Complex Cardiac Surgery Research Articles

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in congenital heart disease surgery: results from an observational case‐series

Essentials Bleeding complications during congenital heart disease surgery in neonatal age are very common. We report the perioperative incidence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS) in 12 infants. aVWS was detected in 8 out of 12 neonates and infants intraoperatively after cardiopulmonary bypass. Ten patients received von Willebrand factor concentrate intraoperatively and tolerated it well. SUMMARY: Background Cardiac surgery of the newborn and infant with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with a high rate of intraoperative bleeding complications. CHD-related anatomic features such as valve stenoses or patent arterial ducts can lead to enhanced shear stress in the blood stream and thus cause acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS). Objective To evaluate the intraoperative incidence and impact of aVWS after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in neonates and infants with complex CHD. Patients/Methods We conducted a survey of patients aged <12months undergoing complex cardiac surgery in our tertiary referral center. Twelve patients, whose blood samples were analyzed for aVWS before CPB and immediately after discontinuation of CPB on a routine basis, were eligible for the analysis. von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), collagen binding activity (VWF:CB), VWF:multimers and factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) were determined. Results aVWS was diagnosed by VWF multimer analysis in 10 out of 12 patients (83%) prior to surgery and intraoperatively at the end of CPB in 8 out of 12 patients (66%). Ten patients received VWF/FVIII concentrate intraoperatively as individual treatment attempts during uncontrolled bleeding. They tolerated it well without intraoperative thrombotic events. One patient suffered a transient postoperative cerebral sinuous vein thrombosis. Conclusions aVWS is of underestimated incidence in complex CHD surgery. These data may offer a new approach to reduce the risk of severe bleedings and to achieve hemostasis during high-risk pediatric cardiac surgery by tailoring the substitution with von Willebrand factor concentrate.

Non-invasive optical neuromonitoring of the temperature-dependence of cerebral oxygen metabolism during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in neonatal swine

Management of deep hypothermic (DH) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a critical neuroprotective strategy, currently relies on non-invasive temperature to guide cerebral metabolic suppression during complex cardiac surgery in neonates. Considerable inter-subject variability in temperature response and residual metabolism may contribute to the persisting risk for postoperative neurological injury. To characterize and mitigate this variability, we assess the sufficiency of conventional nasopharyngeal temperature (NPT) guidance, and in the process, validate combined non-invasive frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (FD-DOS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) for direct measurement of cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). During CPB, n = 8 neonatal swine underwent cooling from normothermia to 18℃, sustained DH perfusion for 40 min, and then rewarming to simulate cardiac surgery. Continuous non-invasive and invasive measurements of intracranial temperature (ICT) and CMRO2 were acquired. Significant hysteresis (p < 0.001) between cooling and rewarming periods in the NPT versus ICT and NPT versus CMRO2 relationships were found. Resolution of this hysteresis in the ICT versus CMRO2 relationship identified a crucial insufficiency of conventional NPT guidance. Non-invasive CMRO2 temperature coefficients with respect to NPT (Q10 = 2.0) and ICT (Q10 = 2.5) are consistent with previous reports and provide further validation of FD-DOS/DCS CMRO2 monitoring during DH CPB to optimize management.

