Volume Of Chest Tube Drainage Research Articles

Video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy: the anterior approach.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is now a well-accepted way to perform a minimally invasive lobectomy. VATS lobectomy is different from the conventional surgery. Different incisions, instruments and camera positions have also been described in the past two decades. There are no fixed patterns in VATS lobectomy. We here describe our method for fissure-based VATS lobectomy using an anterior approach. The aim of this paper is to show our technique for VATS lobectomy and our experience and outcomes obtained. A 57-year-old man, who was admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of the Guangdong Medical College, had coughing up blood tinged sputum, right chest pain for one month. Thoracic CT imaging revealed a 22 mm × 22 mm × 20 mm, T1bN1M0 lesion in the right lower lobe. The patient for clinical stage II non-small cell lung cancer underwent VATS lobectomy by using an anterior approach on January 2013. Total volume of chest tube drainage after operation was 450 mL, intraoperative blood loss was 80 mL, operation time was 105.8 min, chest tube duration was three days, length of postoperative hospital stay was eight days. Follow-up no recurrence and metastasis for six months. The main advantages of the anterior approach in our experience are easy to deal with the absence or incomplete fissure by the "tunneling" approach. In addition, the mediastinal node packets are clearly seen, allowing thorough lymphadenectomy. Therefore, VATS lobectomy by the anterior approach is a safe, feasible procedure.

Blood-saving effect of different doses of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To evaluate the blood-saving effect of different doses of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Ninety ASA physical status l-Ⅲ patients,aged 18-60 yr,with body mass index of 16-25 kg/m2,scheduled for elective cardiac valve replacement with CPB,were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups using a random number table:control group (group C),large-dose tranexamic acid group (group TL) and small-dose tranexamic acid group (group TS).Anesthesia was induced with iv injection of midazolam,sufentanil and pipecuronium.The patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated.Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of isoflurane and iv injection of midazolam,sufentanil and pipecuronium.After induction of anesthesia,tranexamlc acid 20 mg/kg was intravenously infused over 30 min,followed by continuous infusion at 20 mg· kg-1 · h-1 until the end of operation in group TL,tranexamlc acid 10 mg/kg was intravenously infused over 30 min,followed by continuous infusion at 10 mg· kg-1 · h-1 until the end of operation in group TS,while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C.Venous blood samples were taken before induction,at the end of operation and at 24 h after operation for determination of hemoglobin (Hb),hematocrit (Hct),and platelct count (Plt).The volume of chest tube drainage was collected and recorded at 6 and 24 h after operation.The requirement for transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells was also recorded.The development of death and complications during days of hospitalization was recorded.Results Compared with group C,the volume of chest tube drainage was significantly decreased,the requirement for transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells was reduced (P ＜ 0.05),while no significant changes were found in Hb,Hct and Plt at each time point in TL and TS groups (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the parameters mentioned above between group TL and group TS (P ＞ 0.05).The development of death and complications during days of hospitalization was not observed in the three groups.Conclusion Small-dose tranexamlc acid is suitable for blood-saving effect in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with CPB,that is loading dose of 10 mg/kg and maintenance dose of 10 mg· kg-1· h-1. Key words: Tranexamic acid; Postoperative hemorrhage; Extracorporeal circulation; Heart valve prosthesis implantation

Clopidogrel is safer than ticagrelor in regard to bleeds: A closer look at the PLATO trial

