Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support Research Articles

Prevalence and clinical implications of heightened plastic chemical exposure in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Phthalate chemicals are used to manufacture plastic medical products, including many components of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. We aimed to quantify iatrogenic phthalate exposure in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery and examine the link between phthalate exposure and postoperative outcomes. The study included pediatric patients undergoing (n=122) unique cardiac surgeries at Children's National Hospital. For each patient, a single plasma sample was collected preoperatively and two additional samples were collected postoperatively upon return from the operating room and the morning after surgery. Concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolites were quantified using ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Patients were subdivided into three groups, according to surgical procedure: (1) cardiac surgery not requiring CPB support, (2) cardiac surgery requiring CPB with a crystalloid prime, and (3) cardiac surgery requiring CPB with red blood cells (RBCs) to prime the circuit. Phthalate metabolites were detected in all patients, and postoperative phthalate levels were highest in patients undergoing CPB with an RBC-based prime. Age-matched (<1 year) CPB patients with elevated phthalate exposure were more likely to experience postoperative complications. RBC washing was an effective strategy to reduce phthalate levels in CPB prime. Pediatric cardiac surgery patients are exposed to phthalate chemicals from plastic medical products, and the degree of exposure increases in the context of CPB with an RBC-based prime. Additional studies are warranted to measure the direct effect of phthalates on patient health outcomes and investigate mitigation strategies to reduce exposure.

Robotic-enhanced hybrid ablation for persistent and long-standing atrial fibrillation: Early assessment of feasibility, safety, and efficacy

ObjectivesTo assess feasibility, safety, and early efficacy of robotic-enhanced epicardial ablation (RE-EA) as first stage of a hybrid approach to patients with persistent (PsAF) and long-standing atrial fibrillation (LSAF). MethodsSingle-center, retrospective analysis of patients with documented PsAF and LSAF who underwent RE-EA followed by catheter-guided endocardial ablation. Postoperatively, patients were monitored for major adverse events and underwent rhythm follow-up at 3 and 12 months. ResultsBetween January 2021 and June 2023, we performed RE-EA in 64 patients (73.5% male, CHA2DS2-VASc 2.7 ± 1.6, BMI 34.1 ± 6.3 kg/m2). Mean AF preoperative duration and left atrial volume index were, respectively, 85 months and 47.5 mL/m2. Through the robotic approach, the intended lesion set was completed in all patients without cardiopulmonary bypass support, conversion to thoracotomy/sternotomy, blood transfusions, or perioperative mortality. The average LOS was 1.7 days, with only 1 patient requiring intensive care unit admission and >65% of patients discharged within 24 hours. At follow-up, 2 (3.1%) patients experienced new left pleural effusion or hemidiaphragm paralysis requiring treatment. There were no readmissions related to AF, stroke, thromboembolic events, or deaths. The mean interval between the epicardial and endocardial stages of the procedure was 5.9 months. Rhythm follow-up showed AF resolution in 73.4% and 71.9% of patients at 3 and 12 months, respectively. ConclusionsRE-EA is a feasible and safe, first-stage approach for the treatment of patients with PsAF and LSAF. It improves exposure of the intended targets, favors short hospital stay, and facilitates return to activity with satisfactory AF treatment in the short term.

Coral reef aorta: a rare form of obstruction of the ascending aorta in adolescent with aortopathy- case report

BackgroundSupra aortic obstruction in children is uncommon and is seen in certain unique conditions. While intraluminal obstruction due to heavy calcification is seen in older populations, it is not described in pediatric populations. The coral reef aorta is a rare and distinct calcifying disease causing luminal obstruction of the suprarenal aorta in adults. The definition of this diagnosis relies entirely on the unique aspects and consistency of the lesions, which are rock-hard, irregular, gritty plaques with a white luminal surface resembling a coral reef. However, no such case has been described in children.Case presentationWe present an adolescent boy who presented with a heavily calcified ascending aortic lesion associated with aortopathy and hypertension, 12 years after an aortic coarctation repair. The investigations included echocardiography, magnetic resonance and computer-tomographic imaging. A 3-D model was printed in order to visualize and plan surgical steps in advance for safe placement of clamps and defining the extent of resection. In addition, it provided an idea about tissue quality, thickness, spatial relationship, and orientation in relation to surrounding structures. Successful resection and replacement of the diseased segment of the aorta were achieved on cardiopulmonary bypass support. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, and at 6-month follow-up, the patient is doing well. In this report, various aspects of such lesions have been discussed, including clinical presentations, complications, planning and conduct of a safe cardiopulmonary bypass, and precautions during surgery for a successful outcome.ConclusionComplicated obstructive aortic lesions in children require careful assessment, appropriate advanced imaging, and the use of 3-D printing technology in order to plan and perform safe and effective surgical management. The etiology of severe calcified aorta in children may be related to metabolic factors, previous surgery, use of a homograft, or an inflammatory process. However, it has yet to be proven.

