Duration Of Aortic Cross-clamping Research Articles

Investigation of the effects of leukocyte filtration in congenital heart surgery

Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of leukocyte filtration during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on inflammatory reactions in congenital heart surgery. Methods: In the study, group 1 (n=15) administered a leukocyte filter connected to arterial line after the oxygenator during CPB, while group 2 (n=15) was the control group. The patients were thoroughly assessed with respect to age, sex, congenital heart disease, total CPB duration, aortic cross-clamp duration, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, total amount of chest drainage in 24 hour, inotropic drug use, total amount of transfused blood, and postoperative complications. Blood samples for elastase and complement (C5a) were obtained after induction and before sternotomy incision, prior to CPB, after protamine injection, at postoperative first hour in ICU, and at postoperative 24th hour. Blood samples for complete blood count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine phosphokinase MB (CKMB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine level were taken preoperatively and at one and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: The duration of hospital stay was longer in group 2 than group 1 (6.5±1.8 vs. 2: 9.7±5.1 days, respectively, p=0.015). C5a values increased in both groups during the third, fourth, and fifth period indicating no statistically significant differences (0.5±0.2 vs. 0.6±0.2; p=0.361 and 0.4±0.1 vs. 0.4±0.0; p=0.144 and 2.1±6.6 vs. 0.4±0.1; p=0.298, respectively). Subgroup analyses for ALT, AST, CKMB and leucocyte count revealed significant difference between the groups (p

Dynamics of Factor XIII Levels After Open Heart Surgery for Congenital Heart Defects: Do Cyanotic and Acyanotic Patients Differ?

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) reduces coagulation factor levels through hemodilution and consumption. Differences in CPB-induced alterations of factor XIII (FXIII) levels in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart defects (CHDs) are not well characterized. FXIII activity (determined by Berichrom assay), prothrombin index, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen were measured before open heart surgery with CPB and 5 days postoperatively for children older than 3 years with acyanotic (n = 30) and cyanotic (n = 30) CHDs. The preoperative FXIII levels did not differ significantly among the children of the compared groups. The cyanotic patients showed a significantly longer duration of CPB (111.4 ± 45.8 vs 71.5 ± 33.6 min; p = 0.026) and aortic cross-clamp (68.0 ± 27.1 vs 45.4 ± 31.4 min; p = 0.034). The drop in FXIII levels after termination of CPB was more profound for the children with cyanotic CHDs (87.1 ± 13.4 to 49.1 ± 13.2 vs 81.5 ± 12.6 to 58.6 ± 11.1 %, respectively; p = 0.018). The cyanotc patients also were restored to their baseline FXIII levels later than the children with acyanotic CHDs (at 48 vs 24 h). The post-CPB dynamics of the majority of the other coagulation parameters in the compared groups of patients were similar. The cyanotic patients experienced significantly greater postoperative blood loss than the acyanotic patients (12.6 ± 4.9 vs 5.0 ± 2.1 mL/kg; p < 0.001) and were transfused with larger volumes of red blood cells (10.4 ± 6.5 vs 4.2 ± 2.5 mL/kg; p = 0.007). The decrease in FXIII levels after CPB is more profound and lasts longer in children with cyanotic CHDs than in acyanotic patients. The rational strategy of postoperative FXIII replacement therapy for these categories of patients needs to be determined.

Totally thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defect reduces systemic inflammatory reaction and myocardial damage in initial patients