Assessment of the EuroSCORE II in a New Zealand Tertiary Centre

The updated European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE II) is a well-established cardiac surgery risk scoring tool for estimating operative mortality. This risk stratification system was derived from a predominantly European patient cohort. No validation analysis of this risk model has been undertaken for the New Zealand population across all major cardiac surgery procedures. We aim to assess the efficacy (discrimination and calibration) of the EuroSCORE II for predicting mortality in cardiac surgical patients at a large New Zealand tertiary centre. Data was prospectively collected on patients undergoing cardiac surgery from September 2014 to September 2017 at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand. Patient demographic information, preoperative clinical risk factors and outcome data were entered into a national database. Included patients received either isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated valve surgery, isolated thoracic aortic surgery, or a combination of these procedures. The primary outcome was the discrimination and calibration of predicted EuroSCORE II risk scores compared with observed 30-day mortality events. 1,666 cardiac surgery patients were included during the study period, with an average EuroSCORE II of 2.97% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.76-3.18). Nine hundred thirty-three (933) patients underwent isolated CABG, 384 underwent isolated valve surgery, 48 received isolated thoracic aortic surgery and 301 received combination procedures. Thirty-day (30-day) mortality events in each of these groups was 7, 4, 2 and 13 deaths respectively. There were 26 deaths across the total cohort at 30-days (observed mortality rate 1.56%). Discrimination analysis using receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated the area under the curve (AUC) of the EuroSCORE II in each of these groups as 93.4% (95% CI: 91.6-94.9, p<0.0001), 66.3% (95% CI: 61.3-71.0, p=0.37), 37.0% (95% CI: 15.7-58.2, p=0.23) and 74.8% (95% CI: 69.5-79.6, p<0.0001) respectively. The total cohort AUC was 83.1% (95% CI: 81.2-84.9, p<0.0001). Calibration analysis using Hosmer-Lemeshow tests for the subgroups revealed p-values of 0.848, 0.114, 0.638 and 0.2 respectively. The total cohort Hosmer-Lemeshow p-value was 0.317. EuroSCORE II showed a strong discriminative ability for isolated CABG 30-day mortality in a New Zealand patient cohort. However, the scoring system discriminated poorly across valvular, thoracic aortic or complex combination cardiac surgical procedures. Good calibration of the EuroSCORE II was achieved across both the total cohort and subgroups. It is important to consider the performance of other cardiac surgery risk stratification models for the New Zealand population.

Initial Experience of the Use of 3-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate and Thromboembolic Complications After Cardiac Surgery

3-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (3F-PCC) may provide a valuable treatment option for coagulopathy in cardiac surgery patients. However, it may expose patients to increased risk of thromboembolic events. Accordingly, we compared the incidence of thromboembolic events between patients exposed to 3F-PCC and those receiving conventional therapy. Demographic, operative and postoperative data was obtained in a cohort of consecutive patients exposed to 3F-PCC and a contemporaneous control population. Propensity-score matching was performed for risk adjustment. Unadjusted and adjusted patient demographics and incidence of thromboembolism were compared. Patients receiving 3F-PCC (PCC) were younger (mean age PCC: 64±14.2 vs. No PCC: 67.6±11.6, p=0.022), and less likely to have diabetes or previous myocardial infarction. PCC patients experienced more prolonged aortic cross clamp times (mean time in minutes PCC: 119.9±58.8 vs. No PCC: 92.3±54), more complex cardiac surgeries and were more likely to have received more fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate and red blood cells. Despite this, both unadjusted and adjusted 30-day mortality and readmission rates were similar between groups. There were 9 (9.2%) and 34 (6.8%) (p=0.40) thromboembolic events in the unadjusted PCC and control groups respectively. Adjusted risk for thromboembolic event rates was also comparable (Odds ratio: 1.512, 95% Confidence Interval 0.401-5.7, p=0.541). 3-factor prothrombin complex concentrate was administered to patients at greater risk of complications including bleeding. Our initial experience suggests that the use of PCC does not appear to increase thromboembolic risks compared to conventional treatment.

Clinical Outcomes and Electrolyte Balance Factors in Complex Cardiac Operations in Adults; Del Nido® Versus Custodiol® Cardioplegia Solutions: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Cardioplegia is used for protection of myocardium during cardiac operations. Del Nido (DN) and Custodiol cardioplegia solutions are used for prolonged protection of the myocardium during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Custodiol cardioplegia (CC) solution is gaining popularity for myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of Custodiol with another cardioplegia solution, Del Nido, on myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, forty patients were randomly allocated to DN and Custodiol (CC) groups. Patients in both groups received a normal anesthesia protocol. For cardioplegia, in the DN group, the DN solution was administered every 90 minutes by the antegrade route. In the Custodiol group, the Custodiol solution was administered in the same way at the beginning of the cardioplegia. Demographic information, blood chemistry parameters and other related perioperative and postoperative clinical indices were recorded. Results: Frequency of female patients was 14/21 (66.66) in the DN and 12/19 (63.15) in the CC group (P = 0.816), age was 57.14 ± 12.48 years in the DN and 59.47 ± 11.96 years in the CC group (P = 0.551), weight was 70.95 ± 9.56 kilograms in the DN and 69.63 ± 7.64 kilograms in the CC group (P = 0.635), CPB time was103.19 ± 23.43 minutes in the DN versus 97.36 ± 16.7 minutes in the CC group (P = 0.376), and cross-clamp time was 73.76 ± 19.66 minutes in the DN and 83.95 ± 16.14 minutes in the CC group (P = 0.083). Blood chemistry and blood gas analysis revealed a similar trend between the two groups in these parameters (P > 0.05) except for higher sodium levels after cardioplegia (P = 0.016) and end of CPB (P = 0.002), potassium levels after cardioplegia (P = 0.029), and bicarbonate anions at the end of bypass (P = 0.03) in the custodiol group. Conclusions: In conclusion, CC and DN offer effective myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. It is recommended to restrict the use of CC in patients susceptible to electrolyte disturbances. © 2018, Author(s).

