Complication Of Cardiac Surgery Research Articles

Case Report: Left atrial dissection after mitral valve replacement: intraoperative management under TEE guidance

Left atrial dissection (LatD) is a very rare complication of cardiac surgery, but it is relatively more common in mitral valve surgery. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an important role in timely detection of LatD and accurate assessment of the condition, which are key factors in determining the patient's prognosis. There are two different treatment options for patients with or without circulatory crisis caused by dissection hematoma, namely surgical management and conservative treatment. In this report, we used TEE to quickly detect the cause and severity of LatD, which assisted the surgeon in making appropriate surgical decisions. The patient was successfully surgically treated for LatD.

Causes of Mediastinitis and Its Surgical Treatment

Mediastinitis remains a potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. This study reviews the risk factors for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery, and discusses current treatment and prevention of this complication. This review explores three major independent risk factors for mediastinitis including individual patient factors, surgical procedures and microbiology. The perioperative period is influenced by the utilization of the internal mammary artery in conjunction with coronary artery bypass grafting, sternal fixation, vacuum-assisted closure, and negative pressure wound therapy. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are frequently encountered microorganisms. Additionally, aerobic gram-negative microorganisms and other infrequent microorganisms are also exhibiting a rising trend. Since sternal fixation devices effectively enhance sternal stability, alleviate wound pain, and decrease the occurrence of postoperative mediastinitis, they have been specifically incorporated into certain therapeutic and prophylactic approaches for addressing this complication. Despite the heightened awareness regarding mediastinitis, the large proportion of individuals at risk underscores the crucial need for rigorous monitoring of potential risk factors, posing a significant challenge to the implementation of effective therapeutic and preventative strategies.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass Blood Flow Rates and Major Adverse Kidney Events in Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score-adjusted Before–After Study

ObjectiveCardiac surgery associated-acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery, which is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the association between CPB blood flow rate (CPB-BFR) and major adverse kidney events at day 30 (MAKE30). DesignRetrospective single-center before-after observational study. Patients were divided in two groups according to CPB flow rates: a first group with an institutional protocol targeting a CPB-BFR >2.2 L/min/m² (low CPB-BFR group), and a second group with a modified institutional protocol targeting a CPB-BFR >2.4 L/min/m² (high CPB-BFR group). The primary outcome was MAKE 30, defined as the composite of death, renal replacement therapy or persistent renal dysfunction. SettingThe data were collected from clinical routines in university hospital. ParticipantsAdult patients who underwent elective and urgent cardiac surgery without severe chronic renal failure, for whom CPB duration was ≥90 minutes. Interventions533 patients were included (low CPB-BFR group n=270, high CPB-BFR group n=263). Measurements and Main ResultsA significant decrease in MAKE 30 was observed in the high CPB-BFR group (3% vs. 8%; OR 0.779, 95% CI [0.661;0.919]; P<0.001) mainly mediated by a lower 30-day mortality in the high CPB-BFR group (1% vs. 5%; OR 0.697, 95% CI [0.595;0.817]; P= 0.001), as was renal replacement therapy (1% vs. 4%; OR 0.739, 95% CI [0.604;0.904]; P=0.016). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing cardiac surgery, increased CPB-BFR was associated with a reduction in MAKE 30 including mortality and renal replacement therapy.

997 Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm 40 Years Following Surgical Atrial Septal Defect Repair