Mini-access ascending aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery for the treatment of aortic steno-occlusive disease

ObjectivesMid-aortic syndrome is a rare condition characterized by severe aortic narrowing, leading to high upper body blood pressure and organ hypoperfusion, necessitating surgical intervention. Although central bypassing is considered ideal, it involves extensive incisions. To overcome these limitations, less-invasive approaches have been developed. This study aims to introduce a mini-access approach using video-endoscopy and to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of mini-access ascending aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery. MethodsFrom November 2020 to May 2022, we performed ascending aorta to bifemoral artery bypass operations on 7 patients to treat steno-occlusive diseases in the downstream aorta. A Y-graft was created, and procedures were conducted under general anesthesia using video-endoscopy with limited skin incisions. ResultsIntraoperatively, there were no major complications, and none of the patients required cardiopulmonary bypass support. Furthermore, there were no postoperative mortalities or major complications. Postoperatively, the mean ankle-brachial index significantly improved from 0.59/0.59 to 0.96/0.92 (P = .004), and the mean glomerular filtration rate increased from 61.1 to 85.3 mL/min/1.73 mm2 (P = .012). Additionally, symptoms of claudication resolved in all patients. ConclusionsVideoscope-assisted mini-access aortic bypass surgery not only provides favorable early postoperative outcomes but also represents a technically feasible alternative to traditional surgical approaches for the treatment of steno-occlusive aortic diseases.

On Pump Beating Heart Coronary Artery Surgery in Patients Requiring Urgent Revascularization.

When acute coronary syndrome patients necessitate immediate revascularization, heart-on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting may be regarded as a viable substitute for conventional on-pump surgery. Our clinical experience and initial outcomes of heart-on-pump coronary surgery in patients with acute coronary syndrome are detailed in this article. This research endeavor was a retrospective analysis that spanned the years March 2011 to August 2023. The sample size comprised 2816 patients who had undergone coronary artery surgery. During this period, the same surgical team performed coronary artery bypass surgery on 411 of these patients, who underwent beating heart surgery while on cardiopulmonary bypass support and without cardioplegic arrest; this was done under emergency conditions. 9.3 ± 2.2 hours elapsed between the initiation of acute myocardial infarction and the commencement of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A mean of 4.0 grafts was applied (2.2 ± 1.1). Mortality in hospitals was calculated for sixteen patients. Following surgery, twenty-six patients developed an inadequate cardiac output syndrome. Despite having renal dysfunction, none of the eight individuals needed hemodialysis. The mean duration of stay in intensive care was 3.2 (2.2 ± 1.1) days, while the mean length of hospitalization was 9.2 (4.3 ± 2.4) days. We believe that for high-risk patients with multivascular coronary artery disease who require an emergency coronary artery bypass graft, on-pump beating heart revascularization could be a viable option.

Abstract 13838: Hemostatic Disorder During Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Swine

Introduction: Implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) conventionally requires the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Among others, mechanical circulatory support devices favor intraoperative hemostatic disorder. Hypothesis: Despite the high risk of severe bleeding and thromboembolic complications, little is known about the intraoperative extent of hemostatic disorder during LVAD implantation.This study aimed to determine the extent of hemostatic disorder during LVAD implantation in a porcine model under CPB and LVAD support, separately. Methods: We performed LVAD implantation in 10 female German Landrace pigs (body weight 104 ± 13 kg). Blood samples were collected three times: at (1) Baseline, (2) after CPB and (3) after LVAD. For CPB, cannulation of the left jugular vein and right femoral artery was performed. After sternotomy and pericardiotomy, apical coring was performed under CPB. A continuous-flow LVAD with transventricular outflow graft was implanted. For CPB and LVAD, a flow rate of 3-7 L/min and a rotational speed of 4000 to 7200 rpm were aimed, respectively. Hemostatic laboratory markers from all times were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Compared to Baseline, CPB led to a significant decrease of fibrinogen and antithrombin as well as an increase of von Willebrand factor (vWF) ratio and D dimer (DD). Compared to after CPB, there was a continued decrease of antithrombin and an increase of DD, as well as a significant increase of vWF and vWF activity under LVAD support. Conclusion: Among others, CPB and LVAD separately contribute to hemostatic disorder during LVAD implantation. Human laboratory markers allowed early detection of intraoperative hemostatic changes in pigs. Further studies are needed to investigate whether off-pump LVAD implantation reduces perioperative hemostatic disorder.

