had no significant influence on outcomes, except that wire frame fractures were more likely with the 35-mm device. Defect stretch diameter had the largest influence on outcomes, and implantation was possible in only 67% if the stretched diameter of the defect was >20 mm. Device-defect ratio also had a significant effect on delivery success and composite success. CONCLUSIONS: The HELEX septal occluder is best suited for small to moderate atrial septal defects with a stretch diameter <20 mm. Although composite success was achieved in 80% of patients when a device-defect ratio <1.6 was necessitated or elected, use of a device that provided a ratio >2 resulted in 95% composite success, and is recommended when possible.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

The association of preprocedural anxiety and the success of procedural sedation in children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between a child's preprocedural state anxiety and the success of sedation. METHODS: A consecutive sample of children aged 2 through 17 years requiring sedation for a procedure was enrolled. Pain, preprocedural anxiety (range, 0-9), and success of sedation (10=most successful) were measured. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled. The median age was 7 years. The median anxiety score was 1.0 (interquartile ratio, 0-3). Pain and anxiety were weakly correlated (r=.21, P>.10). The mean sedation score was 7.8 (+/-2.2). Preprocedural anxiety and successful sedation were inversely correlated (r=-0.31, P=.002). Sedation was successful in 81% of children with anxiety scores below the median and 52% with anxiety scores above the median (P=.02). Children with low anxiety were 3.8 times more likely to be successfully sedated (95% confidence interval, 1.19-12.14). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that preprocedural state anxiety is associated with the success of sedation in children.

Adolescent↗

How should success be defined when attempting medical resolution of first-trimester missed abortion?

OBJECTIVES: There is currently no consensus on how success should be defined after medical management of first-trimester missed abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the transvaginal ultrasound criterion associated with highest success rate and, at the same time, lowest long-term complications. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of consecutively enrolled patients. SETTING: A tertiary care university hospital in northern Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four women submitted to medical management of first-trimester missed abortion using a regimen of vaginal misoprostol, with histologically confirmed conception products passed vaginally. A transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed by an experienced sonographer in the morning after treatment, to characterise uterine content. Patients were provided with a chart for daily registration of axillary temperature, vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasound was repeated 2-3 weeks later, and again after the following menses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success rates of medical management when post-treatment transvaginal ultrasound criteria for subsequent expectant management were: absence of intra-uterine sac, largest anteroposterior diameter of hyperechogenic content, and maximum area of hyperechogenic intra-uterine content in a sagittal view. Self-reported duration of vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain after medical treatment. RESULTS: Success rate was 86% (38/44) when absence of gestational sac on the 12 h transvaginal ultrasound was used as the main criterion for subsequent expectant management and there was no need for further intervention. The success rate using the ultrasound criterion anteroposterior diameter < or = 15 mm was 51% (22/43), and with maximum sagittal plane area under 7.5 cm(2), 72% (31/43). Mean duration of vaginal haemorrhage was 9 days (minimum 2 days, maximum 14 days) and of lower abdominal pain 6 days (minimum 0 days, maximum 14 days). No patient recorded an axillary temperature exceeding 37 degrees C. No apparent relationship between the size of ultrasound-estimated intra-uterine content and duration of symptoms was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of gestational sac on transvaginal ultrasound should be the criterion used to document success after medical management of first-trimester missed abortion, as it is associated with the highest short and long-term success rates, as well as mild and self-limited symptoms in the days following treatment.

Abdominal Pain↗

Prognostic factors for successful percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: In sacral as well as tibial nerve stimulation test stimulation is the main prognostic factor for success. In our study we tried to identify prognostic patient characteristics to improve patient selection for neuromodulation therapy. METHODS: PTNS was applied to 132 patients in 8 study centers (51 men, 81 women, mean age of 53 years (range: 21-82)). 83 patients were treated for overactive bladder, 16 for non-obstructive urinary retention and 33 for chronic pelvic pain. All patients had to fill out micturition or pain diaries, as well as quality of life questionnaires before and after treatment. Patient characteristics were evaluated for their prognostic value for successful outcome of neuromodulation therapy with use of logistic regression. RESULTS: Objective success was seen in 32.6% of patients, subjective success in 51.5%. Most evaluated clinical parameters proved not to be of prognostic value. A history of sexual and/or physical abuse was found in 12 of 103 interviewed patients, but did not alter PTNS treatment outcome. However, a low total score at baseline in the SF-36 questionnaire proved to be predictive for not obtaining objective (OR 0.444 [95% CI: 0.198-0.996], p = 0.04) or subjective success (OR 0.424 [CI: 0.203-0.887], p = 0.02). Especially patients with a low SF-36 Mental Component Summary were prone to fail neuromodulation therapy: OR 0.123 (95% CI: 0.273-0.552), p = 0.006 for objective success. These patients also scored worse on disease-specific quality of life questionnaires, although they had no different disease severity compared to patients with good mental health. CONCLUSION: Bad mental health as measured with the SF-36 Mental Component Summary does not depend on symptom severity and is a negative predictive factor for success of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. It therefore might be used as a tool for better patient selection in neuromodulation therapy.