Abstract Background Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare postoperative complication of cardiac surgery. It is often attributed to infection and dehiscence at sites of aortotomy, cannulation, cross-clamp placement, and proximal coronary anastomoses. Mortality risk is 29-46% and this requires prompt surgical intervention. Case summary A 48-year-old woman who underwent atrial septal defect repair at 8 years of age, presented with chest pain radiating to the right shoulder and dyspnoea. Cardiac-gated CT angiography demonstrated a 21mm pseudoaneurysm arising anteriorly from the proximal ascending aorta, 6mm above the right coronary artery ostium, likely the site of previous cardioplegia cannula. There was active blood flow from the aorta into the pseudoaneurysm sac. It was heavily calcified, apart from a thinned irregular wall inferiorly, from which rupture was imminent. She underwent emergency surgery. Using femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass, the chest was safely re-entered. Under mild hypothermia and distal ascending aorta cross-clamping, the pseudoaneurysm was resected and aorta repaired using a Gelweave patch. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home after one week. Discussion Accurate imaging, primarily via cardiac-gated CT angiography, is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning in patients presenting with aortic pseudoaneurysm, particularly those close to the aortic valve and coronary arteries. Operative strategy, including need for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and/or graft replacement of aorta, depends on pseudoaneurysm anatomy. It is recommended that preventative measures are taken during the primary operation, inserting the cardioplegia cannula tip through full-thickness purse-strings and/or addition of separate oversewing sutures after decannulation. Alternative techniques of pseudoaneurysm repair are also discussed.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Prediction by Left Atrial Size in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Five-Year Survival Outcome.

Background: Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication in cardiac surgery. Despite its multifactorial origin, the left atrial (LA) size is closely linked to POAF, raising the question of a valid cut-off value and its impact on the long-term outcome. Methods: Patients without a history of AF who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting between 2014 and 2016 were selected for this retrospective study. LA size was preoperatively assessed using the left atrial anterior-posterior diameter (LAAPd). Correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed, following a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to ensure group comparability, followed by a comparison analysis regarding the primary endpoint of POAF and the secondary endpoints of all-cause mortality and stroke during a five-year follow-up. Results: A total of 933 patients were enrolled in the study eventually revealing a significant correlation between LAAPd and POAF (cor = 0.09, p < 0.01). A cut-off point of 38.5 mm was identified, resulting in groups with 366 patients each after PSM. Overall, patients with a dilated LA presented a significantly higher rate of POAF (22.3% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.02). In a five-year follow-up, a slightly higher rate of all-cause mortality (9.8% vs. 13.7%, HR 1.4 [0.92-2.29], p = 0.10) was observed, but there was no difference in the occurrence of strokes (3.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.87). Conclusions: An LAAPd of >38.5 mm was found to be an independent predictor of POAF after coronary artery bypass grafting and resulted in a non-significant tendency towards a worse outcome regarding all-cause mortality in a five-year follow-up.

A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Amino Acids for Kidney Protection.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and common complication of cardiac surgery, for which reduced kidney perfusion is a key contributing factor. Intravenous amino acids increase kidney perfusion and recruit renal functional reserve. However, the efficacy of amino acids in reducing the occurrence of AKI after cardiac surgery is uncertain. In a multinational, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned adult patients who were scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to receive an intravenous infusion of either a balanced mixture of amino acids, at a dose of 2 g per kilogram of ideal body weight per day, or placebo (Ringer's solution) for up to 3 days. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI, defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. Secondary outcomes included the severity of AKI, the use and duration of kidney-replacement therapy, and all-cause 30-day mortality. We recruited 3511 patients at 22 centers in three countries and assigned 1759 patients to the amino acid group and 1752 to the placebo group. AKI occurred in 474 patients (26.9%) in the amino acid group and in 555 (31.7%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 0.94; P = 0.002). Stage 3 AKI occurred in 29 patients (1.6%) and 52 patients (3.0%), respectively (relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.87). Kidney-replacement therapy was used in 24 patients (1.4%) in the amino acid group and in 33 patients (1.9%) in the placebo group. There were no substantial differences between the two groups in other secondary outcomes or in adverse events. Among adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, infusion of amino acids reduced the occurrence of AKI. (Funded by the Italian Ministry of Health; PROTECTION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03709264.).