Platelet Function during Platelet-Rich Plasma Sequestration in Complex Cardiac Surgical Procedures - Prospective Controlled Study

Platelet Function during Platelet-Rich Plasma Sequestration in Complex Cardiac Surgical Procedures - Prospective Controlled Study

The reasonable use of right ventricular protection strategy in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction

As a result of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction, which is the important and basic step of complex cardiac surgery, the blood flow of right ventricular outflow tract is unobstructed, while pulmonary valve regurgitation and right heart dysfunction could be happened. These problems are often ignored in early days, more and more cases of right heart dysfunction need clinical intervention, which is quite difficult and less effective. How to protect effectively the right ventricular function is the focus. At present main methods to protect the right ventricular function include trying to avoid or reduce length of right ventricular incision, reserving or rebuilding the function of the pulmonary valve, using growth potential material for surgery. The protection of the right ventricular function is a systemic project, it involves many aspects, single measures is difficult to provide complete protection, only the comprehensive use of various protection strategy, can help to improve the long-term prognosis.

Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution versus Blood Cardioplegia in Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

Choosing a cardioplegic solution is a significant issue in modern cardiac surgery. Although different options are available, the optimal strategy for myocardial protection has not been established. The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative and postoperative effects of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution with those of standard blood cardioplegia with St Thomas No 2 solution. The study was conducted using a large cohort of adult patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery. This study was a single center retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Between January 2008 and December 2015, 4480 patients underwent cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegic arrest. Patients were divided into a blood cardioplegia group (n = 3852) and an HTK solution group (n = 628). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between the two groups, and 292 matched pairs were identified. The primary end point was Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Secondary end points included intraoperative changes in serum sodium concentration, readmission to ICU, transfusion of blood products, 30-day hospital readmission, 30-day mortality, and the incidence of major postoperative complications.Results: No significant differences were found between the matched groups with regard to baseline characteristics. Aortic cross-clamp and CPB times were longer for the blood cardioplegia (147.4 versus 132.8 min; P < .001). Administration of HTK solution was associated with acute and transient hyponatremia (141 versus 130 mmol/L; P < .001). ICU LOS was comparable between the groups (5.4 versus 5.4 days; P = .585). No significant differences were noted in any other secondary end point. During complex cardiac surgery, both cardioplegia techniques were equivalent in terms of early clinical outcomes.

Improving Postoperative Neonatal Nutritional Practices in an Intensive Care Unit Using the PDSA Cycle

Quality Improvement models offer a framework for health care professionals to follow in implementing process improvement changes. Use of these models promotes a systematic approach to problem solving, keeps providers from eliminating important steps, facilitates team work, and provides a clear plan for ongoing communication. This paper describes use of the Plan-Do-Study-Act model to implement a unit-based quality improvement project that focused on improving postoperative nutritional practices for neonates with critical congenital heart disease following complex cardiac surgery.