BackgroundTo compare the effect of totally thoracoscopic with conventional, open repair of atrial septal defect.MethodsForty atrial septal defect cases were divided into two groups by surgical approach: totally thoracoscopic approach (group A, n = 20) and conventional open approach (group B, n = 20). In group A, surgical procedures were performed through three portal incisions in the right lateral chest wall under thoracoscopic vision without the aid of a computerized robotic surgical system. Notably, all operations were completed by one surgeon who had just begun using this technique. In group B, the atrial septal defects were repaired in conventional open fashion. Clinical outcomes and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and creatine kinase isoenzyme-myocardial band (CK-MB) for the two groups were evaluated and compared.ResultsAll operations were performed successfully without serious complications. Durations of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), CPB setup, aortic cross-clamping, and operative procedure were significantly longer in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). The recovery times for body temperature and laboratory values of leukocytes were significantly shorter for group A than for group B (P < 0.05). There were no differences in durations of postoperative assisted ventilation or intensive care unit and hospital stays, volumes of blood transfused intraoperatively or thoracic drainage, or medical costs between the two groups. Serum levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and ICAM-1) and CK-MB increased significantly in both groups after surgery. However, 6 h and 12 h after surgery, levels of these inflammatory factors and CK-MB were significantly lower in group A than in group B (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThoracoscopic cardiac surgery is technically feasible and safe, with less trauma and quicker recovery even when done by a surgeon newly introduced to the technique.

Elevated Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide and C-reactive Protein Levels in Children with Restrictive Right Ventricular Physiology Following Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

This study aimed to compare the levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in relation to oxygen transport between patients with restrictive right ventricle (rRV) and those without (non-rRV) early after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. Eighty patients (30 in the rRV group) underwent TOF repair in 2011 and 2012. BNP and CRP were repeatedly measured during postoperative day (POD) 7, along with oxygen transport variables including arterial and superior vena cava oxygen saturation (SaO2 and SvO2 ), oxygen extraction ratio (ERO2 ), and lactate. Demographic data included age and durations of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross-clamping (ACC), mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital stays. During POD 7, BNP did not change in either of the two groups but was consistently higher in the rRV group (P < .0001). CRP increased from POD 1 to POD 2 and decreased thereafter. The decrease was slower in the rRV group (P = .04). The increase in SvO2 and the decrease in ERO2 were slower in the rRV group (P < .05). Lactate decreased in both groups (P < .05) but was consistently higher in the rRV group (P = .03). BNP was negatively correlated with SvO2 and preoperative SaO2 and positively correlated with ERO2 and lactate (P < .05). No correlation was found between CRP and oxygen transport variables. The rRV group was older and required longer CPB, ACC, mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital stays compared with the non-rRV group (P < .05 for all). rRV physiology is associated with significantly higher BNP and CRP levels with poorer balance of systemic oxygen transport. Information about these pathophysiological changes may help to identify appropriate treatment strategies in this difficult group of patients.

The association between tranexamic acid and convulsive seizures after cardiac surgery: a multivariate analysis in 11 529 patients

Because of a lack of contemporary data regarding seizures after cardiac surgery, we undertook a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 11 529 patients in whom cardiopulmonary bypass was used from January 2004 to December 2010. A convulsive seizure was defined as a transient episode of disturbed brain function characterised by abnormal involuntary motor movements. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative seizures. A total of 100 (0.9%) patients developed postoperative convulsive seizures. Generalised and focal seizures were identified in 68 and 32 patients, respectively. The median (IQR [range]) time after surgery when the seizure occurred was 7 (6-12 [1-216]) h and 8 (6-11 [4-18]) h, respectively. Epileptiform findings on electroencephalography were seen in 19 patients. Independent predictors of postoperative seizures included age, female sex, redo cardiac surgery, calcification of ascending aorta, congestive heart failure, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, duration of aortic cross-clamp and tranexamic acid. When tested in a multivariate regression analysis, tranexamic acid was a strong independent predictor of seizures (OR 14.3, 95% CI 5.5-36.7; p < 0.001). Patients with convulsive seizures had 2.5 times higher in-hospital mortality rates and twice the length of hospital stay compared with patients without convulsive seizures. Mean (IQR [range]) length of stay in the intensive care unit was 115 (49-228 [32-481]) h in patients with convulsive seizures compared with 26 (22-69 [14-1080]) h in patients without seizures (p < 0.001). Convulsive seizures are a serious postoperative complication after cardiac surgery. As tranexamic acid is the only modifiable factor, its administration, particularly in doses exceeding 80 mg.kg(-1), should be weighed against the risk of postoperative seizures.