Association of Postoperative Serum Lactate Levels with Acute Kidney Injury in Mexican Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a highly prevalent and a critical complication of cardiac surgery (CS). Serum lactate (sLac) levels have consistently shown an association with morbimortality after CS. We performed a cross-sectional study including 264 adult patients that had a cardiac surgery between January and December 2020. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with AKI development. We measured the postoperative levels of sLac for all participants immediately after CS (T0) and at 4 h (T4) after the surgical intervention. A linear regression model was used to identify the factors influencing both sLac metrics. We identified four risk predictors of AKI; one was preoperative (atrial fibrillation), one intraoperative (cardiopulmonary bypass time), and two were postoperative (length of hospital stay and postoperative sLac). T0 and T4 sLac levels were higher among CS-AKI patients than in Non-CS-AKI patients. Postoperative sLac levels were significant independent predictors of CSA-AKI, and sLac levels are influenced by length of hospital stay, the number of transfused packed red blood cells, and the use of furosemide in CS-AKI patients. These findings may facilitate the earlier identification of patients susceptible to AKI after CS.

Clinical characteristics of delirium in older patients with first-ever acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention : Aretrospective study.

Delirium is aserious complication of cardiac surgery and acommon clinical problem. The study aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of delirium in older patients (≥ 65years) with first-ever acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aretrospective cohort study was performed in ahospital in northern China. Atotal of 1033 older patients with first-ever AMI who underwent PCI between January 2018 and April 2021 were screened for delirium using the CAM-ICU method. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Atotal of 134 (12.97%) patients were diagnosed with delirium. Patients with delirium were older. The most common concomitant diseases were cardiac arrest, chronic renal failure, and ahistory of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Delirious patients experienced more times of mechanical ventilation, more intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support, high postoperative immediate pain score (VAS), more non-bedside cardiac rehabilitation, and longer total length of stay and cardiac care unit (CCU) time. Multivariable logistic regression showed that age, mechanical ventilation, postoperative immediate pain score, and non-bedside cardiac rehabilitation were independently associated with delirium. Delirium was an independent predictor of prolonged CCU stay, total length of stay, and 1‑year mortality. Age, mechanical ventilation, postoperative immediate pain score, and non-bedside cardiac rehabilitation were independently closely related to delirium in older patients with first-ever AMI who underwent PCI. Delirium was associated with ahigher 1‑year all-cause mortality.

Cardiac Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury.

AKI is a common and serious complication of cardiac surgery that has a significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition of AKI is widely used to classify and identify AKI associated with cardiac surgery (cardiac surgery-associated AKI [CSA-AKI]) on the basis of changes in serum creatinine and/or urine output. There are various preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for the development of CSA-AKI which should be recognized and addressed as early as possible to expedite its diagnosis, reduce its occurrence, and prevent or ameliorate its devastating complications. Crucial issues are the inaccuracy of serum creatinine as a surrogate parameter of kidney function in the perioperative setting of cardiothoracic surgery and the necessity to discover more representative markers of the pathophysiology of AKI. However, except for the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 ratio, other diagnostic biomarkers with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity are still lacking. This article provides a comprehensive review of various aspects of CSA-AKI, including pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, biomarkers, classification, prevention, and treatment management.

In-hospital outcome of type A aortic dissection repair in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A population study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2020

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbidity that has been linked to higher mortality and respiratory complications in cardiac surgery. However, the postoperative outcomes for COPD patients undergoing Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) repair remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of COPD on in-hospital outcomes of TAAD repair in a national registry. MethodsPatients undergoing TAAD repair were identified in National Inpatient Sample from the last quarter of 2015–2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between patients with and without COPD, where demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer status were adjusted. ResultsThere were 701 (16.37 %) COPD patients and 3581 (83.63 %) non-COPD patients who went under TAAD repair, where the prevalence of COPD was higher than in the general population (6 %). COPD and non-COPD patients have comparable rates of in-hospital mortality (14.69 % vs 15.19 %, aOR 1.016, 95 CI 0.797–1.295, p = 0.9) and there was no indication of delayed surgery. However, COPD patients had a higher risk of mechanical ventilation (37.80 % vs 31.42 %, aOR 1.521, 95 CI 1.267–1.825, p < 0.01) and a higher rate of transferring out to other facilities (38.37 % vs 32.23 %, aOR 1.271, 95 CI 1.054–1.533, p = 0.01). In addition, COPD patients had a longer hospital length of stay (14.28 ± 11.32 vs 13.85 ± 12.78 days, F = 5.61, p = 0.01). ConclusionThe presence of COPD could be a risk factor for the development of aortic dissection. However, outcomes for COPD patients were largely similar to those without COPD. These findings can be valuable for preoperative assessments and tailoring perioperative care for COPD patients undergoing TAAD repair.