Prevalence of Childhood Permanent Hearing Loss after Early Complex Cardiac Surgery

To estimate the prevalence of childhood permanent hearing loss (PHL) after early cardiac surgery. This prospective observational (1996-2015) study after complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at ≤6 weeks of life reports audiology follow-up by registered pediatric-experienced audiologists at 6-8 months postsurgery, age 2 years, and as required throughout and thereafter to complete diagnoses. PHL at any frequency (500-4000 Hz) is defined as responses of >25-decibel hearing level in either ear. PHL was evaluated by type (conductive or sensorineural), pattern (flat or sloping), and severity (mild to profound). Survival rate was 83.4% (706 of 841 children) with a 97.9% follow-up rate (691 children); 41 children had PHL, 5.9% (95% CI 4.3%, 8.0%). By cardiac defect, prevalence was biventricular, 4.0% (95%CI 2.5%, 6.1%); single ventricle, 10.8% (95%CI 6.8%, 16.1%). Eighty-seven (12.6%) of 691 had syndromes/genetic abnormalities with known association with PHL; of these, 17 (41.5%) had PHL. Of 41 children, 4 had permanent conductive, moderate to severe loss (1 bilateral); 37 had moderate to profound sensorineural loss (29 bilateral with 20 sloping and 9 flat), 6 with cochlear implant done or recommended. Infants surviving complex cardiac surgery are at high risk for PHL. Over 40% with PHL have known syndromes/genetic abnormalities, but others do not have easily identifiable risk indicators. Early cardiac surgery should be considered a risk indicator for PHL.

Efficacy of High Dose Tranexamic Acid in Decreasing Bleeding after Cardiac Surgery for Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in Children Less than Ten Kilo Body Weight

Background: To determine the effect of high dose tranexamic acid in decreasing immediate postoperative bleeding in children less than ten kilo body weight after complex cardiac surgery and also to evaluate the safety of high dose in small children. Methods: Between January-December 2015, 25 children weighing less than ten kilogram body weight underwent complex cardiac surgery for cyanotic congenital heart disease. All children were given dose of 100 mg/kg tranexamic acid at the time of anaesthetic induction and also 100 mg/kg into the CPB prime. The Median age and weight was 80 days (3 - 365) and 4.69 kg (2.4 - 7.8) respectively. The Median preoperative Hb was 10 g/dl (9.6 - 19.5 g/dl). Cardiac surgery included total intracardiac repair for TOF in 10 pts (40%), TAPVC repair in 6 (24%), arterial switch operation in 6 pts (24%), BD glenn in 1, repair of DORV with VSD in 1 and VSD closure with scimitar vein reimplantation in 1 pt. Median CPB time was 127 minutes (97 - 343) and cross clamp time was 99 (67 - 200) minutes. Moderate to deep hypothermia was maintained in all with median temperature of 24°C (18 - 32). Three children (12%) had elective open chest in view of anticipated bleeding. Results: The Median postoperative drainage was 127 ml, (range 10 - 1250 ml). The median postoperative use of whole blood was 95 ml (range 10 - 275), packed cell was 187 ml (range 50 - 400 ml), frozen plasma was 88 ml (range 30 - 170), platelet concentrate was 57 ml, (range 10 - 100 ml) and cryoprecipitate was median 47.5 ml, (range 30 - 80 ml). No neurological dysfunction and renal dysfunction has been observed in any of the pts. Out of 4 mortalities (16%), only one was attributed to bleeding (4%) due to usage of ECMO. No late neurological or renal dysfunction has been observed in remaining 21 pts on follow up. Conclusion: High dose Tranexamic acid can be safely used in small children during complex cardiac surgery with significant reduction in postoperative bleeding and blood product usage without any higher incidence of neurological, renal dysfunction or myocardial infarction.

TEG-Directed Transfusion in Complex Cardiac Surgery: Impact on Blood Product Usage

Complex cardiac procedures often require blood transfusion because of surgical bleeding or coagulopathy. Thrombelastography (TEG) was introduced in our institution to direct transfusion management in cardiothoracic surgery. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of TEG on transfusion rates peri- and postoperatively. All patients who underwent complex cardiac surgery, defined as open multiple valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting with open valve repair/replacement, or aortic root/arch repair before and after implementation of TEG were identified and retrospectively analyzed. Minimally invasive cases were excluded. Patient characteristics and blood use were compared with t test and chi-square test. A generalized linear model including patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative lab values, and autotransfusion volume was used to determine the impact of TEG on perioperative, postoperative, and total blood use. In total, 681 patients were identified, 370 in the pre-TEG period and 311 patients post-TEG. Patient demographics were not significantly different between periods. Mean units of red blood cells, plasma, and cryoprecipitate were significantly reduced after TEG was implemented (all, p &lt; .0001); use of platelets was reduced but did not reach significance. Mean units of all blood products in the perioperative period and over the entire stay were reduced by approximately 40% (both, p &lt; .0001). Total proportion of patients exposed to transfusion was significantly lower after introduction of TEG (p &lt; .01). Controlling for related factors on multivariate analysis, such as preoperative laboratory values and autotransfusion volume, use of TEG was associated with significant reduction in perioperative and overall blood product transfusion. TEG-directed management of blood product administration during complex cardiac surgeries significantly reduced the units of blood products received perioperatively but not blood usage more than 24 hours after surgery. Overall, fewer patients were exposed to allogenic blood. The use of TEG to guide blood product administration significantly impacted transfusion therapy and associated costs.