Adult↗

A retrospective study of functional outcomes after successful replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcome of successful microsurgical replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations. METHODS: Forty-six fingertip amputations in 46 patients (23 were replanted successfully, 23 had amputation closure) were included in this study. Thumb amputations were excluded. Grip strength and active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint were evaluated. The patients were questioned about their symptoms of pain, paresthesia, and cold intolerance. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was given and the disability/symptom score was evaluated. Patients' satisfaction with the surgical result was assessed. Time spent in the hospital and time off from work were reviewed. RESULTS: Active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was greater in the successful replantation group. Although the existence of paresthesia and cold intolerance were not statistically different between the 2 groups, pain in the affected fingers was more frequent in the amputation closure group. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of the successful replantation group was statistically better. All patients in the successful replantation group were highly or fairly satisfied with the surgical results, whereas 14 patients in the amputation closure group were highly or fairly satisfied. The time spent in the hospital and the time off from work for the successful replantation group were longer. CONCLUSIONS: Successful replantation of single fingertip amputations can result in minimal pain, better functional outcome, better appearance, and higher patient satisfaction. We recommend attempting fingertip replantation not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. If the patient requests the simple surgery and earlier return to work amputation closure is an accepted method despite the disadvantage of digital shortening and the risk for a painful stump. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.

Adult↗

Acoustical analysis of snoring: can the probability of success be predicted?

PURPOSE: Palatal flutter snoring is the most common form of snoring. However, other types of snoring do exist. Does identifying palatal snoring beforehand translate into improved subjective treatment success with palatal stiffening procedures? METHODS: Fifty-three patients presenting with snoring were evaluated with a commercially available device. The proportion (%) and magnitude of palatal flutter (dB) were quantified. Patients then underwent a palatal stiffening procedure and subjective success/failure was assessed. RESULTS: Overall subjective treatment success was 85% (45 of 53). The percent palatal flutter was the most predictive of success (area under ROC = 0.8556, 95% CI = .7428-.9683). Patients exceeding 68% palatal flutter had a 95% (39 of 41) success rate (P = 0.001, Fisher's exact) and an adjusted odds ratio of treatment success of 25.2 (95% CI = 3.22-196, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Palatal stiffening treatments are successful in the majority of patients. However, identifying patients with predominant palatal flutter snoring significantly increases the probability of subjective treatment success. EBM RATING: B-2b.

Acoustics↗

Location of acutely successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease.

Intraatrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) is common after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of IART targets anatomic areas critical to the maintenance of the arrhythmia circuit, areas that have not been well defined in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomic areas critical to IART circuits, defined by activation mapping and confirmed by an acutely successful RF ablation at the site. A total of 110 RF ablation procedures in 88 patients (median age 23.4 years, range 0.1 to 62.7) with CHD were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to surgical intervention: Mustard/Senning (n = 15), other biventricular repaired CHD (n = 24), Fontan (n = 43), and palliated CHD (n = 6). In first-time ablation procedures, > or = 1 IART circuits were acutely terminated in 80% of Mustard/Senning, 71% of repaired CHD, and 72% of Fontan (p = NS). The palliated CHD group underwent 1 of 6 successful procedures (17%), and this patient was excluded. The locations of acutely successful RF applications in Mustard/Senning patients (n = 14 sites) were at the tricuspid valve isthmus (57%) and at the lateral right atrial wall (43%). In patients with repaired CHD (n = 18 sites), successful RF sites were at the isthmus (67%) and the lateral (22%) and anterior (11%) right atria. In the Fontan group (n = 40 sites), successful RF sites included the lateral right atrial wall (53%), the anterior right atrium (25%), the isthmus area (15%), and the atrial septum (7%). Location of success was statistically different for the Fontan group (p = .002). In conclusion, the tricuspid valve isthmus is a critical area for ablation of IART during the Mustard/ Senning procedure and in patients with repaired CHD. IART circuits in Fontan patients are anatomically distinct, with the lateral right atrial wall being the more common area for successful RF applications. This information may guide RF and/or surgical ablation procedures in patients with CHD and IART.

Adolescent↗

External cephalic version: predictors of success.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictive variables for successful external cephalic version. METHODS: During 1987-1996, 128 women had external cephalic version attempts. Uterine tone, fetal spine position, breech location, breech type, gestational age, placental location, parity, maternal weight, amniotic fluid index, and estimated fetal weight were evaluated as predictors of success. RESULTS: Seventy-eight (64%) women were successfully converted from breech to vertex presentation. All subjects with low uterine tone had successful version. In women with high uterine tone, the combination of anterior or lateral fetal spine, noncornual placental location, and breech location out of the pelvis predicted success. Other independent variables associated with successful version included non-frank breech presentation, gestational age under 38 weeks, and parity of at least 1. CONCLUSION: Uterine tone may be the most important predictor of success when selecting candidates for external cephalic version.