To compare hemorrhagic events between clopidogrel and ticagrelor in the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. We examined the FDA Medical Review. Compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor significantly increased spontaneous bleeds, major bleeds, major plus minor bleeds, and major plus minor plus minimal bleeds. Ticagrelor also increased both major and fatal/life-threatening bleeds versus clopidogrel when CABG was performed between 24 and 96 h after stopping medication, which was also accompanied by a larger volume of chest tube drainage and transfusions. Moreover, ticagrelor increased CABG-related bleeding versus clopidogrel in those patients who did not wait until day 5 after stopping treatment to have CABG. Additionally, compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor increased the risk of hematuria (RR=1.91; 95% CI: 0.95-3.83), intracranial hemorrhage or subdural or other hematoma (RR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.02-3.42), subcutaneous hemorrhage, ecchymosis, hematoma (RR=1.63; 95% CI: 0.84-3.17), epistaxis (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 0.67-3.32), retroperitoneal hematoma or hemorrhage (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 0.53-4.19), gastrointestinal/anal bleed (RR=1.23; 95% CI: 0.93-1.64) and bleed/hematoma (RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.43). Clopidogrel is safer than ticagrelor in regard to bleeding. Additionally, ticagrelor's purported faster antiplatelet 'offset' is substantially longer than its pharmacokinetics indicate. Considering the fact that the mortality, stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction 'benefit' of ticagrelor have recently been challenged, and that the increase in stroke on ticagrelor has recently been shown to be worse than originally published, the decision to use ticagrelor over clopidogrel in the face of a higher risk for bleeds is not advised.

Antiplatelet therapy at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting: a multicentre cohort study

The purpose of this multicentre cohort study was to examine the relationship between antiplatelet therapy (APT) at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and postoperative bleeding complications, transfusion requirements and adverse cardiovascular events. A matched-pair analysis was carried out on 6350 consecutive patients undergoing CABG at the three university hospitals in Western Denmark. Patients exposed to aspirin or clopidogrel within 5 days before surgery were compared with those not exposed to these drugs. The data used in the study were retrieved from the Western Denmark Heart Registry. Of the 6350 patients enrolled, 1846 (29%) had been exposed to aspirin or clopidogrel within 5 days prior to CABG (the APT group). Matching with the remaining 4504 (71%) patients of the control group resulted in 1132 pairs of patients. Patients in the APT group had greater mean chest tube drainage volumes (946 vs 775 ml; P < 0001) and greater transfusion requirements (ranging from 37.4-57.5 vs 29.8%; P < 0.0001) than control group patients. Preoperative aspirin therapy was not associated with greater reoperation rates (4.0 vs 3.9%; P = 0.005); nor was it an independent risk factor for severe postoperative bleeding >1000 ml (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-1.34). Preoperative clopidogrel use, on the other hand, was associated with greater reoperation rates (10.2 vs 3.9% in the control group; P = 0.005) and was an independent predictor of severe postoperative bleeding (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.55-2.80). Overall, preoperative APT had no significant effect on postoperative 30-day mortality, incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke or need for dialysis. Preoperative APT is associated with increased bleeding and greater transfusion requirements after CABG. Clopidogrel exposure is associated with greater reoperation rates and is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative bleeding.

Segmentectomy as a safe and equally effective surgical option under complete video-assisted thoracic surgery for patients of stage I non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundWhile video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy has been widely accepted for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer, the debate over video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy still remains. This study compared the clinical outcomes using the two procedures for stage I non–small cell lung cancer patients.MethodsRetrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy or lobectomy for clinical stage I non–small cell lung cancer at Shanghai Chest Hospital between November 2009 and May 2012. Video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy was performed on 36 patients and video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy on 138 patients. Comparisons between the 2 groups were performed in patient demographic and clinical characteristics, intraoperative parameters and oncology outcomes.ResultsMean volume of chest tube drainage after operation was smaller for segmentectomy than for lobectomy (1021 ml vs. 1328 ml, P=0.036). Other parameters analysis including blood loss, operation time, chest tube duration and length of hospital stay favors the segmentectomy group numerically without significance. There was no significant difference in distributions in both intra and post operative complications. There was one peri-operative mortality from segmentectomy group and all other patients are alive with a median follow up of 327 days. There were 1 (2.8%) locoregional recurrence after segmentectomy and 6 recurrences (4.4%) after lobectomy (P=1.00). Multivariate survival analysis revealed no significant difference in recurrence-free survivals between the two groups. Two patients successfully underwent bilateral segmentectomies and are free of disease.ConclusionsFor patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer, video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy offers a safe and equally effective option and can be applied to complicated operation such as bilateral segmentectomy.