Prenatalnie zdiagnozowana złożona wrodzona wada serca z zespołem Cri du chat i wieloma przeciwwskazaniami do leczenia kardiochirurgicznego — opis przypadku

It was presented a case of prenatally diagnosed Cri du chat syndrome, complicated by multiple congenital heart disease, with many additional problems that eventually may become the basis for disqualification the child from complex cardiac surgery. Due to the complexity of congenital heart disease, the potential for multistage treatment, the severe form of the genetic syndrome confirmed by detailed cytogenetic studies, severe clinical course, and multiple organ dysfunction, patient has not been qualified for cardiac surgery. Knowledge based on prenatal diagnosis allows to predict severe consequences in the newborn. Detailed genetic counseling makes it possible to prepare parents for a genetic birth defect and a congenital heart defect not eligible for cardiac surgery.

Editorial introductions

Current Opinion in Cardiology was launched in 1985. It is part of a successful series of review journals whose unique format is designed to provide a systematic and critical assessment of the literature as presented in the many primary journals. The field of cardiology is divided into 14 sections that are reviewed once a year. Each section is assigned a Section Editor, a leading authority in the area, who identifies the most important topics at that time. Here we are pleased to introduce the Section Editors for this issue. SECTION EDITORS Alan C. BravermanAlan C. BravermanDr Braverman is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA, and served as Chief Medical Resident. Dr Braverman also completed cardiology fellowship training at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In 1991, Dr Braverman joined the faculty at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is currently the Alumni Endowed Professor in Cardiovascular Diseases. Dr Braverman is actively involved in the education of students, house staff and fellows at Washington University and serves as Director of the Inpatient Cardiology Firm at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, USA. He has been awarded Teacher of the Year Award by the internal medicine residents on five occasions, the Clinical Teacher of the Year Award by the Washington University Medical Students Class of 2004, and the Benico Barzilai Teaching Award by the cardiology fellows in 2016. In 2010, Dr Braverman was awarded the E. Grey Dimond Take Wing Award from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr Braverman is a Clinical Cardiologist and has a particular interest in diseases of the aorta and Marfan syndrome and related disorders. He is the Director of the Marfan Syndrome Clinic at Washington University in St. Louis and serves on the Professional Advisory Board of the National Marfan Foundation. Dr Braverman is actively involved in clinical research on Marfan syndrome and related aortic diseases, including genetically triggered aortopathy and bicuspid aortic valve disease. Marc RuelMarc RuelDr Marc Ruel is the Michael Pitfield Chair, Professor, and Head of the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Dr Ruel's areas of predilection include minimally invasive coronary and valve surgeries, heart transplantation, as well as complex and repeat cardiac operations. He co-developed and taught in many countries minimally invasive multivessel coronary bypass grafting -now frequently performed around the world-, and introduced several other novel cardiac surgical techniques on the international scene. Dr Ruel established a successful regenerative medicine research program in Ottawa, which has been continuously funded by national funding agencies for more than 15 years. He was the recipient of many awards, including the Medal in Surgery from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He led multiple studies and clinical trials on the outcomes of valve and coronary surgery. Dr Ruel has authored nearly 300 publications, and written textbooks on Cardiac Surgery Techniques and on Cardiac Regeneration. He is the Chairman of the Council on Cardio-Vascular Surgery and Anesthesia at the American Heart Association, the Surgery Theme Editor for the journal Circulation, and he also serves on the executive of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery. Peter H. StonePeter H. StonePeter H. Stone, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, USA, Director of the Vascular Profiling Research Group, a co-Director of the Center for Clinical Investigation, and Senior Physician at Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH), USA. Dr Stone's research interests are in evaluating and managing patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease. He is using new in-vivo methodologies to identify areas where human coronary disease will progress to determine if pre-emptive therapeutic strategies may avert adverse cardiac events. He also directs the BWH Research Ambulatory ECG (Holter) Core Laboratory to investigate the significance of myocardial ischemia and heart rate variability in patients with coronary syndromes. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and his Medical Degree from Cornell University. He completed internal medicine training at the University of California, San Francisco, and then did a clinical cardiology fellowship at Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He came to the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital as a Cardiology Research Fellow and he has remained at BWH. He is past President of the Boston Chapter of the American Heart Association, past President of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology, and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.

