Aortic Clamp Time Research Articles

Factors associated with early extubation of patients after corrective tetralogy of Fallot

ObjectiveTo assess surgical management and postoperative results associated with early extubation in patients undergoing tetralogy of Fallot corrective surgery at a public hospital in Argentina. MethodsA retrospective review was made from clinical records from patients who underwent corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 38 clinical records that met the inclusion criteria for the retrospective review were included in the analysis. Results16% were extubated early. Milrinone was the only drug that showed differences in patients who were extubated early (p=0.01). Extracorporeal circulation time, aortic clamping time, transfusion with cryoprecipitates, saturation of oxygen pressure, and haematocrit at the end of the surgical procedure showed no differences (p>.05). In the postoperative period, the ICU stay was shorter for the patients who were extubated early (p=0.0007), but there were no differences in the total hospital stay (p=0.26). ConclusionsEarly extubation in the institution, although found to be low frequency, has proved as a safe and effective alternative to shorten these patients’ stay in ICU.

The value of procalcitonin in systemic inflammatory response syndrome after open-heart surgery for CHD.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which is marked by fever, is a possible complication after open-heart surgery for CHD. The inflammatory response following the use of cardiopulmonary bypass shows similar clinical signs with sepsis. Therefore serial measurements of procalcitonin, an early infection marker, can be helpful to differentiate between sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. To evaluate serial levels of procalcitonin in children who underwent open-heart surgery for cyanotic and acyanotic CHD, and identify factors associated with elevated level of procalcitonin. Children and infants who had open-heart surgery and showed fever within 6 hours after surgery were recruited. Procalcitonin levels were serially measured along with leukocyte and platelet count. Other data were also recorded, including diagnosis, age, body weight, axillary temperature, aortic clamp time, bypass time, duration of mechanical ventilation, risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score-1, and length of stay in Cardiac ICU. The patients were categorised into cyanotic and acyanotic CHD groups. High mean of procalcitonin level suggested the presence of bacterial infection. Cyanotic CHD group had significantly higher mean of procalcitonin level compared to acyanotic CHD group in the first two measurements. Both groups had no leukocytosis, though platelet count results were significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference of procalcitonin level observed in culture results and adverse outcomes. Serial procalcitonin measurement can be helpful to determine the cause of fever. Meanwhile other conventional markers such as leukocyte and platelet should be assessed thoroughly.

Experience of surgical treatment of infective endocarditis in children

Surgical treatment of infectious endocarditis in children, single-center experience. The paper analyzes the experience of surgical treatment of infectious endocarditis (IE) in children. In the period from January 1999 to July 2019, 69 children with IE were operated at National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of NAMS of Ukraine, 44 of them (63.8%) developed the disease on the background of congenital heart defects (CHD). The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 9.1 ± 6.1 years. The average weight is 31.5 ± 21.7 (3.6 to 85 kg). The duration of the disease at the time of hospitalization was 5.3 ± 1.1 months. The average duration of the fever before hospitalization was 10.2 ± 8.5 weeks. Among the causes of IE, we observed three groups of inflammatory diseases: infections of the skin and subcutaneous fat in 15 (21.7%) cases, pathology of ENT – organs – 14 (20.2%) and broncho-pulmonary diseases – 9 (13.1%) cases. The risk factors were: presence of CHD – 44 (63.7%) and also nosocomial factors. The microbiological spectrum of pathogens included gram-positive microorganisms – 33 (71.7%), gram-negative microorganisms 4 (8.7%) and fungal microflora 9 (19.6%). The mean values of bypass circulation were 111.5 ± 62.4 minutes, and the time of aortic clamping was 71.4 ± 43.9 minutes, respectively. Hospital mortality in the general group of patients was 4 (5.8%) cases. In the follow-up period, 59 patients were examined, representing 90.7% of those discharged at the hospital stage. The observation period lasted from one month to 19.4 years (9.6 ± 5.7 years). According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative survival rate of patients in the CHD group at one year after surgery was 97.1%, at 10 years – 93.5%; after 15 years – 93.5%. Survival in the non-CHD group at 5, 10, and 15 years was 100%. In the long term, two patients died (3.4%). The recurrence rate of IE in the distant period was 2 (3.4%) cases. The incidence of long-term reoperation was 8 (13.6%) cases, three were recurrent IE and five were non-recurrent. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the proportion of patients without recurrent surgery in the long-term follow-up at 5 years was 87.9%, at 10 years – 84.1%, after 15 years – 77.1% in the CHD group. In the group without CHD 5 years – 95.2%, 10 years – 95.2%, 15 years – 81.6%. In the long term, as a result of performed surgical interventions, the regression of clinical manifestations of heart failure was noted in the majority of patients.