PAI-1 and t-PA/PAI-1 complex potential markers of fibrinolytic bleeding after cardiac surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass

BackgroundEnhanced bleeding remains a serious problem after cardiac surgery, and fibrinolysis is often involved. We speculate that lower plasma concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor – 1 (PAI-1) preoperatively and tissue plasminogen activator/PAI-1 (t-PA/PAI-1) complex postoperatively might predispose for enhanced fibrinolysis and increased postoperative bleeding.MethodsTotally 88 adult patients (mean age 66 ± 10 years) scheduled for cardiac surgery, were enrolled into a prospective study. Blood samples were collected pre-operatively, on admission to the recovery and at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. Patients with a surgical bleeding that was diagnosed during reoperation were discarded from the study. The patients were allocated to two groups depending on the 24-hour postoperative chest tube drainage (CTD): Group I > 500ml, Group II ≤ 500ml. Associations between CTD, PAI-1, t-PA/PAI-1 complex and D-dimer were analyzed with SPSS.ResultsNine patients were excluded because of surgical bleeding. Of the 79 remaining patients, 38 were allocated to Group I and 41 to Group II. The CTD volumes correlated with the preoperative plasma levels of PAI-1 (r = − 0.3, P = 0.009). Plasma concentrations of preoperative PAI-1 and postoperative t-PA/PAI-1 complex differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Group I displayed significantly lower plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and higher levels of D-dimer from immediately after the operation and throughout the first 24 hours postoperatively.ConclusionsLower plasma concentrations of PAI-1 preoperatively and t-PA/PAI-1 complex postoperatively leads to higher plasma levels of D-dimer in association with more postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery.

Transfusion outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting treated with prasugrel or clopidogrel: TRITON-TIMI 38 retrospective data analysis

Coronary artery bypass grafting-related bleeding and associated transfusion is a concern with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The objective of the present study was to characterize a potential risk-adjusted difference in transfusion requirements between prasugrel and clopidogrel cohorts. The data from 422 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from the TRial to assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by optimizing platelet InhibitioN with prasugrel Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 38 were analyzed retrospectively. We found no difference in baseline transfusion risk scores between cohorts. As predicted, the number of units of red blood cells transfused perioperatively correlated with the transfusion risk score (P < .0001). Overall, the 12-hour chest tube drainage volumes and platelet transfusion rates in the prasugrel cohort were significantly greater. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the number of red blood cell transfusions, total hemostatic components transfused, or total blood donor exposure. A significantly greater number of platelet units were transfused postoperatively in the prasugrel patients who underwent surgery within 5 days or less after withdrawal of drug. In an analysis adjusted for the predicted risk of mortality, total donor exposure was not associated with increased mortality. The use of prasugrel compared with clopidogrel was associated with greater 12-hour chest tube drainage volumes and platelet transfusion rates but without any significant differences in red blood cell transfusions, total hemostatic components transfused, or total blood donor exposure.

505 The Effect of Brand of Heparin on Peri-Operative Transfusion Rates in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

505 The Effect of Brand of Heparin on Peri-Operative Transfusion Rates in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

The association of blood transfusion with mortality after cardiac surgery: cause or confounding? (CME)