Outcomes and Direct Cost of Isolated Nonemergent CABG in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction.

Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the main predictors of outcomes in cardiac surgery. We present current era outcomes and associated direct cost in nonemergent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) patients with LVEF <20% over the past 6 years and compare it with higher EF subgroups. Six-year data from 2016 to 2022 at hospitals sharing Society of Thoracic Surgeons and financial data with Biome Analytics were analyzed based on 3 EF subgroups (EF ≤20%, EF 21% to 35%, and EF >35%). Outcomes and costs were assessed. Overall 30-day mortality of 12,649 patients was 1.9%. The EF ≤20% (n = 248), EF 21% to 35% (n = 1,408), and EF >35 (n = 10,993) cohorts had mortality of 6.9%, 3.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. The EF ≤20% subgroup had higher use of cardiopulmonary bypass, blood products, and mechanical support. In addition, the EF ≤20% subgroup had higher complication rates in almost all measured categories. Also, the EF ≤20% cohort had significantly higher length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) hours, ICU and hospital readmissions, and lowest discharge to home rate. The strongest factors associated with mortality were postoperative cardiac arrest, renal failure requiring dialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, sepsis, prolonged ventilation, and gastrointestinal event. The overall median direct cost of care was $37,387.79 ($27,605.18, $51,720.96), with a median direct cost of care in the EF ≤20%, EF 21% to 35%, and EF >35% subgroups of $52,500.17 ($34,103.52, $80,806.79), $44,108.32 ($31,597.58, $63,788.03), and $36,521.80 ($27,168.91, $50,019.31), respectively. In nonemergent isolated CABG surgery, low EF continues to have higher surgical risks and higher direct cost of care despite advances in cardiovascular care.

Surgical Retrieval of an Embolized Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure Device in an Infant Weighing 1050 G.

Pro00015566-07/01/2021-Children's National Medical Center.

The effects of pulsatile versus nonpulsatile flow on cerebral pulsatility index, mean flow velocity at the middle cerebral artery, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, cerebral gaseous microemboli counts, and short-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery

ObjectiveThe objective of this retrospective review was to evaluate whether or not pulsatile flow improves cerebral hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in pediatric congenital cardiac surgery patients. MethodsThis retrospective study included 284 pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass support utilizing nonpulsatile (n = 152) or pulsatile (n = 132) flow. Intraoperative cerebral gaseous microemboli counts, pulsatility index, and mean blood flow velocity at the right middle cerebral artery were assessed using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups. ResultsPatient demographics and cardiopulmonary bypass characteristics between groups were similar. Although the pulsatility index during aortic crossclamping was consistently higher in the pulsatile group (P < .05), a significant degree of pulsatility was also observed in the nonpulsatile group. No significant differences in mean cerebral blood flow velocity, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, or gaseous microemboli counts were observed between the perfusion modality groups. Clinical outcomes, including intubation duration, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality within 180 days were similar between groups. ConclusionsAlthough the pulsatility index was greater in the pulsatile group, other measures of intraoperative cerebral perfusion and short-term outcomes were similar to the nonpulsatile group. These findings suggest that while pulsatile perfusion represents a safe modality for cardiopulmonary bypass support, its use may not translate into detectably superior clinical outcomes.

Treatment of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis with congenital cardiovascular defects in infancy.