Open Heart Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Children

Abstract Introduction. Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is commonly perceived as a risk factor for decline in renal function. Hypothermia, hypoxia, hypotension, non-pulsatile blood flow during CPB, use of ACE inhibitors, inotropic and (or) vasoactive support affects kidney and contributes to the acute kidney injury (AKI). Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, severity and outcome of CPB related AKI in children after open heart surgery. Materials and methods. We conducted prospective, non-randomized observational study at the tertiary care University Children’s Hospital Pediatric ICU. We enrolled 30 patients, 12 boys and 18 girls with congenital heart disease (CHD). Their median body weight was 6,8 kg, (IQR 5,2&lt;8,2 kg) and median age 7 months (IQR 5&lt;10 months). SCr was determined and preoperative and postoperative creatinine clearance (ClCr) was estimated using Schwarz formula (eClCr). During surgical repair and till the end of the first 12 postoperative hours urine was collected to measure ClCr, using the difference in urine (UCr) and SCr concentrations (mClCr). Urine output, body temperature, duration of aortic cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass was recorded. Results. Median intraoperative urine output was 2,4 ml/kg/h (IQR 1,29&lt;3,15 ml/kg/h). Median CPB time was 147 min., (IQR 116,75&lt;205 min.), median aortic cross-clamping time was 95 min., (IQR 70,5&lt;133 min.), cooling during CPB to 29,75°C. Postoperative SCr increased to 35 μmol/l (IQR 27,5&lt;50,5 μmol/l) vs. preoperative SCr 29 μmol/l (IQR 24&lt;32,9 μmol/l), P&lt;0,0001. GFR declined from preoperative 98,4 ml/min./1,73 m2 (IQR 89,6&lt;123,04) to postoperative 80,98 ml/min./1,73 m2, (IQR 60,73&lt;97,97 ml/min./1,73 m2), P&lt;0,0001. We find statistically significant difference (P=0,042) in measured 39,88 ml/min./1,73 m2 (IQR 21,96&lt;67,82 ml/min./1,73 m2) versus estimated ClCr (eClCr) 80,98 ml/min./1,73 m2, (IQR 60,73&lt;97,97 ml/min./1,73 m2). Observed prevalence of AKI was 46,6% (14/30 patients met KDIGO criteria for AKI). Conclusions.Open heart surgery in children has severe, but transient effect on expression of renal biomarkers. There was a marked difference between measured and estimated ClCr in our patients. Observed incidence of AKI was 46,6% (14 patients met KDIGO criteria of AKI from 30 of our patients). Before discharge from the hospital both biomarkers returned to normal values.

Analysis of risk factors for acute renal injury in infants and young children after cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To identify the risk facts for acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants and young children after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Data of 161 patients aged ≤3 years undergoing CPB were reviewed retrospectively from September,2012 to January,2013.According to the definition of AKI,they were divided into two groups:AKI group and non-AKI group.After univariate analysis,a binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risk factors in AKI after CPB.The predictive capability of risk factors for AKI was estimated by using an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results (1) Of them,23 (14.3％) patients were subjected to AKI after cardiac surgery.(2) Univariate analysis showed that age,body weight,preoperative serum concentration of cystatin C,duration of CPB time,duration of aortic cross-clamp,postponed sternum closure,RACHS-1,postoperative serum creatinine (Scr),postoperative serum cystatin C,inotropic score(IS),postoperative mechanical ventilation time,postoperative pulmonary hypertension,and postoperative nosocomial pneumonia were related to the development of AKI (P ＜ 0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for AKI were postoperative serum cystatin C ≥ 1.02 mg/L (Odd Ratio:8.947),body weight ≤ 5 kg (OR:6.567) and Scr ≥ 35.6 μmoL/L (OR:5.387).Value for the ROC curve was 0.937.Conclusions (1) High risk population might be found out through preoperative evaluation of age,body weight and serum cystatin C before CPB.(2) The present results strongly suggest that postoperative serum cystatin C,body weight and postoperative Scr are risk factors of AKI after CPB,thereby making reliable and early diagnosis and prognosis of AKI. Key words: Infant ; Cardiopulmonary bypass ; Acute kidney injury ; Cystatin C ; Risk factor

