Objective To assessment of the echogenicity of the ultrasound-guided catheter and its associated delivery system. Methods The study consisted of in vitro characterization experiments and animal studies. In the in vitro phase, the acoustic and mechanical properties of the ultrasound-guided catheter were compared with those of the traditional MPA2 catheter, including parameters such as echo intensity, recognizability, and angle dependence. In the animal experiments, a ventricular septal defect (VSD) model was established in miniature pigs to compare the procedural performance of the ultrasound-guided delivery system versus the conventional system. Evaluation indicators included the time required for the system to cross the VSD, the detection rate of the system within the right ventricle, and the occurrence of intraoperative complications. Results The ultrasound-guided catheter demonstrated a significantly higher mean echo intensity than the MPA2 catheter[ (237.3±1.8) dB vs. (190.9±13.1) dB, P<0.001] and a markedly improved recognizability rate (82.3%±5.6% vs. 26.7±3.2%, P<0.001), along with better angle independence and image quality. In animal experiments, the ultrasound-guided delivery system significantly reduced the time required to cross the VSD (18.5±5.7 min vs. 30.3±4.5 min, P<0.001) and substantially increased the detection rate within the right ventricle (100% vs. 30%). No severe complications occurred in any experimental animal. Conclusion The ultrasound-guided catheter and its corresponding delivery system exhibited superior ultrasound visibility and operational performance in both in vitro and animal experiments, indicating strong potential for clinical application.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the "key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method" on the safety and efficacy of echocardiography-guided percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). MethodsPatients who underwent echocardiography-guided percutaneous PDA closure at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with complete clinical data, between January 2016 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a study group (procedure performed using both "key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method") and a control group (procedures performed without these methods). Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied for 1∶1 matching between the two groups. The primary endpoint was procedure success at 30 days after procedure. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative echocardiography localization success, major and minor complication at 6 months after procedure, and days of hospital stay. Results A total of 273 patients were included, among which 141 were in the study group and 132 in the control group. Before PSM, all patients achieved procedure success. After PSM, 77 matched pairs (154 patients) were analyzed. The study group demonstrated a significantly higher intraoperative echocardiography localization success rate (98.70% vs. 50.64%, P<0.001) and shorter hospitalization duration at (4.10±1.98) d vs. (5.01±2.16) d (P=0.007). The 6-month minor complication rate was lower in the study group (0.00% vs. 6.49%, P=0.058). All patients were successfully discharged, with no cases of device embolization, infective endocarditis, or death observed during follow-up.Conclusion "Key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method" are effective echocardiography-guided adjunctive methods that enhance the safety and efficacy of PDA closure. These approaches deserve further validation in prospective multicenter studies in the future.