Bleeding into the chest is a life-threatening complication of cardiac surgery. Blood transfusion has been implicated as an important cause of harm associated with bleeding, based largely on studies demonstrating an independent association between transfusion and mortality. These studies did not, however, consider the possibility that bleeding may in itself be harmful, inasmuch as drains are inefficient at clearing blood from the chest and retained blood may compromise cardiac and lung function. We undertook a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the risk factors associated with mortality in 2599 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Unlike previous studies the risk factors examined included the volume of chest tube drainage at 24 hours. A stratified analysis was also undertaken that compared the adjusted risk of death for patients exposed or not exposed to a postoperative blood transfusion. Blood transfusion was not an independent predictor of mortality (p=0.4). Chest tube drainage was the strongest independent predictor of mortality (p<0.001). In the stratified analysis, chest tube drainage remained an independent predictor of mortality for patients not exposed to a blood transfusion (p<0.01). Furthermore, the risk of death of these patients was no different from patients exposed to a blood transfusion (p=0.7 for interaction). Our results argue that for patients undergoing cardiac surgery bleeding contributes to mortality through mechanisms unrelated to blood transfusion.

Correlations Between Global Clotting Function Tests, Duration of Operation, and Postoperative Chest Tube Drainage in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Hayashi, Tamaki*; Sakurai, Yoshihiko*; Fukuda, Kazuyoshi*; Yada, Koji*; Ogiwara, Kenichi*; Matsumoto, Tomoko*; Yoshizawa, Hiroyuki*; Takahashi, Yukihiro†; Yoshikawa, Yoshiro‡; Hayata, Yoshihiro‡; Taniguchi, Shigeki†; Shima, Midori*Author Information

Postoperative complications following the Fontan procedure: the role of aprotinin

To determine how the anti-inflammatory properties of aprotinin impact on postoperative complications in children undergoing the Fontan procedure. We included all patients between 14 months and 18 years (n=56) undergoing a Fontan operation at our institution between January 2005 and June 2009. The study group (n=29) included patients from January 2005 through December 2007 all of whom received aprotinin. The control group (n=27) included all patients from January 2008 through June 2009 who did not receive aprotinin. We reviewed all medical records and collected preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. Duration and volume of chest tube drainage were the primary outcome measures. Of the 20% of patients who had postoperative arrhythmias, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated only aprotinin was associated with significantly decreased postoperative arrhythmias (P=0.01). Renal function and fenestration or Fontan thrombosis did not differ significantly; there was no statistically significant difference in volume or duration of chest tube drainage. Median duration of chest tube drainage was 7 days in the aprotinin group and 8 days for patients who did not receive aprotinin (P=0.36). The anti-inflammatory properties of aprotinin may be protective against postoperative arrhythmias. Aprotinin does not confer increased risks of prolonged chest tube drainage, renal dysfunction or thrombosis in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure.

A Comparison of the Effect of Aprotinin and ε-Aminocaproic Acid on Renal Function in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

To assess the incidence of renal injury among pediatric patients who received aprotinin while undergoing cardiac surgery compared with those who received ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA). A retrospective observational study. A single academic center. Pediatric cardiac patients who had cardiopulmonary bypass and received aprotinin or EACA. Patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery received aprotinin from 2005 to 2007 and EACA from 2008 to 2009. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as serum Cr elevation at discharge more than 1.5 times the baseline value. Secondary outcomes included bleeding, blood transfusion, and the volume of chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours postoperatively. One hundred seventy-eight patients met inclusion criteria; 120 patients received aprotinin, and 58 patients received EACA. These 2 groups did not differ significantly in age, weight, or duration of cardiac bypass. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for confounding variables (ie, baseline Cr, sex, age, CPB time, inotropic support and vasopressors), showed a higher odds of suffering AKI at discharge with the usage of aprotinin (odds ratio = 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-19.5; p = 0.03). The volume of the first 24 hours of chest tube drainage was not significantly different between groups, as well as packed red blood cells and cryoprecipitate units. However, fresh frozen plasma and platelets showed statistically significant differences with more transfusion in the EACA group. In this retrospective study, the authors observed a higher odds of AKI for aprotinin usage compared with EACA, suggesting that the known concern for adults with adverse kidney effects with aprotinin is also appropriate for pediatric patients.