#976 Empagliflozin limits AKI incidence and severity following cardiac surgery: an open-label phase IV randomized pilot study

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a frequent complication of cardiac surgery assisted by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Currently, no effective preventative strategies exist to reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are effective in reducing the incidence of AKI in studies conducted in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that perioperative SGLT2 inhibition could reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI. Method In this open-label phase IV, randomized, parallel-group, balanced (1:1), pilot study, adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB were randomized to receive 10 mg empagliflozin per os once daily three days before surgery until two days after surgery, or standard care. The primary outcome was AKI incidence according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Other outcomes included hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) and urinary Kidney Injury Molecule (KIM-1), urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and metabolic parameters such as plasma ketone and glucose concentrations. Results Between March 2022 and April 2023, 60 patients were randomized to empagliflozin (n = 29) or control (n = 31). All patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (n = 25; empagliflozin group, n = 30; control group). SGLT2 inhibition significantly reduced the incidence of all stages of AKI (20% vs 66.7%; absolute difference 46%, 95% CI .13 to .63, P &amp;lt; .001). This decline in AKI incidence was reflected in the kidney biomarkers. SGLT2 inhibition also significantly reduced the number of patients with postoperative hyperglycemia (28% vs 60%; absolute difference 32%, 95% CI −56.8 to −7.2, P = .029). We observed no differences in the incidence of neither ketoacidosis nor hypoglycemic events. Conclusion Perioperative SGLT2 inhibition, compared with standard of care, demonstrated a significant reduction in AKI incidence rates. These findings merit validation in a larger placebo-controlled trial which is currently ongoing. Supplementary figures:

AN UNCOMMON CASE OF SUPERIOR VENA CAVA SYNDROME FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY

Abstract Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome (SVCS) is due to the obstruction of the SVC leading to swelling of the upper body and to low cardiac output. Non tumoral causes, mainly thrombosis of endovascular devices, account for 30% of cases. We report a case of acute iatrogenic SVCS. A 7 years old 16 kg boy underwent mitral valve surgery in severe rheumatic mitral regurgitation. After induction a 15 cm 5.5 Fr 3 lumens central venous catheter (CVC) was inserted in the right internal jugular vein (IJV) under ultrasound guidance without issues. After achieving proper anticoagulation ascending aorta (18 Fr) and bicaval cannulation were performed (20 Fr single stage cannula with right–angled metal tip in the SVC and 26 Fr single stage cannula in the inferior vena cava). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was performed with pediatric circuit and the mitral valve was repaired. Despite apparently good result of the repair and uneventful weaning from CPB a more accurate transesophageal echo (TEE) showed moderate iatrogenic mitral stenosis. Cannulation was re–performed with same size cannulas and mitral valve replacement (St.Jude 25 mm) was provided. After weaning from CPB with mild cardiovascular support (adrenaline 0.03 mcg/kg/min and noradrenaline 0.05 mcg/kg/min) the TEE showed no abnormalities and the patient was transferred to the ICU in stable conditions. The central venous pressure (CVP) never raised over 10 mmHg. In the ICU the patient developed sinus tachicardia and hypotension, unresponsive to fluids and vasopressors, and swelling of the face with no increase in CVP. The chest Xray showed enlargement of the right upper mediastinum with TEE evidence of accellerated flow in the SVC around the CVC (fig.1). The patient was taken to the operating room and a too tigh pursue string suture was found on the SVC. After optimization of the suture the flow through the SVC was restored with immediate clinical improvement and de–escalation of the cardiovascular support. The face oedema quickly decreased allowing extubation on the day after surgery. The following course was uneventful. SVCS is a life threatening complication of cardiac surgery. A too tight pledgetted pursue–string suture is an uncommon cause compared to clot compression. The CVP measured by a IJV CVC is generally elevated in SVCS, but in our case the tip of the CVC was downstream to the stenosis so showing normal values. Multimodal monitoring is mandatory to lead to emergency surgical treatment in case of need.