Breech Presentation↗

Does autonomic neuropathy influence spinal cord stimulation therapy success in diabetic patients with critical lower limb ischemia?

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) improves microcirculatory blood flow and relieves diabetic neuropathic and ischemic pain, reducing the amputation rate in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients with PAOD influences the success of SCS therapy. METHODS: Sixty consecutive diabetic patients (15 with early and 13 with definite and/or combined autonomic neuropathy) with an ankle/brachial systolic pressure index (ABI) less than 0.20 +/- 0.08, underwent spinal cord stimulation after failed conservative or surgical treatment. The neuropathic status of the patients was evaluated before implantation and pedal TcpO2 measurements on the dorsum of the foot were performed. RESULTS: Limb salvage and pain relief >75%, evaluated with the visual analogue scale, were achieved in 35 patients, whereas in 12 a partial success with pain relief >50% and limb salvage for at least 6 months were obtained. In 13 patients the method failed and the ischemic limbs were amputated. Among the 28 diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy the treatment failed or resulted in only partial success in 25, whereas in all 32 patients without neuropathy limb salvage and pain relief >75% were achieved (p < 0.0001). Partial success in 10 patients with early neuropathy and in two with definite was achieved (p = 0.008), whereas in 11 patients with definite neuropathy and in two with early the method failed (p < 0.001). The stage of the neuropathy was inversely related to the success of SCS therapy, independent of the stage of the disease. The method's success was related to the presence of adequate paraesthesias and warm feeling in the painful area with size reduction of the trophic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease presenting with intractable pain may be successfully treated with spinal cord stimulation unless they have associated severe autonomic neuropathy.

Aged↗

Suprapubic bladder aspiration versus urethral catheterization in ill infants: success, efficiency and complication rates.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare success rates, complications, and efficiency of suprapubic bladder aspiration with urethral catheterization in ill infants. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. SETTING: The pediatric emergency department at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of infants under 6 months of age requiring an uncontaminated urine specimen for the evaluation of febrile illness, suspected urinary tract infection, or sepsis. Infants with wet diapers were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to undergo timed suprapubic bladder aspiration (performed by a physician and a nurse) or urethral catheterization (performed by two nurses). If suprapubic bladder aspiration was unsuccessful, urethral catheterization was performed immediately and the bladder was drained; emptying volume was recorded. All patients had a next-void "bag" urinalysis performed for post-procedure hematuria. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent primary suprapubic bladder aspiration. The success rate (defined by obtaining at least 2 mL of urine) was 46%. Mean +/- SD time per successful suprapubic bladder aspiration was 16.73 +/- 7.73 seconds. Fifty patients underwent primary urethral catheterization. The success rate was 100%; the mean time required was 80.70 +/- 46.52 seconds. After failed suprapubic bladder aspiration, urethral catheterization was 100% successful, with a mean draining volume of 2.95 +/- 2.38 mL. No immediate problems were identified among any instrumented patients; later complications (next-void hematuria after either procedure, other visceral injury with suprapubic bladder aspiration) were not detected. CONCLUSION: Both suprapubic bladder aspiration and urethral catheterization afford the emergency physician low-risk access to uncontaminated urine in ill infants. Suprapubic bladder aspiration is less efficient in that it requires physician participation and failure rates are higher. These data suggest that successful suprapubic bladder aspiration is primarily dependent on the volume of urine in the bladder; thus, in the ill or febrile ED infant who may be dehydrated, the likelihood of success decreases. The authors recommend that ED nursing and physician staff become comfortable with performing urethral catheterization on infants.

Drainage↗

Effects of transthoracic impedance and peak current flow on defibrillation success in a prehospital setting.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether transthoracic impedance and peak current are determinants of defibrillation success in patients with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a suburban Canadian EMS system. Participants were patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the regional municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, had VF rhythm at presentation, and received countershocks from the Laerdal Heartstart 2000 automated external defibrillator. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients met the inclusion criteria. Collectively they received 717 countershocks. The first shocks were successful in converting VF rhythm 25.5% of the time. The most important determinant of shock success was the interval from when the call was received until delivery of the first shock (P<.01). Length of time at scene, current, impedance, and patient age were not significant determinants of success of first shock. The time interval until first shock was also a determinant of survival (P<.01). EMS response time, whether the arrest was witnessed, initial impedance, and current were not determinants of survival. CONCLUSION: OHCA shock success and survival are associated with EMS system factors such as the interval from when the call was received until delivery of the first shock. The importance of impedance and peak current remain theoretic for out-of-hospital defibrillation success and did not influence defibrillation success in this study.

Age Factors↗