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NACETYLCYSTEINE AND BICARBONATE IN RENAL PROTECTION AFTER CARDIAC BYPASS SURGERY

Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery that employs cardiopulmonary bypass. Acute renal failure occurs in up to 30% of patients who undergo cardiac surgery. Aim of the Work: to compare between the effectiveness of acetylcysteine and bicarbonate in prevention of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective cardiac bypass surgeries. Patients and Methods: This interventional prospective comparative randomized single blinded study was conducted on 120 cardiac patients, hypertensive, diabetic with normal preoperative kidney functions, of either sex, aging >40 years old, scheduled for elective cardiac bypass surgery at Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Ain Shams University hospitals. Study started June 2017 and ended December 2018; after the approval of the ethical medical committee and obtaining a written informed consent from thepatient. Results: The current study showed nonsignificant correlation between usage of NAC and bicarbonate and renal protection after cardiac bypass surgeries. Also the current study showed the more the time of aortic clamping, time of CPB and the lower the MAP during CPB, the more the rise in serum creatinine after 24 hours. Conclusion: The current study shows that perioperative intravenous administration of NAC with or without sodium bicarbonate may not have a role in prevention of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective cardiac bypass surgeries as detected by serum creatinine and creatinine clearance.

A METHOD OF RESECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE ABDOMINAL AORTA IN PATIENTS WITH INFRARENAL ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS AND SEVERE COMORBID CORONARY PATHOLOGY

This article presents a clinical observation of a patient with a giant atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and comorbid uncorrected coronary artery disease. Taking into account the threat of aneurysm rupture, we have chosena surgical intervention using methods that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in the perioperative period: the distal-first technique allowed us to reduce the aortic clamping time, and the use of temporary axillofemoral bypass grafting reduced peripheral resistance and stress on myocardium.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation after aortic valve replacement is a risk factor for long-term atrial fibrillation.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. However, knowledge on the rate of long-term atrial fibrillation (LTAF) after POAF remains unclear. We investigated predictors of POAF in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement, and assessed the rate of LTAF during follow-up. We prospectively included 96 adult patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Patients with previous atrial fibrillation (AF) were excluded. Patients underwent echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging immediately prior to surgery. Surgical aortic clamp time and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) were documented. POAF was defined as AF recorded within 7 days of surgery. Through chart review, patients were followed up for documented episodes of LTAF occurring more than 7 days after surgery. POAF occurred in 51 patients (53%). It was associated with larger preoperative echocardiographic left atrial volume index (44 ± 12 vs 37 ± 8 ml/m2, P = 0.004), longer aortic clamp time [80 (70-102) vs 72 (62-65) min, P = 0.04] and higher CRP on first postoperative day [80 (64-87) vs 65 (44-83) mg/l, P = 0.001]. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that left atrial volume index [odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.13; P = 0.005] and postoperative CRP (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; P = 0.006) were the only independent predictors of POAF. During 695 days (25th-75th percentile: 498-859 days) of follow-up, LTAF occurred in 11 patients of whom 10 were in the POAF group (hazard ratio 9.4, 95% CI 1.2-74; P = 0.03). POAF is predicted by left atrial volume index and postoperative CRP. Patients with POAF have a 9-fold increase risk of developing symptomatic LTAF during follow-up. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02316587).

Robotic repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection: the initial experience and technical details.