STERNAL WOUND INFECTION AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY: LOOKING FOR INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PERIOPERATIVE VARIABLES AND PATHOGEN AGENTS

Abstract Background Sternal wound infection (SWI) can be a major complication of cardiac surgery. Both the risk factors and the pathogens agents are well known today. Yet, possible interactions between perioperative variables and pathogens have not been explored. Methods Between Jan 1st, 2006 and Nov 30, 2023 (∼18 years), perioperative data of all patients undergoing cardiac operations through median sternotomy at the Cardio–Thoraco–Vascular Department of the University Hospital of Trieste, Italy, were recorded prospectically in a computed database. Every patient developing a sternal complication was followed in a dedicated outpatient clinic and, in the presence of infection, the causative pathogen was always searched for by cultural examination of tissue speciments. Different strategies of unsupervised clustering were applied to find groups of patients with similar clinical, surgical and microbiological profiles. Results Of 9,680 consecutive cardiac surgery patients, 516 (5.3%) experienced a SWI that involved superficial soft tissue in 25.6% of cases, deep soft tissue in 51%, sternal bone in 16.7%, or mediastinum in 6.8% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase–negative Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were pathogens in 100 (19.4%), 158 (30.6%), 89 (17.2%) and 36 (7%) patients, respectively; other pathogens, polymicrobial and negative cultures were found in 27 (5.2%), 26 (5%) and 80 (15.5%) patients, respectively. Following statistical analyses, significant associations were found between the Pseudomonas aeruginosa etiology of SWI and some variables such as female gender (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and preoperative renal failure (p=0.008); significant associations between the Pseudomonas aeruginosa etiology were found also with more serious forms of sepsis (p=0.025), as well as with early postoperative death (p=0.02) and complications such as acute kidney injury (p=0.006), multiple transfusion (p=0.003), and prolonged mechanical ventilation (p=0.005). Conclusion For women having renal impairment and undergoing cardiac surgery through median sternotomy, in the case of SWI, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa etiology may be more frequent and a really life–threating complication.

Early Postoperative Iatrogenic Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection Following Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: An Uncommon Complication of a Common Surgery

Complications of cardiac surgery include iatrogenic acute aortic dissection (IAAD), which occurs in 0.04%–0.06% of cases and has poorer results than spontaneous dissection. IAADs generated by thoracotomy are often associated with severe cardiovascular conditions, such as advanced atherosclerosis with three or more coronary artery lesions and persistent heart failure due to multivalvular heart disease. It is possible to experience this complication following any kind of cardiac surgery, including off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) as well as following endovascular operations. We encountered early postoperative IAAD following OPCAB, which necessitated high-risk reoperation with dismal outcomes. Death rates could be reduced with better access to timely diagnosis and adequate treatment. Avoiding, diagnosing, and treating this potentially fatal complication requires tremendous effort from every member of the heart team.

Predictors for negative clinical outcome in acute mesenteric ischemia after on-pump cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational trial

INTRODUCTION: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is one of the most dangerous complications of cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Several factors may contribute to the development of AMI, such as: age over 70 years, prolonged CBP, postoperative heart failure, cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support and others. The mortality rate in AMI reaches 85 %. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of a negative clinical outcome in the development of acute mesenteric ischemia in patients after on-pump cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective observational cohort study included 53 patients in the intensive care unit who developed AMI after cardiac surgery performed using CPB. All patients with AMI included in the study were divided into two groups — survivors (n = 31) and non- survivors (n = 22) to identify predictors of negative clinical outcome. RESULTS: At the preoperative stage, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was impaired in both groups, but in non-survived patients was significantly lower: 34.6 (25.4–52.4) in survivors and 28.7 (25.2–42.7) in non-survivors (p = 0.05). 12 hours after the surgery, the cardiac index (CI) (p = 0.01) and the index of left ventricular work (ILVW) were significantly (p = 0.03) lower in non-survivors. The average duration of CPB was 124 minutes (95–142) in survivors and 164 minutes in non-survivors (145–176) (p = 0.02). Also, 72.7 % of n0n-survivers received high doses of adrenomimetics in the postoperative period, in survivors — 41.9 % (p = 0.03). The rate of long-term mechanical respiratory support usage in non-survivors reached 86.3 %, in survivors — 35.4 % (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The key predictors of a negative outcome of OMI in cardiac surgery patients are: prolonged use of CBP, low CI, LVWI before and after surgery, high doses of adrenomimetics, prolonged mechanical respiratory support, as well as high concentrations of blood lactate 12 hours after the end of the surgery.