Correlations between global clotting function tests, duration of operation, and postoperative chest tube drainage in pediatric cardiac surgery

Systemic coagulation disorders after cardiac surgery represent serious postoperative complications. There have been few reports, however, identifying preoperative coagulation tests that predict postoperative bleeding. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between postoperative hemorrhage and coagulation parameters determined by global coagulation assays, to define potential predictive markers. Twenty-one pediatric patients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and 24 h after cardiac surgery. Laboratory investigations included platelet count, hematocrit, classical coagulation tests [prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT)], rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and the thrombin generation test (TGT). The duration of the surgical procedure was recorded. Chest tube drainage was monitored for 24 h after operation as an index of postoperative hemorrhage. Comparisons between preoperative and postoperative results indicated that TAT increased significantly after operation, whereas ROTEM parameters did not show a hypercoagulable pattern. Preoperative endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) measured in the TGT and clot formation time (CFT) in the ROTEM correlated with chest tube drainage. The classical coagulation tests were not informative. Postoperatively, peak height and ETP in TGT, all ROTEM parameters, and duration of surgery were correlated with chest tube drainage. Duration of surgery was correlated with postoperative ROTEM parameters but not with TGT. Postoperative maximum clot firmness and AUC were correlated with platelet count decrease ratio. The preoperative CFT and ETP provide useful indices for predicting postoperative chest tube drainage volume. In addition, the duration of surgery also correlated with chest tube drainage and affected ROTEM parameters.

Blood-saving effect of tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass

Objective To investigate the blood-saving effect of tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). Methods Two hundred and sixty ASA Ⅰ- Ⅲ and NYHA Ⅰ- Ⅲ patients of both sexes,aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index 16-22 kg/m2 , undergoing OPCAB, were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 130 each): control group (group C) and tranexamic acid group (group T) . Anesthesia was induced with iv injection of midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, fentanyl 5-10μg/kg and pipecuronium 0.1 mg/kg. The patients were tracheal intubated and mechanically ventilated. PEr CO2 was maintained at 35-45 mm Hg. A bolus of tranexamic acid 1 g was infused intravenously within 30 min after indution followed by continuous infusion at 400 mg/h until the end of operation in group T. While equal volume of normal saline was given in control group. Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of isoflurane and intermittent iv injection of fentanyl and pipecuronium. Venous blood samples were taken before induction, at the end of operation and at 24 h after operation for determination of Hb, platelet count (P1t), prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR). The volume of chest tube drainage was collected and recorded at 6 and 24 h after operation. The requirement for transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma was also recorded. Results There was no significant difference in Hb, Plt, PTand INR at each time point between the two groups ( P ＞ 0.05). The requirement for transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma was significantly reduced in group T as compared with group C ( P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01 ). No deaths and complications occurred during hospital stay in the two groups. Conclusion Tranexamic acid exerts the blood-saving effect in OPCAB. Key words: Tranexamic acid; Coronary artery bypass, off-pump; Postoperative hemorrhage; Blood transfusion

Factors Influencing Pleural Effusion after Fontan Operation: an Analysis with 95 Patients