This study reports our initial experience with robotic-assisted partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) repair. From May 2013 through September 2018, 20 patients (12 male and 8 female) underwent robotic-assisted repair of a right-sided (n = 19) or a left-sided (n = 1) PAPVC. The mean age was 24.6 ± 9.4years (range 14-44) and the mean body mass index was 22.3 ± 4.6. Seventeen patients had a right-sided supra-cardiac PAPVC with sinus venosus atrial septal defect, two had a right-sided cardiac PAPVC to the right atrium and one had a left-sided cardiac PAPVC to the coronary sinus. Associated anomalies included patent foramen ovale (n = 2) and left persistent superior vena cava (n = 1). All patients were operated on successfully. No conversion to mini-thoracotomy or sternotomy was needed. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were 114.8 ± 17.3 (range 90-150) and 66.5 ± 15.8 (range 44-90) minutes, respectively. Repair techniques included the single-patch repair with baffle through right atriotomy (n = 16), the 2-patch repair (n = 1) using lateral transcaval incision and intracardiac re-routing (n = 3). The mean ventilation time was 4.2 ± 1.2h and hospital stay was 3.1 ± 0.1days. No phrenic nerve injury, sinus node dysfunction, re-exploration or blood transfusion was noted. No residual shunting or venous obstruction was found on echocardiograms. Follow-up was a mean of 1.7years (range 3-36months). There was no follow-up mortality. Totally, endoscopic robotic-assisted PAPVC repair is a feasible procedure in selected adult patients. It is a less invasive alternative to traditional incisions, mini-thoracotomy and endoscopic approaches. In the future, new generation robotic devices may offer an alternative for younger patients with this pathology.

Cirugía cardiaca en Costa Rica: caracterización de los pacientes en el Hospital San Juan de Dios del 2010 al 2015

Introduction and objectivesIn Costa Rica there is limited literature on cardiac surgery. This pioneering study in the country characterizes, clinically and sociodemographically, patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Hospital San Juan de Dios, with the aim of communicating to the scientific community the results of this center in the context of Costa Rica's Social Security. The study also aims to identify risk factors that affect global mortality and thereby optimize patients’ perioperative care. MethodsObservational, retrospective study, from the Cardiac Surgery Department database at Hospital San Juan de Dios, between January 2010 and December 2015. Clinical history, surgical and hospital evolution variables were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results692 patients, male predominance (63.9%); mean age 57.1 ± 13.9 years; at least one postoperative complication in 41% and mortality of 14.9%. Surgical distribution: valvular (47.8%), coronary artery bypass grafting (31.5%), ascending aorta and arch (6.9%), combined coronary artery bypass grafting - valvular (5.8%), adult congenital heart disease (4.2%), and cardiac miscellaneous (3.8%). EuroSCORE, preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide and New York Heart Association functional scale resulted in mortality predictors. Inflection points for mortality: 250 pg/mL for preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide, 149min for extracorporeal circulation time and 84min for aortic clamping time. ConclusionsThrough this characterization study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery during the period between 2010 and 2015, it is possible to evaluate the performance of the Department at Hospital San Juan de Dios, which is essential for analysis and improvement of quality of surgical treatment provided to patients with cardiac pathology within Costa Rica's Social Security System.

Dynamic changes and clinical significance of LXA4 in the perioperative period of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Dynamic changes in lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in child patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), in the perioperative period of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were studied. Peripheral blood was collected from 16 child patients (CPB group) before operation (Tc), after operation (T0), at 1 day after operation (T1), at 3 days after operation (T3), and at 7 days after operation (T7); and from 17 children with no CHD (control group). The level of LXA4 in peripheral blood was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical data of the child patients were collected. The white blood cell (WBC) count, the proportion of neutrophils (N%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also detected, followed by statistical analysis. The plasma LXA4 levels in CPB group at Tc were significantly lower compared to that in the control group (P<0.01). In CPB group, the level of LXA4 showed an increasing trend at T0, WBC and hs-CRP were transiently increased at T0 and increased most significantly at T1. N% was obviously increased at T0 compared to that at Tc and was still significantly higher at T7 compared to that at Tc. The CPB time and aortic clamping time were positively correlated with the time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), the application time of ventilator, and the hs-CRP level at T0. The LXA4 level at each time-point had no correlation with other indexes. In conclusion, the inflammatory response after CPB increases the synthesis of LXA4 with an anti-inflammatory effect, but LXA4 cannot be used as a sensitive index for monitoring inflammation.