Posterior pericardiotomy and the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation and cardiac tamponade in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting – A retrospective analysis

BackgroundPost-Operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent complication of cardiac surgery and is associated with reduced survival, increased rates of cognitive changes and cerebrovascular accidents, heart failure, renal dysfunction, infection, length of stay and hospital costs. Cardiac tamponade although less common, carries high morbidity and mortality. Shed mediastinal blood in the pericardial space is a major source of intrapericardial oxidative stress and inflammation that triggers POAF. The utilisation of a posterior pericardiotomy (PP) aims to shunt blood from pericardium into the pleural space and have a role in the prevention of POAF as well as cardiac tamponade.Methods2168 patients had undergone isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting at Royal Hobart Hospital from 2008 to 2022. They were divided into PP group vs. control group. Patient baseline demographics, intraoperative data and post-operative outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsTotal incidence of new POAF and cardiac tamponade was 24% and 0.74% respectively. Primary outcome of both the incidence of POAF (20.2% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) and Cardiac Tamponade (0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.05) were less in the pericardiotomy group. A subgroup analysis of patients with recent myocardial infarction showed reduced incidence of POAF in the PP group (p < 0.05). Increasing age, Body Mass Index, poor left ventricular ejection fraction (EF < 30%) and return to theatre were independent predictors of developing POAF. There were similar rates of return to theatre for bleeding however, no cases of tamponade in the pericardiotomy group. There were no complications attributable to left posterior pericardiotomy and the time added to the duration of surgery was minimal.ConclusionPosterior pericardiotomy is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of POAF and cardiac tamponade which is safe and efficient.

Analysis and prevention strategies of risk factors for postoperative stroke complications in cardiac surgery

Objective To analyze the risk factors associated with postoperative stroke complications in cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 549 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Among these patients, 501 did not experience a stroke postoperatively (non-stroke group), while 48 developed a postoperative stroke (stroke group). Patients who experienced a stroke postoperatively were divided into two groups based on the type of surgery: those who underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (18 patients) and those without cardiopulmonary bypass (30 patients). The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients with postoperative strokes were compared, and the risk factors influencing the occurrence of postoperative stroke complications in cardiac surgery were analyzed. Results ① Clinical findings: Cardiopulmonary bypass group had lower cortical infarction rates but higher large-area and bilateral infarction rates compared to the non-cardiopulmonary bypass group (p < 0.05). No significant gender, age, or infarction type differences were observed (p > 0.05). ② Univariate analysis: No significant differences were found in gender, smoking, alcohol, lipids, or glucose levels (p > 0.05). However, age, education, hypertension, diabetes, hypotension, and atrial fibrillation showed significant differences (p < 0.05). ③ Multivariate Logistic regression: Age, education, hypertension, diabetes, hypotension, and atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors for postoperative stroke complications (p < 0.05). Conclusion Cardiopulmonary bypass increases risk of large-area and bilateral strokes; non-bypass surgery associates with cortical strokes. Age, educational level, hypertension, diabetes, postoperative hypotension, and atrial fibrillation are all factors independently associated with the occurrence of postoperative cerebral infarctions in cardiac surgery. Early interventions may reduce postoperative strokes.