This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of simultaneous repair for infants with long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS) with congenital cardiovascular defects (CCD). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of infants aged less than 1 year with LSCTS and CCD who underwent simultaneous repair at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2020 to March 2023. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for the relevant published studies that reported the simultaneous repair of CTS and CCD in infancy was conducted in March 2023. The inverse variance method of DerSimonian-Laird (D+L) was used for estimate synthesis. A total of thirteen infants with a mean age of 5.6±3.1 months and a mean weight of 6.4±0.9Kg underwent slide tracheoplasty with modified procedures and cardiovascular operations. LSCTS was diagnosed in all thirteen patients. Nine infants were ventilator dependent, and four patients were operated on due to persistent wheezing and recurrent respiratory infections. Seven patients underwent pulmonary artery sling repair, and six underwent atrial septal defect repair. All infants were repaired utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support. Significant complications were recorded in three patients. In-hospital deaths were seen in one case. The median tracheal minimum diameter of hospital survivors was significantly larger than the preoperative minimum diameter (p<0.001). The mean follow-up duration was 17.1±7.1 months. There was no late mortality during the follow-up. Twelve studies were included based on our search strategy. The pooled estimate of mortality in the literature was 10.9% (95%CI, 5.3%-17.7%, I2=0). The pooled estimate of airway re-interventions was 28.8% (95%CI, 14.5%-43.2%, I2=74%). Simultaneous repair of LSCTS and CCD in infancy is safe and effective. Slide tracheoplasty with appropriate technical modifications may be valid for LSCTS repair without significant restenosis and reinterventions.

Giant myxoma of the right sections of the heart obstructing the inferior vena cava: A case report

Objective: We present a rare case of surgical management of giant myxoma of the right heart with obstruction of the orifice of the inferior vena cava (IVC), obstruction of the right atrioventricular orifice, with the development of high pulmonary hypertension, and severe heart failure. Case presentation: A 39 years old male patients applied to the consultative polyclinic with typical complaints of severe shortness of breath, palpitations, severe weakness, almost bed rest, severe swelling of the lower extremities, with a transition to the anterior abdominal wall (edema). On physical examination signs of severe heart failure NYHA class IV were revealed. Imaging demonstrated giant right atrial myxoma obstructing IVC with base originated in fossa ovalis, obstructing tricuspid valve and protruding in the right ventricle occupying 50% of its cavity. The surgical removal of the giant RA myxoma protruding the right ventricle and obstructing IVC and tricuspid valve was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodynamic support. The patient was discharged on the 10th day after surgery and only residual minimal tricuspid regurgitation was revealed on follow-up examination. Conclusion: The described case from our practice proves the possibility of a severe course of giant myxomas of the right heart, with the development of deep hemodynamic complications of systemic and pulmonary circulation. The chosen correct tactics of surgical treatment provided a favorable result, despite the severity of the initial condition and the degree of hemodynamic disturbance. Intraoperative tactics and technique for performing the stages of urgent surgery were chosen based on the situation, the features of the anatomical structure of the tumor, and the severe complications that arose. Our case proves the possibility of adequate implementation of such interventions, when choosing the right tactics of surgical treatment. Take home message: If clinical signs of circulatory failure, heart failure are detected, it is necessary to perform echocardiography. If mass formations of the heart chambers are detected, immediately refer the patient to specialized cardiac surgery clinics to resolve the issue of surgical correction of pathology.

Ortalama trombosit hacmi ve trombosit dağılım genişliğinin off-pump koroner baypas greftleme ameliyatlarındaki değişimi ve bu değişimin ameliyat sonrası kanama miktarı ile ilişkisinin araştırılması

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) values and postoperative drainage amounts in coronary artery bypass grafting operations without cardiopulmonary bypass support. Patients and methods: One hundred three patients (78 males, 25 females; mean age: 62.8±10.0 years; range, 40 to 85 years) who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery between December 2015 and May 2018 were included in the retrospective study. Results: There was a negative and insignificant relationship between preoperative MPV values and postoperative drainage (p=0.223, r=-0.121). There was a positive and insignificant relationship between preoperative PDW values and postoperative drainage (p=0.167, r=0.137). Conclusion: According to the results of our study, PDW and MPV values did not correlate with postoperative bleeding in patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BIO6: Acute In Vivo Studies of the Left Atrial Assist Device and Simulated Diastolic Heart Failure