Risk factors for early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after non-coronary bypass surgery in Chinese population

BackgroundThe present study was performed to investigate the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after non-coronary bypass surgery and the potential risk factors in Chinese population.MethodsWe performed a prospective study in a teaching tertiary hospital from May 2012 to August 2012. One hundred and seventy-six adult patients undergoing non-coronary bypass surgery were recruited. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was evaluated before and 3 to 5 days after surgery. Patients with a MMSE score reduction of 2 was diagnosed with POCD.ResultsThe general incidence of POCD was 33.0%, with no significant difference between the types of surgeries. In the univariate analysis, POCD associated factors included age, duration of surgery, anesthesia, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cross-clamp and rewarming, and sevoflurane concentration. However, only age, cross-clamp duration and sevoflurane concentration were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for POCD.ConclusionIncidence of early POCD after non-coronary bypass surgery was relatively high in Chinese population. Advanced age, longer aortic cross-clamp duration and lower sevoflurane concentration was associated with a higher incidence of POCD.

EComment. Incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch in patients with a Perceval S valve

I read with great interest the paper by Shrestha et al. regarding the use of the sutureless Perceval S valve (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) in the elderly with small aortic annulus [1]. The most important change in the present study is likely the introduction of a control group, which had been woefully lacking in the earlier trials assessing exclusively the safety and efficacy of this relatively new aortic valve bioprosthesis [2-3]. The authors compared the results of aortic valve replacement using the sutureless Perceval S valves against those with conventional bioprostheses. Although patients in the sutureless valves group had higher Logistic EuroSCORE than patients in the conventional valves group, they showed after 3 years of follow-up that there were no differences in mortality rates between the 2 groups. Furthermore, the mean gradient across the bioprostheses was comparable during the follow-up period. Considering this, it can be questioned whether the method used by the authors to compare these bioprostheses should really be considered the best approach to answer their question? I would like to take the opportunity to rephrase the question that needs to be resolved: after Perceval implantation, do patients with a small aortic annulus exhibit less patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) than patients treated conventionally? I think that the article by Shrestha et al. will add substantially valuable data if the incidence of severe PPM is evaluated in each treated group. Recently, D'Onofrio et al. [4] conducted a propensity-matched multicentre study to compare echocardiographic and clinical outcomes in high risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Edwards Sapien bioprosthesis versus patient undergoing sutureless aortic valve replacement using the Perceval S valve. They showed that in this subset of high risk patients, the Perceval S valve is as safe and effective as a transapical TAVI, and that the higher incidence of paravalvular leak in the TAVI group casts a shadow on the overall benefit of the latter technique. Another established advantage of using the Perceval S aortic valve is the reduction of cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times [3]. Aortic cross-clamp duration plays an important role in patient outcomes because it has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after cardiac surgery. More recently, the merit of Perceval S valve has been reiterated by Santarpino et al. [5] in a comparative study. Despite the higher surgical risk, patients with a Perceval S bioprosthesis required less blood transfusion, shorter intubation time and intensive care unit stay than patients in the conventional group. Even though, the high cost of the Perceval S is not to be dismissed, in the current era of stringent budget, one should consider implanting this valve in patients who are at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement but who are not actually ainoperable. Conflict of interest: none declared

Oxidative stress injury after on-pump cardiac surgery: Effects of aortic cross clamp time and type of surgery

BackgroundCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in on-pump cardiac surgery can have harmful systemic effects, triggered in part by radical oxygen species (ROS) produced by ischemia-reperfusion in the heart and the lung. We determined the relationship between levels of oxidative stress markers (8-isoprostane and nitrites/nitrates) in plasma with aortic cross clamp duration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.MethodsThirty patients with CPB were studied: 14 with coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 16 with valve surgery. Plasma levels of 8-isoprostane, and nitrites/nitrates were measured over a 24-hour time course: before (T0) and after CPB: 5 minutes (T1), 1 hour (T2), 12 hours (T3), and 24 hours (T4).ResultsPlasma levels of 8-isoprostane and nitrites/nitrates increased early after CPB, with a subsequent and progressive decline. Levels of oxidative stress markers in T1–T2 were positively correlated with the aortic cross clamp duration. Aortic cross clamp duration times greater than 50 minutes were correlated with higher oxidative stress levels. There were no significant differences in the levels of oxidative stress markers between surgery types.ConclusionCardiac surgery with CPB is associated with an early increase of oxidative stress markers in systemic blood. Aortic cross clamp duration is positively correlated with oxidative stress injury.

Change in the perioperative blood glucose and blood lactate levels of non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery

In the present study, a retrospective analysis of the trends and factors affecting blood glucose and blood lactate levels was carried out for non-diabetic adult patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Between October 2009 and October 2011, 200 non-diabetic adult patients undergoing CABG surgery were examined. Glucose and lactic acid levels were observed successively during surgery [following the induction of anesthesia, cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross-clamping and aortic stop flow infusion], at the end of surgery and after surgery [1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)]. The results of blood gas analyses and other related indicators for trend analysis were investigated. The peak blood glucose and blood lactate levels during CPB, as well as other CPB factors, were also analyzed. Following aortic cross-clamping, intraoperative blood glucose and blood lactate levels increased gradually with increasing operative time. Postoperatively, blood glucose and blood lactate levels continued to rise. Blood glucose and blood lactic acid levels during CPB were positively correlated. The blood glucose and blood lactate levels of non-diabetic adult patients undergoing CABG increased gradually with operative time following aortic cross-clamping. Moreover, blood glucose and blood lactate levels were positively correlated with the duration of CPB and duration of aortic cross-clamping.

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Imaging of Aortic Valve Replacement Using Autologous Glutaraldehyde-Treated Pericardium

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Imaging of Aortic Valve Replacement Using Autologous Glutaraldehyde-Treated Pericardium

1667 Perioperative Changes in Renal Biomarkers in Children Undergoing Open Heart Surgery

IntroductionCardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is commonly perceived as a risk factor for decline in renal function. Hypothermia, hypoxia, hypotension, non-pulsatile blood flow during CPB, use of ACE inhibitors,...

Effects of a comprehensive blood-sparing approach using body weight–adjusted miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass circuits on transfusion requirements in pediatric cardiac surgery

Transfusion-free pediatric cardiac surgery remains a challenge, mainly owing to the mismatch between the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming volume and the infants' blood volume. Within a comprehensive blood-sparing approach, we developed body weight-adjusted miniaturized CPB circuits with priming volumes of 95, 110, and 200 mL for, respectively, infants weighing less than 3 kg, 3 to 5 kg and 5 to 16 kg. We analyzed the effects of this approach on transfusion requirements and risk factors predisposing for blood transfusion. A total of 288 children with body weights between 1.7 and 15.9 kg were included and divided into 3 groups: No transfusion, postoperative transfusion only, and intraoperative and postoperative transfusion. Groups were compared by analysis of variance or analysis of variance on ranks. Risk factors predisposing for transfusion were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Of the infants, 24.7% required no transfusion, 23.6% received postoperative transfusion only and 51.7% received intraoperative and postoperative transfusion. Groups differed by age, body weight, and size and by duration of surgery, CPB, and aortic crossclamp (P<.00001). Body weight (P<.00001), CPB duration (P<.00001), and persisting cyanosis (P=.03) were predictors of intraoperative and postoperative transfusion, whereas body weight (P=.00095), reoperations (P=.0051), and cyanotic heart defects (P=.035) were associated with postoperative transfusion only. Our blood-sparing approach allows for transfusion-free surgery in a substantial number of infants. The strongest predictors of transfusion requirement, body weight and complexity of surgery as reflected by CPB duration, are not amenable to further improvements. Better preservation of the coagulatory system might allow for reduction of postoperative transfusion requirements.