Durability of open surgical repair of type I-III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

ObjectiveEarly outcomes and late mortality after open repair of extent I to III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are described, but late graft and aortic events are seldom detailed. This study investigated long-term aortic and graft outcomes as these data are increasingly important as endovascular repair matures. MethodsDuring 28 years, 516 patients underwent repair (type I, n = 177 [34%]; type II, n = 100 [20%]; type III, n = 239 [46%]). Patients were monitored for late events. Late aortic events were defined as native aortic disease leading to death or further intervention. Planned secondary procedures were excluded. Graft complications included anastomotic aneurysm, graft infection, and branch occlusions. Variables were assessed for association with end points using log-rank methods and Cox proportional hazards regression. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier methods. ResultsIn-hospital death occurred in 40 patients (8%), leaving 476 for surveillance. Mean age was 69.8 ± 10.5 years. Mean follow-up was 4.9 ± 4.6 years. Repair conduct included distal aortic perfusion and motor evoked potential monitoring (n = 169 [35.5%]), clamp and sew (n = 307 [64.5%]), and selectively applied in-line mesenteric shunting (n = 172 [36.1%]). At the time of repair, 117 patients (24.6%) had 122 synchronous, noncontiguous aortic aneurysms. There were 98 late aortic and graft events in 89 patients (18.7%); 62 aortic-related events occurred in 56 patients (12%; elective repair, n = 47; emergent repair, n = 14; type A dissection, n = 1) at a mean of 4.4 ± 4.2 years after repair. Variables independently predictive of an aortic event were aortic clamp time (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02/min; P = .001), type III extent (HR, 2.5; P = .008), and expansion of retained aorta (HR, 10.4; P < .0005). There were 33 patients (7%) who experienced 36 graft-related events (anastomotic aneurysm, n = 14 [3% of cohort; aortic, n = 7; visceral patch, n = 6; side graft, n = 1]; graft infection, n = 12; renovisceral occlusion/repair, n = 9 [1.9%; side-arm graft, n = 8; native, n = 1]; and anastomotic stricture, n = 1) occurring at 4.7 ± 4.5 years. Variables predictive of graft-related complication were type II extent (HR, 3.4; P = .002) and distal aortic perfusion and motor evoked potential monitoring (HR, 3.6; P = .02). Freedom from aortic- or graft-related event was 80% at 5 years. Freedom from any aortic or graft reintervention was 84% at 5 years. Aortic-related mortality after discharge was 2.7% and estimated to be 3.1% at 5 years. Overall survival was 67% and 44% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. ConclusionsAfter type I-III TAAA repair, late aortic and graft-related events occur in 19% of patients. Native aortic disease sequelae are more common than graft complication. Aortic events are predicted by complex operation and degree of remaining aorta. Extensive reconstruction drives graft-related events. Ultimately, reintervention is rare and aorta-related mortality low. These findings verify durability of extensive TAAA repair, serving as benchmarks for endovascular repair.

Changes in the sublingual microcirculation following aortic surgery under balanced or total intravenous anaesthesia: a prospective observational study

BackgroundIn vascular surgery with aortic cross-clamping, ischemia/reperfusion injury induces systemic haemodynamic and microcirculatory disturbances. Different anaesthetic regimens may have a varying impact on tissue perfusion. The aim of this study was to explore changes in microvascular perfusion in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair under balanced or total intravenous anaesthesia.MethodsProspective observational study. Patients undergoing elective open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair received balanced (desflurane + remifentanil, n = 20) or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA, propofol + remifentanil using target-controlled infusion, n = 20) according to the clinician’s decision. A goal-directed haemodynamic management was applied in all patients. Measurements were obtained before anaesthesia induction (baseline) and at end-surgery and included haemodynamics, arterial/venous blood gases, sublingual microvascular flow and density (incident dark field illumination imaging), peripheral muscle tissue oxygenation and microcirculatory reactivity (thenar near infrared spectroscopy with a vascular occlusion test).ResultsThe two groups did not differ for baseline characteristics, mean aortic-clamping time and requirement of vasoactive agents during surgery. Changes in mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, haemoglobin and blood lactate levels were similar between the two groups, while the cardiac index increased at end-surgery in patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia. The sublingual microcirculation was globally unaltered in the TIVA group at end-surgery, while patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia showed an increase in the total and perfused small vessel densities (from 16.6 ± 4.2 to 19.1 ± 5.4 mm/mm2, p < 0.05). Changes in microvascular density were negatively correlated with changes in the systemic vascular resistance index. The area of reactive hyperaemia during the VOT increased in the balanced anaesthesia group (from 14.8 ± 8.1 to 25.6 ± 14.8%*min, p < 0.05). At end-surgery, the tissue haemoglobin index in the TIVA group was lower than that in the balanced anaesthesia group.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with a goal-directed hemodynamic management, indices of sublingual or peripheral microvascular perfusion/oxygenation were globally preserved with both balanced anaesthesia and TIVA. Patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia showed microvascular recruitment at end-surgery.Trial registrationNCT03510793, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, date of registration April 27th 2018, retrospectively registered.