To investigate the association between preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors and persistent pleural effusion after the extracardiac Fontan procedure. Ninety-five consecutive patients diagnosed with univentricular heart underwent extracardiac connection using Gore-Tax conduits at the Department of Children's Heart Centre, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen in Germany from June 1996 to July 2007. The outcome measures were duration and volume of chest tube drainage after surgical intervention. The investigated factors included age and weight at the time of operation, anatomical diagnosis, preoperative oxygen saturation, mean pulmonary artery pressure, ventricular end-diastolic pressure, fenestration, cardiopulmonary bypass time, conduit size, postoperative pulmonary artery pressure, administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and postoperative infection. Associations between these factors and persistent pleural effusion after the extracardiac Fontan procedure were analyzed. Every patient suffered postoperative effusion. The median duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 9 days (range, 3-69 days), and the median volume was 12 mL kg(-1) x d(-1) (range, 2.0-37.5 mL x kg(-1) d x (-1)). Thirty-seven (38.9%) patients had pleural drainage for more than 15 days, and the volume in 35 (36.8%) patients exceeded 25 mL x kg(-1) x d(-1). Nineteen (20%) patients required placement of additional chest tubes for re-accumulation of pleural effusion after removal of previous chest tubes. Fifteen (17.8%) patients were hospitalized again due to pleural effusion after discharge. The median length of hospital stay after the operation was 14 days (range, 4-78 days). Multivariate analysis results showed that non-fenestration, low preoperative oxygen saturation, and postoperative infections were independent risk factors for prolonged duration of pleural drainage (P < 0.05). Long cardiopulmonary bypass time, non-fenestration, small conduit size, and low preoperative oxygen saturation were independent risk factors for excessive volume of pleural drainage (P < 0.05). For reduing postoperative duration and volume of pleural drainage following Fontan procedure, it seems to be important to improve the preoperative oxygen saturation, use large size of conduit, shorten cardiopulmonary bypass time, and make fenestration during the operation, as well as avoid postoperative infections.

Advantages of Autologous Blood Transfusion in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass

In this randomized controlled study, we investigated the effects of autologous Hemobag blood transfusion (AHBT) and allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Sixty patients who underwent surgery between February 2008 and August 2008 were randomized into 2 groups. The AHBT group (n = 30) consisted of patients who received autologous Hemobag blood transfusion, and the ABT group (n = 30) consisted of patients who received allogenic blood transfusion. All patients underwent OPCAB via sternotomy. The time to extubation, chest tube drainage volume, postoperative white blood cell counts, amount of blood transfusion, sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein concentration, postoperative temperature, and the presence of atelectasis were recorded in the intensive care unit. Intraoperative bleeding and fluid resuscitation were similar in the 2 groups (P > .05); however, there were significant decreases in postoperative blood loss, extubation period, postoperative white cell counts, sedimentation rate, incidence of atelectasis, C-reactive protein, and fever in the AHBT group compared with the ABT group (P < .05). The rate of atrial fibrillation in the AHBT group tended to be lower than in the ABT group. Autologous blood transfusion in OPCAB may be beneficial in certain cardiac surgery patients; however, these beneficial effects require further study to be proved.

Outcomes comparison of 5 coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits versus an uncoated control group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Attenuated inflammatory response and decreased platelet activation have been claimed repeatedly when biocompatible circuits are used for cardiopulmonary bypass. We evaluated five Health Canada approved biocompatible circuit coatings (BCC) against an un-coated control group to determine their effectiveness in improving post-operative outcomes. Patients were assigned to the Control group or one of the 5 coated circuit groups: 40 Control; 33 Trillium; 32 Phisio; 34 Bioline; 33 X; and 11 GBS. Measured outcomes included: ventilator time; ICU time; post-operative chest tube drainage and transfusion volume; high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); tau protein; and pre- and 72-hour post-operative anti-saccadic eye movement test comparisons. 183 patients were enlisted into the study. One arm of the study (GBS) was abandoned after 11 patients on account of inconsistent pressure excursions within the oxygenator and the excessive consumption of platelets necessitating transfusion. Patients in the X-coated group had significantly longer ventilator and intensive care unit (ICU) time compared to the three remaining coated circuit study groups. Though not significant, patients in the X group also demonstrated the highest post-operative chest tube losses, the most platelet transfusions, the highest tau protein levels and the lowest post-operative anti-saccadic eye movement test (ASEMT) results compared to the three remaining coated groups. The patients in the Trillium, Bioline and Phisio groups showed an improvement in ventilator and ICU time relative to the Control group. The diabetic patients in the Trillium, Bioline and Phisio groups showed an improvement in bleeding relative to the diabetic patients in the Control group. We compared all 5 coated circuits approved for clinical use in Canada against an uncoated control circuit. Three of the 5 coated circuits (Trillium, Phisio and Bioline BCC) were found to improve ventilator and ICU time compared to Control. Further studies are indicated to validate these results and their impact upon approval criteria, purchasing choices and safe clinical practice, especially as applied to higher risk diabetic patients.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa for uncontrolled bleeding in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass

Increasingly, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used adjunctively in nonhemophiliacs to control hemorrhage unresponsive to conventional therapy in a variety of settings including postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Studies examining rFVIIa administration to neonates after CPB are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcomes of neonates treated at our institution with rFVIIa for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding. We retrospectively identified eight neonates undergoing complex congenital cardiac surgery who received rFVIIa, either intraoperatively or postoperatively, for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding. Transfusion trends and prothrombin times (PT) were assessed both pre- and post-rFVIIa administration. Chest tube drainage volumes were recorded pre- and post-rFVIIa administration in those neonates receiving rFVIIa postoperatively in the intensive care unit. We documented such adverse events as thrombosis, dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and in-hospital mortality. The mean amount of transfused packed red blood cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. Transfusion of cryoprecipitate trended towards a decrease but did not reach statistical significance. PT values also decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. A high mortality was found in neonates exposed to both rFVIIa and ECMO; however, this was not significantly different from the mortality of neonates exposed to ECMO alone. Administration of rFVIIa to neonates for the treatment of uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding significantly reduced transfusion requirements and normalized PT values. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the potential hemostatic benefit and adverse effects of rFVIIa administration to neonates following CPB.

Thoracoscopic versus open resection of congenital lung lesions: a case-matched study

Purpose The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes in children undergoing thoracoscopic versus open resection of congenital lung lesions. Methods Retrospective review of 12 consecutive children (<3 years of age) undergoing thoracoscopic resection of a congenital lung lesion between 2004 and 2005 was performed. Intraoperative and early postoperative results were compared with randomly selected age- and sex-matched (2:1) patients undergoing thoracotomy between 2000 and 2005. Results Twelve children underwent thoracoscopic resection and were compared with 24 that underwent thoracotomy. Seventy five percent of the lesions in both groups were congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations. There were no major intraoperative complications. Two thoracoscopic procedures were converted to a thoracotomy. Perioperative outcomes including operative time, length of stay, duration and volume of chest tube drainage, and dose and duration of intravenous opioids were similar for the procedures. However, children undergoing thoracoscopic procedures were less likely (odds ratio = 0.07) to have received adjunctive regional anesthesia. Overall morbidity was 33% thoracoscopic and 25% open ( P = .70). Conclusion Thoracoscopic resection is a safe and feasible alternative to open resection of congenital lung lesions. Examination of long-term advantages of the thoracoscopic approach such as decreased risk of chest wall deformity and scoliosis and improved cosmesis will require longer follow-up.

The normative distribution of chest tube drainage volume after coronary artery bypass grafting

Little evidence exists to describe expected volumes of chest tube (CT) drainage after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study objective was to map the trajectory of CT drainage volumes from insertion to removal after CABG. This was a retrospective, descriptive study. The study included 239 patients who underwent CABG at a single metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The sample (N = 234), aged 68.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.9), was predominantly male (N = 185, 79.1%). The mean duration of CT insertion was 45.2 hours (SD 26.7), and total drainage volume was 1300.6 mL (SD 763.8). Drainage volumes plateau to 31 mL per hour, 8 hours after surgery. From 24 to 48 hours, the mean drainage was 21 mL per hour. Drainage volumes varied between genders. Evidence of similar drainage patterns in other populations is difficult to locate. If the pattern of drainage shown in this study is consistent, experimental intervention studies comparing standard removal time and earlier removal are recommended. If not, prospective collection of relevant preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors across multiple sites is necessary to determine which patient or practice variations influence CT drainage patterns after CABG.