Passive peritoneal drainage improves fluid balance after surgery for congenital heart disease

In some centers, passive peritoneal drainage (PD) is implemented following surgery for congenital heart disease. The utility of this practice has yet to be studied. We hypothesized that passive PD can promote negative fluid balance without compromising intravascular volume. A retrospective review of infants who underwent repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) between 6/2006 and 8/2010 was completed. Data are represented as mean ± standard deviation. Thirty-six infants underwent AVSD repair, 18 of whom had PD catheters placed without complication. Infants with passive PD had longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (211 ± 59 vs 137 ± 41 min, P < 0.001) and aortic cross-clamp (148 ± 29 vs 102 ± 21 min, P < 0.001); had higher Aristotle complexity score (12.6 ± 3 vs 10.7 ± 2, P = 0.03) and ventilatory support immediately after surgery (ventilation index score 19.5 ± 6.5 vs 14.3 ± 2.5, P = 0.004); and received greater fluid administration (225 ± 6 3 vs 168 ± 45 ml kg(-1), P = 0.002) in the first 48 postoperative hours. Despite these differences, infants with passive PD achieved negative fluid balance more rapidly (12 ± 10 vs 27.3 ± 13 h, P < 0.0001) and to a greater extent (-73 + 55 vs +2.6 + 39 mL kg(-1) at 48 h, P = 0.002). Moreover, postoperative hemodynamics, urine output, creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen, peak lactate, and duration of mechanical ventilation were similar between groups. Passive PD is safe and promotes negative fluid balance after repair of complete AVSD without adversely affecting intravascular volume.

Surgical treatment of post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm: clinical analysis

To explore the clinical experiences, efficacies and postoperative left ventricular remodeling changes of surgical ventricular reconstruction in the treatment of post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm. The investigators reviewed retrospectively the clinical data, operative approaches and follow-up outcomes of consecutive 194 patients with post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm, who underwent surgical ventricular reconstruction between January 1997 and December 2009. There were 54 cases in the linear group and 137 cases in the endoventricular patch plasty group. The changes of ventricular remodeling were measured by peri-operative and follow-up echocardiography. All patients underwent surgery with a mean cardiopulmonary bypass duration of (103 ± 35) min and aortic cross clamp duration of (62 ± 26) min. There were 8 per-operative deaths with a mortality rate of 2.2%. Angina pectoris of other cases disappeared and heart function greatly improved. After operation, the ventricular remodeling results showed that in the linear group, there was not significant difference in the changes of ventricular remodeling of post-op 2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years versus pre-operation. However, in the endoventricular patch group, the changes of ventricular remodeling of post-op 2 weeks and follow-up 6 months versus pre-operation were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). End-systolic volume (LVESV) reduced from (129 ± 27) ml to (65 ± 8) ml and end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) decreased from (104 ± 14) ml/m(2) to (44 ± 6) ml/m(2) and the subgroup of LVEF < 35% was the most significant in the changes of LVESV and LVESVI. But LVEF improved significantly at post-operation and follow-up (from preoperation 42% ± 11% to 52% ± 7% during follow-up). For patients with infarction left ventricular aneurysm, left ventricular reconstruction is quite effective. The choice of operative approaches is determined by the size and range of ventricular aneurysm. Both string suture and endoventricular patch plasty technique can yield similarly satisfactory surgical outcomes. After operation, ventricular volume significantly decreases and cardiac function greatly improves.