Surgical Treatment for Congenital Heart Defects in Down Syndrome Patients.

ObjectiveTo analyze data related to surgical treatment in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) and Down syndrome (DS) based on information from International Quality Improvement Collaborative Database for Congenital Heart Disease (IQIC).MethodsBetween July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017, 139 patients with CHD and DS underwent surgery at Hospital de Base and Hospital da Criança e Maternidade de São José do Rio Preto (FUNFARME)/Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto - SP (FAMERP). A quantitative, observational and cross-sectional study was performed in which the pre, intra and postoperative data were analyzed in an IQIC database. The data included gender, age, prematurity, weight, preoperative procedures, diagnosis, associated cardiac and non-cardiac anomalies, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1), type of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), perfusion time, aortic clamping time and CPB temperature, bacterial sepsis, surgical site infection and other infections, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality.ResultsThe most prevalent procedures were complete atrioventricular septal defect repair (58 - 39.45%), followed by closure of ventricular septal defect (36 - 24.49%). The RACHS-1 categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 were distributed as 22 (15%); 49 (33.3%); 72 (49%) and 4 (2.7%), respectively. There were no procedures classified as categories 5 or 6. Bacterial sepsis occurred in 10.2% of cases, surgical site infection in 6.1%, other infections in 14.3%. The median length of ICU stay was 5 days and the median length of hospital stay was 11 days. In-hospital mortality was 6.8%.ConclusionSurgical treatment in patients with CHD and DS usually does not require highly complex surgical procedures, but are affected by infectious complications, resulting in a longer ICU and hospital length of stay with considerable mortality.

Сравнительный анализ клинических и психосоциальных характеристик пациентов с различной динамикой когнитивного функционирования после коронарного шунтирования

Psychological aspects as compared to the technological part of direct myocardial revascularization and its consequences for cognitive functioning, which in turn affect the compliance and quality of life of patients, have not been enough studied yet. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to analyze the clinical and psychosocial characteristics of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with different dynamics of cognitive functions in the process of rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A new method for the mathematical determination of cognitive dynamics, namely, the assessment of the improvement and deterioration of cognitive functioning after open-heart surgery was proposed. A total of 118 patients with coronary artery disease were examined. Among them there were 80.5% of men and 19.5% of women; mean age 59.86 ± 7.31 years. The study was conducted using the clinical-psychological method and the developed complex of patho- and neuropsychological methods for assessing various spheres of cognitive functioning. It was shown that patients with worse cognitive dynamics after CABG at the preoperative stage tend to have more frequent atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries, a complication of the early postoperative period in the form of postpericardiotomy syndrome, as well as burdened heredity of cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, a shorter aortic clamping time and the duration of use of cardiopulmonary bypass was recorded during the surgery in patients with cognitive impairment. A comparative analysis of the psychosocial characteristics of patients indicates significant differences in understanding the causes of the development of the underlying cardiovascular disease and the consequences of CABG in patients of both groups studied: patients with impaired cognitive functioning have a lower treatment adherence (compliance), and they tend to evaluate the upcoming operation as a negative life event.

Comparative Analysis of Myocardial Protection with HTK Solution and Hypothermic Hyperkalemic Blood Solution in the Correction of Acyanogenic Congenital Cardiopathies - A Randomized Study.