Stroke prevention strategies for cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Stroke is a much-feared complication of cardiac surgery, but existing literature on preventive strategies is fragmented. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis of stroke prevention strategies for cardiac surgery was conducted. An electronic literature search was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating perioperative interventions for cardiac surgery, with stroke as an outcome. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and forest plots. Descriptive analysis and synthesis of literature was conducted for interventions not amenable to meta-analysis, focusing on risks of stroke, myocardial infarction and study-defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Fifty-six RCTs (61 894 patients) were retrieved. Many included trials were underpowered to detect differences in stroke risk. Among pharmacological therapies, only preoperative amiodarone was shown to reduce stroke risk in one trial. Concomitant left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) significantly reduced stroke risk (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36-0.84, P = 0.006) in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation, and there was no difference in on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.64-1.37, P = 0.735). Much controversy exists in literature on the timing of carotid endarterectomy relative to CABG in patients with severe carotid stenosis. The use of preoperative remote ischemic preconditioning was not found to reduce rates of stroke or MACE. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing interventions for stroke prevention in cardiac surgery, and identifies gaps in research which may benefit from future, large-scale RCTs. LAAC should be considered to reduce stroke incidence in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation.

Risk Factors for Higher Postoperative Myocardial Injury in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Patients: A Cohort Study.

Background: Postoperative myocardial injury, as detected by an elevated concentration of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), is a common complication in cardiac surgery that may be linked to mortality. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with increased myocardial injury in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Methods: In this retrospective monocentric cohort study, we analyzed all patients who underwent elective minimally invasive mitral valve surgery between January 2019 and December 2022 and were subsequently admitted to our intensive care unit. The study population was divided into two groups based on the peak hs-cTnI level: the "lower myocardial injury" group comprised patients whose peak serum hs-cTnI level was less than 499 times the 99th percentile, while the "higher myocardial injury" group included those patients who exhibited hs-cTnI levels equal to or greater than 500 times the 99th percentile. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with higher myocardial injury. Results: In our final analysis, we enrolled 316 patients. Patients with higher myocardial injury (48; 15%) more frequently had a preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥3 compared to those with lower myocardial injury [33 (69%) vs. 128 (48%); p < 0.01-OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.24-4.64); p < 0.01]. Furthermore, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time were significantly longer in the higher myocardial injury group compared to the lower myocardial injury group [117 (91-145) vs. 86 (74-100) min; p < 0.01-OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.03-1.06); p < 0.01]. Moreover, patients who underwent robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery experienced lower myocardial injury rates [9 (19%) vs. 102 (38%); p = 0.01-OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.18-0.81); p = 0.01] than others. These findings remained consistent after adjustment in multivariate logistic regression. In terms of postoperative outcomes, patients with higher myocardial injury exhibited the highest lactate peak in the first 24 h, a higher incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Although no patients died in either group, those with higher myocardial injury experienced a longer hospital length of stay. Conclusions: Higher myocardial injury is relatively common after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Prolonged aortic cross-clamp duration and higher NYHA class were independently associated with myocardial injury, while robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery was independently associated with lower postoperative myocardial injury.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance and Efficacy of Wearable Electrocardiogram Monitoring for Arrhythmia Detection after Cardiac Surgery.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a serious complication of cardiac surgery that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Traditional 24-hour Holter monitors have limitations, which have prompted the development of innovative wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring devices. This study assessed a patch-type wearable ECG device (MobiCARE-MC100) for monitoring A-fib in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and compared it with 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring. This was a single-center, prospective, investigator-initiated cohort study that included 39 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between July 2021 and June 2022. Patients underwent simultaneous monitoring with both conventional Holter and patchtype ECG devices for 24 hours. The Holter device was then removed, and patch-type monitoring continued for an additional 48 hours, to determine whether extended monitoring provided benefits in the detection of A-fib. This 72-hour ECG monitoring study included 39 patients, with an average age of 62.2 years, comprising 29 men (74.4%) and 10 women (25.6%). In the initial 24 hours, both monitoring techniques identified the same number of paroxysmal A-fib in 7 out of 39 patients. After 24 hours of monitoring, during the additional 48-hour assessment using the patch-type ECG device, an increase in A-fib burden (9%→38%) was observed in 1 patient. Most patients reported no significant discomfort while using the MobiCARE device. In patients who underwent cardiac surgery, the mobiCARE device demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of the conventional Holter monitoring system.