Clinical Impact of Custodiol Cardioplegic Solution on Patients Undergoing Complex Cardiac Surgery With Mild to Moderate Impairment of Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Background: The Bretschneider HTK solution is used widely for multiorgan preservation for transplantation, as well as a cardioplegic agent that allows single dose administration which is an attractive option for lengthy complex cardiac surgery. It was proved that it is simple to use, safe and practical. Moreover, it is considered to confer sufficient myocardial protection for more than 2 h of cardiac arrest. We undertook this descriptive study to analyze the performance of HTK solution in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of left ventricular systolic function. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients underwent different complex cardiac surgery at national heart institute from January 2015 to November 2016 using single dose Custodiol cardioplegia as the primary and sole cardioplegic agent, their data was prospectively collected and their hospital outcome was analyzed as regards to ten study endpoints namely Prolonged ventilation, return to theatre for bleeding, renal failure, stroke, 30 days mortality, postoperative MI, need for inotropes, time on inotropes, ICU stay and hospital stay. Pre- and postoperative echocardiography was done to compare and evaluate the change of LV function using the parameters of End Systolic Dimension, End Diastolic Dimension, Fraction Shortening and Ejection Fraction of the left ventricle. Results: Half of the patients were males. Their age ranged between 16 – 65 years with a mean (standard deviation) of 47.46(11.10). preoperative ejection fraction ranged from 30 % to 49% with a mean (standard deviation) of 41.8 (6.32), the majority of them (64%) had NYHA class of 3 and half of them had CCS of 3. all patients were done electively. The most common procedure done was redo DVR 24% (12 patients) followed by Bentall operation 22%(11 patients). This is followed by CABG + MVR 7 patients (14%), then an equal number of 6 patients (12%) who underwent redo MVR post-infective endocarditis and CABG+ MVrep. The repair of tricuspid valve was done for 14 patients (28%) either with MVR or DVR. 4 patients (8%) had CABG +AVR for their combined lesions and another equal number of two patients (4%) underwent redo CABG and AVR + conduit (valve separate tube graft operation). prolonged ventilation occurred in 20% of the cases. An equal percentage of 6% of the patients had to return to the operative room and had postoperative MI. Renal failure occurred in 4% of the patients and as far as 30-day mortality is concerned, a similar 4% of patients died within this period. EF and FS were very similar when compared together (41.8 ± 6.32 %, 20.8 ± 2.35 % preoperatively compared to 41.92 ± 7.49%, 20.85 ± 3.25% postoperatively). P value was insignificant (0.937 and 0.929) respectively. Conclusion: A single dose of an HTK cardioplegic solution provides good myocardial protection in complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of LV function and has a good immediate postoperative outcome.

SY8-1 - Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Disease

The number of pregnancy with congenital heart disease has been increasing recently along with drastically increased population of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients all over the world. We have the longest history of ACHD services in Japan so that the biggest volume of ACHD patients and their pregnancies. The management of pregnant ACHD patients faces new challenges and experiences from time to time because they are truly “New Population” especially when they have complex congenital heart disease with/without complex cardiac surgeries. It is necessary for the safe and sufficient medical care before and after pregnancy that we understand haemodynamics and problems in long term after various operations such as Senning, Mustard, Rastelli, Fontan, even double switch operation, or ventricular septation. In addition to the repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, those complicated post-operative settings should be assessed clearly before pregnancy in order to predict the changes caused by pregnancy. Since pregnancy and pregnant ACHD patients are moving target, it is very important to notice the early signs for providing the right care during pregnancy. A good guide and advice to the pregnant ACHD patients at any moment contributes not only to the better course throughout pregnancy and delivery but also to the life-long cardiac history of female ACHD patients.