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to compare the myocardial protection obtained with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegic solution (Custodiol®) and with intermittent hypothermic blood solution.MethodsTwo homogenous groups of 25 children with acyanotic congenital heart disease who underwent total correction with mean aortic clamping time of 60 minutes were evaluated in this randomized study. Troponin and creatine kinase-MB curves, vasoactive-inotropic score, and left ventricular function were obtained by echocardiogram in each group. The values were correlated and presented through graphs and tables after adequate statistical treatment.ResultsIt was observed that values of all the studied variables varied over time, but there was no difference between the groups.ConclusionWe conclude that in patients with acyanotic congenital cardiopathies submitted to total surgical correction, mean aortic clamping time around one hour, and cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate hypothermia, the HTK crystalloid cardioplegic solution offers the same myocardial protection as the cold-blood hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution analyzed, according to the variables considered in our study model.

Clinical implementation of a novel myocardial protection pathway in coronary artery bypass surgery with minimal extracorporeal circulation.

The aim of this study was to report the clinical implementation of the joint use of the Myocardial Protection System (MPS®) and the minimal extracorporeal circulation system (MiECC), in conjunction with an institutionally refined dose/volume-dependent microplegia in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients with isolated CABG surgery were included. The final protocol to achieve cardioplegic arrest consisted of warm blood cardioplegia with 20 mmol potassium (K), 1.6 g magnesium (Mg) and 40 mg lidocaine per liter (L) blood. We prospectively collected intra- and postoperative data to monitor and validate this novel approach. Eighty patients were operated accordingly. Mean (SD) aortic clamping time and extracorporeal perfusion time were 67.5 (22.6) and 101.1 (31.9) minutes, respectively. Failure to induce cardiac arrest was seen in six patients at the early stage of refinement of the formula. Median (IQR) high -sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) on the first postoperative day (POD) and peak hs-cTnT were 262.5 ng/L (194.3-405.8) and 265.5 ng/L (194.3-405.8), respectively. Median (IQR) creatine kinase-myocardial type (CK-MB) on POD 1 and peak CK-MB were 14.2 µg/L (10.5-22.7) and 14.2 µg/L (10.7-23.2), respectively. Median (IQR) creatine kinase (CK) on POD 1 and peak CK were 517.5 U/L (389.3-849.8) and 597.5 U/L (455.0-943.0), respectively. No patient died during hospitalization. The combination of this cardioplegic formula with MPS® and MiECC in CABG was safe and feasible. With the final chemical makeup, cardiac arrest was reliably achieved. Remarkably low postoperative cardiac markers indicate shielded cardiac protection during surgery.

Impact of hybrid thoracoabdominal aortic repair on visceral and spinal cord perfusion: The new and improved SPIDER-graft

ObjectivesSPIDER-graft for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair avoiding thoracotomy and extracorporeal circulation was modified, enabling reimplantation of lumbar arteries to prevent spinal cord ischemia and compared with open aortic repair (control) in a pig model. MethodsGraft implantation was performed in 7 pigs per group (75-85 kg). For SPIDER-graft (groups I and II), the infra-diaphragmatic aorta was exposed through retroperitoneal access. The right iliac branch was first temporarily anastomosed end-to-side to the distal aorta maintaining periprocedural retrograde visceral perfusion. SPIDER-graft was deployed in the descending thoracic aorta via the celiac artery ostium. The celiac, superior mesenteric, and renal arteries were successively connected to the corresponding side branches of the graft. In group II, the lumbar arteries were reimplanted into the former access branch. For control, complete thoracoabdominal exposure of the aorta was required. After crossclamping, proximal anastomosis was performed, and the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, and iliac arteries were reattached. Technical feasibility, ischemic times, blood flow, and visceral and spinal cord perfusion in the related organs were evaluated before implantation and 3 and 6 hours after implantation using transit-time flow measurement and fluorescent microspheres. ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all animals in all groups. Total aortic clamping time and selective ischemic times of related organs were significantly longer during open aortic repair compared with groups I and II (P < .0001). Fluorescent microspheres confirmed best spinal cord perfusion in group II. ConclusionsSPIDER-graft reduced ischemic time, avoided extracorporeal circulation and thoracotomy, and improved spinal cord perfusion during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a pig model.

