Key result
Operator survey reveals heterogeneous pericardial tamponade management, with ~85% using protamine but most avoiding NOAC antidotes.
Why the study?
Pericardial tamponade is the most frequent severe complication during electrophysiology procedures, but multiple aspects of its treatment are either not standardized or are under ongoing debate.
Cross-Sectional (n=213)
Yes
A European Heart Rhythm Association survey reveals significant heterogeneity in the management of pericardial tamponade during electrophysiology procedures, underscoring the need for standardized protocols.
Heterogeneous tamponade management suggests need for standardized protocols; leaves open optimal reversal and re-transfusion strategies.
AIMS: Pericardial tamponade (PT) is the most frequent severe complication during electrophysiology (EP) procedures and requires immediate, co-ordinated, and effective treatment. However, multiple aspects of PT treatment are either not standardized or are under ongoing debate. METHODS AND RESULTS: An online questionnaire consisting of 26 multiple-choice questions was sent out to the European Heart Rhythm (EHRA) Research Network and also distributed via social media outputs. The EHRA survey was conducted between May and June 2023. A total of 213 replies were received from European (87%) and non-European countries. Ninety per cent of all participants perform interventions in dedicated EP labs equipped with different ablation platforms. In case of PT, most participants use X-ray as the main imaging modality guiding pericardial puncture, predominantly aiming for an anterior puncture site. Sheaths of different sizes are introduced into the pericardial space (84.3%), followed by a pigtail catheter. Application of protamine is an established but variable step in the majority (84.6%). Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) antidotes are not used by 73.3% of participants, while 15.2% routinely apply them. Re-transfusion of aspirated blood is performed by 72.1% [before protamine administration (18.2%), after protamine administration (13.5%), if pericardial effusion cannot be controlled (40.4%)]. A total of 72.4% re-transfuse without blood filter systems. A decision for surgical intervention is mostly taken if bleeding continues despite all interventional measures. CONCLUSION: The current survey demonstrates that the management of PT is heterogeneous among centres. The findings of this survey may help to guide operators in their treatment and decisions in the setting of PT.
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Metzner et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Pericardial tamponade (n=213). Management strategies for pericardial tamponade was evaluated on Survey responses regarding management practices for pericardial tamponade. A survey of 213 operators revealed heterogeneous management of pericardial tamponade, with 84.6% using protamine, 73.3% not using NOAC antidotes, and 72.1% re-transfusing aspirated blood.