Recannulation of the axillary artery in aortic and complex cardiac surgery.

Axillary artery cannulation has been used as an alternative site for cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery for aortic dissections and aneurysmal disease of the ascending aorta and arch. This study reports our experience with reusing the axillary artery for cardiopulmonary bypass during complex aortic and cardiac surgical procedures. This was a retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience of recannulating the axillary artery for redo operations in complex aortic surgery. Seven patients over a 7-year period have undergone recannulation of their axillary arteries. The old Dacron graft stump was either excised and a new graft was anastamosed to the axillary artery or a new end-to-side anastamosis was performed either proximal or distal to the original graft stump. There were no deaths, strokes, or postoperative complications. In one patient, axillary cannulation was aborted intraoperatively due to high-line pressures, suggesting a local dissection. The other patients all had adequate perfusion via the recannulated axillary artery and there were no complications associated with its reuse. Recannulation of the axillary artery is easily achievable and should be considered in redo aortic and complex cardiac surgery.

Outcomes of octogenarians discharged from the hospital after prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery

ObjectiveOctogenarians offered complex cardiac surgery frequently experience a prolonged intensive care unit length of stay; however, minimal data exist on the outcomes of these patients. We sought to determine the rates and predictors of 1-year noninstitutionalized survival (“functional survival”) and rehospitalization for octogenarian patients with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery and who were discharged from hospital. MethodsThe outcomes of discharged patients aged 80 years or more who underwent cardiac surgery with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (≥5 consecutive days) from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011, were examined retrospectively from linked clinical and administrative provincial databases. Regression analysis was used to determine predictors of 1-year functional survival and rehospitalization after discharge from the hospital. ResultsA total of 80 of 683 (11.7%) discharged octogenarian patients had prolonged intensive care unit length of stay. Functional survival at 1 year was 92% and 81% for those with nonprolonged and prolonged intensive care unit lengths of stay, respectively (P < .01). Lack of outpatient physician visits within 30 days of discharge (hazard ratio, 5.18; P < .01) was a significant predictor of poor 1-year functional survival. The 1-year rehospitalization rates were 38% and 48% for those with nonprolonged and prolonged intensive care unit lengths of stay, respectively, with 41% of all rehospitalizations occurring within 30 days of initial discharge. A rural residence (hazard ratio, 1.82; P < .01) and nosocomial pneumonia during patients' operative admissions (hazard ratio, 2.74; P < .01) were associated with rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge. ConclusionsOctogenarians with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay have acceptable functional survival at 1 year but have high rates of early rehospitalization. Access to health services may influence functional survival and early rehospitalizations. These data suggest that close follow-up of these vulnerable patients after hospital discharge is warranted.

Complex Cardiac Surgery on Patients with a Body Weight of Less Than 5 kg without Donor Blood Transfusion

Performing safe cardiac surgery in neonates or infants whose parents are Jehovah's Witnesses is only possible in a coordinated team approach. An unconditional prerequisite is a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit with a very low priming volume to minimize hemodilution. In the past decade, we have developed a functional blood-sparing approach at our institution. The extracorporeal circuit was miniaturized. This had to be recently adapted, faced with a challenge associated with the switch to high-volume crystalloid cardioplegia. A filtration circuit was added. Here, we report an open heart surgery on three consecutive children of Jehovah's Witness parents with a body weight of 2.7, 4.5, and 4.8 kg, respectively. Procedures consisted of one arterial switch operation and two repairs of complete atrioventricular septal defects. Our static priming volume of less than 90 mL resulted in a nadir hematocrit during CPB of 27.7% (Hb 8.9 g/dL) in a patient which happened to have the lowest body weight of 2.7 kg. The two other patients had their lowest hematocrit at 31.4% (Hb 10.2 g/dL). The three children could be treated without any kind of transfusion of blood which had left the circulation or its extensions, in accordance with the parents' wishes, and enjoy favorable outcomes without transfusion of blood products during their entire hospital stay.

Pro: Factor Concentrates are Essential for Hemostasis in Complex Cardiac Surgery

Pro: Factor Concentrates are Essential for Hemostasis in Complex Cardiac Surgery