Long-Term Outcomes of Hybrid Technique of Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm and long-term clinical outcomes of aortic implantation of stent grafts under direct vision (hybrid surgical treatment). From March 2009 to December 2014, 285 patients presented with type B aortic dissection. Of these, 35 complicated patients underwent hybrid surgical treatment. Self-designed stent grafts (Micropart Corp, Shanghai, China) were implanted under direct vision. Collected data included the surgical time, cerebral perfusion time, aortic clamping time, postoperative (before discharge) mechanical ventilation time, consciousness recovery time, time in intensive care unit, length of stay, computed tomography angiography before discharge, middle- and long-term complications, mortality, and endoleaks. All of the 35 implantations were successful. There was no inhospital mortality, reexploration for hemorrhage, paraplegia, cerebral infarction, endoleaks, nor left subclavian artery occlusions. Computed tomography angiography before discharge showed complete thrombosis of the false lumen of the descending aortic in 34 patients. During the longer follow-up of 5.05 ± 3.61 years (range, 3.0 to 10), 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Three patients died during follow-up: 1 died in a traffic accident and 2 died of sudden death. The actuarial survival among all patients was 90.63% during the long-term follow-up. No events such as paraplegia, cerebral infarction, upper limb ischemia, endoleaks, or left subclavian artery ischemia were found. One patient had descending aneurysm at the distal stent graft and underwent another thoracic endovascular aortic repair without additional procedures. For patients with complicated type B aortic dissection, implantation of a stent graft under direct vision (hybrid surgery) is easily performed and provides satisfactory middle- and long-term outcomes.

Cuff Technique for Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts in the Systemic Arterial Circulation of the Rat.

This study determined the feasibility of the cuff technique for small-caliber vascular grafts in a rat model. A graft was implanted with the cuff technique or suture technique in a 1-cm segment of the abdominal aorta in 12 rats. The mean aortic clamp time was 29 minutes with the cuff technique and 44 minutes with the suture technique; the cuff technique was significantly shorter. Abdominal angiography at 1 week after implantation showed no significant stenosis in 9 rats, focal stenosis of the mid-portion of the graft in 1 rat with each technique, and total occlusion of the graft in 1 rat with the suture technique. We have successfully used the cuff technique for anastomosis for small-caliber vascular grafts in an animal model.

Factores asociados a la extubación temprana en pacientes con cirugía correctora de tetralogía de Fallot

ObjectiveTo assess surgical management and postoperative results associated with early extubation in patients undergoing tetralogy of Fallot corrective surgery at a public hospital in Argentina. MethodsA retrospective review was made from clinical records from patients who underwent corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 38 clinical records that met the inclusion criteria for the retrospective review were included in the analysis. Results16% were extubated early. Milrinone was the only drug that showed differences in patients who were extubated early (p=0.01). Extracorporeal circulation time, aortic clamping time, transfusion with cryoprecipitates, saturation of oxygen pressure, and haematocrit at the end of the surgical procedure showed no differences (p>.05). In the postoperative period, the ICU stay was shorter for the patients who were extubated early (p=0.0007), but there were no differences in the total hospital stay (p=0.26). ConclusionsEarly extubation in the institution, although found to be low frequency, has proved as a safe and effective alternative to shorten these patients’ stay in ICU.

Assessment of a multimodal analgesia protocol to allow the implementation of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery: Retrospective analysis of patient outcomes

Study objectiveTo investigate the impact of utilizing a multimodal analgesia protocol to allow the implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) in patients requiring cardio-pulmonary bypass. DesignRetrospective analysis of patients treated with the proposed ERACS bundle in comparison to matched controls. SettingSingle-center study. PatientsA total of 50 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery limited to on pump coronary artery bypass graft. MeasurementsPerioperative outcomes of 25 patients that underwent ERACS protocol and 25 controls were measured. In-operating room (OR) extubation, total intubation time, total intra-OP fentanyl given, total post-OP morphine equivalent given, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and post-OP complications were examined. Main resultsThe ERACS group and control group were equivalent with regards to age, gender, comorbidities, ASA classification and type of surgery. Mean cardiac bypass time and mean aortic clamp time were similar. Extubation in the OR was achieved for 12 patients in the ERACS group compared to 1 in the control group. Post-operative opioid consumption was lower in ERACS group (27.3 vs. 51.7 morphine equivalents, p = 0.006). Although ICU LOS and hospital LOS were shorter in the ERACS group, this did not reach significance. ConclusionsThe ERACS group showed a significant decrease in opioid use and increased incidence of successful in OR extubation.