Purpose: The Left Atrial Assist Device (LAAD) is a mixed-flow pump in development for patients who have diastolic heart failure (DHF). The device is implantable in the mitral plane and delivers blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle to mitigate high left atrial pressure. The purpose of this study was to assess the operational in vivo performance of the LAAD with simulated DHF conditions. Methods: The LAAD was implanted in calves (n=8; mean weight 84.5 kg) using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support through a left atrial incision. Various pump-operating conditions, including mean pump speeds ranging from 3,600 to 5,200 rpm and three DHF conditions with a balloon (0, 50 and 70 mL) inflated inside the left ventricle, were tested and evaluated. The hemodynamics for each pump setting were recorded. As for the DHF conditions, the effect of the balloon inflation was evaluated before and after the LAAD implantation in 5 cases (mean weight 89.1 kg) among the 8 calves. Results: The LAAD responded to all control inputs and ran as expected during the experiment. Anatomical fit of the LAAD was suitable for all hearts, but some suction events were occasionally observed at speeds over 4,400 rpm, mainly due to of the small size of the normal left atrium. For the simulated DHF conditions, the baseline data (without LAAD) showed lower cardiac output and aortic pressure (Fig 1A and 1B) and higher LAP and left ventricle end diastolic pressure (Fig 1C and 1D) as the DHF conditions increased in severity. The LAAD seemed to mitigate the severity of the simulated DHF hemodynamics (Fig 1A-D). Conclusion: The acute implantations of the LAADs in calves were successful, and the pump showed improvement of the hemodynamics in the simulated DHF conditions. Additional studies, including chronic evaluations are underway.Figure 1. The in vivo hemodynamics changes under 50 and 70 mL of balloon inflation compared with no balloon inflation. A: Cardiac output (CO), B: Arterial pressure (AoP), C: Left atrial pressure (LAP), and D: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Association of postoperative atrial fibrillation with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is defined as new-onset AF in the immediate postoperative period. The relatively high incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery is well described, but pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the initiation, maintenance, and progression of POAF may be multifactorial and have not yet been comprehensively characterized. One of the mechanisms includes altered Ca2+ kinetics. Accumulating evidence has suggested that altered atrial cytosolic calcium handling contributes to the development of POAF, protamine reversibly modulates the calcium release channel/ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) and voltage-dependent cardiac RyR2. However, it is currently unknown whether such abnormalities contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate predisposing patients to the development of POAF. Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed 147 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass support. Of these, 40 patients were excluded from the analysis because of pre-existing AF. All patients received heparin followed by protamine at different dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, depending on the periods studied. Results: The dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin=1.0 was compared with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin >1.0 up to 1.7. POAF developed in 15 patients (15/107=14%), of these, 5 out of 57 patients (33.3%) in the dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin=1.0 and 10 out of 35 patients (66.7%) in the higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin. Statistical significance was observed in patients with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, compared with the dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin=1.0 (odds ratio=3.890, 95% CI=1.130-13.300, p-value=0.031). When types of diseases were analyzed in terms of higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, only valvular disorders were significantly associated with POAF (p=0.04). Conclusions: Protamine is clinically utilized to reverse heparin overdose and has been shown to display immunological and inflammatory alterations. However, its association with POAF has not been reported. Our results provide evidence that higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin may increase the incidence of POAF.

The Introduction of an MR-Conditional Prototype for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support: Technical Aspects and System Requirements

Introduction: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP; also known as a heart-lung machine) in newborns with complex congenital heart defects may result in brain damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments cannot be performed safely because the metal components used to construct CBP devices may elicit adverse effects on patients when they are placed in a magnetic field. Thus, this project aimed to develop a prototype MR-conditional circulatory support system that could be used to perform cerebral perfusion studies in animal models. Methods: The circulatory support device includes a roller pump with two rollers. The ferromagnetic and most of the metal components of the roller pump were modified or replaced, and the drive was exchanged by an air-pressure motor. All materials used to develop the prototype device were tested in the magnetic field according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F2503-13. The technical performance parameters, including runtime/durability as well as achievable speed and pulsation behavior, were evaluated and compared to standard requirements. The behavior of the prototype device was compared with a commercially available pump. Results: The MRI-conditional pump system produced no image artifacts and could be safely operated in the presence of the magnetic field. The system exhibited minor performance-related differences when compared to a standard CPB pump; feature testing revealed that the prototype meets the requirements (i.e., operability, controllability, and flow range) needed to proceed with the planned animal studies. Conclusion: This MR-conditional prototype is suitable to perform an open-heart surgery in an animal model to assess brain perfusion in an MR environment.

Myocardial Protection in High-Risk Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support

The development of cardioplegia has facilitated complex cardiac surgery and allowed high-risk patients to safely tolerate life-saving procedures. By following the principles of electromechanical arrest, inducing hypothermia, and using adjunctive agents to help mitigate the effects of hypothermia and ischemia reperfusion injury, cardioplegia can be safely induced with various commercially available compositions, which can be delivered by several different surgical techniques. Although many studies have compared these methods, there is little consensus on whether any one method is superior to another. Just as a surgeon may need to modify technique according to individual patient factors, so too must a surgeon be flexible and be prepared to use different cardioplegia strategies according to the clinical circumstances. Increasing evidence shows the advantage of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over percutaneous interventions in patients with low ejection fractions. Thus, optimal myocardial protection will continue to be necessary in this higher-risk cohort. Moreover, while patients in cardiogenic shock rarely present for CABG, the high mortality in this cohort demonstrates the need for ongoing efforts to improve myocardial protection. Lastly, there may be circumstances in which alternative approaches involving fibrillatory arrest or keeping the heart beating are more effective than conventional cardioplegia. These techniques should all be part of the surgeon’s armamentarium, enabling the surgeon to tailor the operation to the individual patient.

Management of fulminating non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema following cardiac surgery

A malignant form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE) that develops soon after the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass support during cardiac surgery is rarely encountered. It sometimes requires immediate management, including venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). In the first case, a 78-year-old female patient experienced fulminating NCPE after mitral valve plasty, which caused severe respiratory failure and hemodynamic instability due to a huge amount of sputum. In the second case, a 47-year-old male patient presented with right-sided unilateral pulmonary edema with a substantial amount of sputum after minimally invasive cardiac surgery for mitral valve repair. In both cases, VV-ECMO and aggressive fluid replacement were promptly initiated. The NCPE resolved on post-operative day 2, resulting in the successful termination of VV-ECMO. NCPE leads to lethal respiratory failure with multifactorial causes during cardiac surgery. However, as NCPE is potentially transient, immediate treatment comprising VV-ECMO and aggressive fluid replacement can improve clinical outcomes.

High-sensitivity Troponin-t Level after Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Surgery

Cardiac tissue ischemia can be assessed by a troponin biomarker in adults. However, its effectiveness after pediatric open-heart surgery is still being debated despite the increased demand for congenital heart surgeries. This study assesses the relationship of troponin T levels with many surgical, biochemical, and prognostic variables. This prospective, longitudinal study included 70 patients collected over one year. These patients underwent open-heart surgery and required a cardiopulmonary bypass machine at the Cardiac Center in Erbil, Iraq. Troponin T measurements were taken 4 times for each patient: the day before the operation, 4 and 24 hours post-surgery, and on the discharge day from the hospital. These measurements were correlated with many variables. The study revealed significantly higher troponin levels in children younger than three years old and in those with Fallot surgeries. Most patients with high 4-hour troponin levels developed short-term complications. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between troponin levels with the duration of the whole operation and the durations of these specific procedures: cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamp, and inotropic support. We also found that high troponin levels, particularly 4 hours post-surgery, can predict a longer-than-usual stay in the intensive care unit and hospital, as well as short-term complications

Aortic root replacement in severe left ventricular dysfunction: The added value of beating-heart surgery.

There are limits to the use of cardioplegic arrest during complex cardiac surgical procedures, especially in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. In the current report, we graphically present the detailed surgical strategy and technique for beating-heart aortic root replacement with concomitant coronary bypass grafting, for patients otherwise deemed inoperable. With support of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), beating-heart bypass surgery is realized, after which the bypass grafts can selectively be connected to the CPB, preserving coronary flow. Then, on the beating and perfused heart, a complex procedure such as aortic root replacement can be performed, without jeopardizing postoperative cardiac function. However, several important caveats and remarks regarding the use of beating-heart surgery should be considered, including: coronary perfusion verification and maintenance, temperature management, and prevention of air embolisms. By use of this strategy, risks associated with cardioplegic arrest are minimized, while it circumvents the potential need for long-term postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Acute Right Ventricular Failure Immediately Following Subxiphoid Pericardial Window Requiring Temporary Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support: A Case Report of Pericardial Decompression Syndrome

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring emergent intervention, such as a pericardial window, to drain the pericardial effusion, subsequently improving cardiac output. A rare complication of this procedure is pericardial decompression syndrome which results in a paradoxical cardiovascular collapse. A 65-year-old male with bacterial endocarditis status posts mitral and aortic valve replacement presented for an emergent subxiphoid pericardial window to relieve cardiac tamponade. After draining 850mL of pericardial fluid, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest secondary to acute right ventricular failure seen on an intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Despite manual compressions and high-dose vasopressors, hemodynamics did not improve, and the patient was emergently placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support. Within two hours, CPB support was successfully weaned. Temporary CPB can improve acute right ventricular failure following pericardial decompression without needing longer-term extracorporeal support.