Cardiac Surgery: One year experience of cardiac surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam- TANZANIA

Background: Establishing a cardiac unit in developing countries is usually difficult as it is associated with many obstacles of both expertise and financial constraints and more alarming is the mortality rate that may be high. Even after success in the initial stage sustainability of such program is a dilemma. The aim of this study was to determine pattern of disease profile, type of cardiac surgery done and the overall outcome. Methods: All patients who underwent cardiac operation at the centre were prospectively recruited. Patients’ demography and disease characteristics as demonstrated at echocardiography and its confirmation at operation were recorded. Peri-operative factors were the measurable statistics that determined the overall patients’ outcome. All data were entered and analyzed using a spss11.5 window program. Results: A total of 105 cases of cardiac surgery were done 21% were male and 79% were females. Mean age was 19.4±12.3. The majority of cases were due to Rheumatic heart diseases (47.6%), congenital heart disease (35.2%), myxomatous valvular degeneration (16.2%) and pericardial disease 1%. Mitral valve disease was the commonest cause of cardiac disease (58.1%). Prolonged duration of aortic cross-clamp and total operation time were associated with prolonged intensive care stay and poor patients’ outcome respectively (p<0.05). While, ventricular dysfunction and total cardiopulmonary bypass time were not. The overall mortality rate was 13.3%. Majority of all death (64.3%) followed mitral valve repair. Conclusion: The majority of patients (86.7%) who underwent cardiac surgery had full recovery. The mortality of (13.3%) is probably comparable to other settings. The diversity of spectrum of cardiac disease found elsewhere is also found in our community and therefore need to increase community awareness. Mitral valve repair deserve a special entity that requires skills and expertise. The mere presence of suboptimal ventricular dysfunction is probably not a contraindication to cardiac operation. The duration of aortic cross-clamp and total operation time were determinant of postoperative outcome.

Association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers and postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with mild and moderate left ventricular dysfunction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between renin - angiotensin - aldosterone system blockers and risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) development in patients with mild and moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The population of this prospective and observational study consisted of 269 patients with an ejection fraction of < or = 50% undergoing coronary artery bypass and/or valve surgery. Use of renin -angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and spironolactone) and their association with postoperative AF (AF episode lasting < or = 5 min) were evaluated. In statistical analysis t test for independent samples, Chi-square test and Mann Whitney U test were used for comparison of variables between groups. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. During follow-up, 50 patients (13%) developed postoperative AF. With multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for postoperative AF were determined: left atrial diameter (OR- 1.09; 95%CI 1.01-1.16, p=0.02), age (OR-1.04; 95%CI 1.002- 1.08, p=0.04), aortic cross-clamp duration (OR- 1.03, 95%CI -1.00-1.05, p=0.01), use of left internal mammarian artery (OR-0.33; 95%CI 0.13-0.88, p=0.03), ACEIs treatment (OR-0.27; 95%CI 0.12-0.62, p=0.002), and ARBs treatment (OR - 0.21, 95%CI 0.07-0.62, p=0.005). Our results indicate that although treatments with ACEIs and ARBs are associated with low incidence of postoperative AF in patients with mild and moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction, treatment with spironolactone is not.

Improved results after the primary repair of interrupted aortic arch: impact of a new management protocol with isolated cerebral perfusion☆☆☆

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse results and risk factors of death after the repair of the interrupted aortic arch, and to compare results obtained with the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest versus isolated cerebral perfusion. The primary repair of the interrupted aortic arch and associated heart lesions was performed in 50 consecutive patients. The median age was 5 days and the mean weight was 3.1+/-0.6 kg. The interrupted aortic arch was of type A in 12 (24%) patients, type B in 37 (74%) and type C in one (2%) patient. Ventricular septal defect was present in 48 (96%) patients, subaortic stenosis in 15 (30%), truncus arteriosus in 14 (28%), transposition of the great arteries in two (4%), aortopulmonary window in two (4%) and double-outlet right ventricle in one (2%). The surgery consisted of reconstruction of the aortic arch by direct anastomosis and repair of associated heart lesions. In 25 (50%) patients, aortic arch reconstruction was performed using hypothermic circulatory arrest (group I) and in 25 by isolated cerebral perfusion (group II). The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping and circulatory arrest or isolated cerebral perfusion was 191+/-46 min, 90+/-24 min and 40+/-14 min, respectively, in group I; and 194+/-39 min, 74+/-20 min and 31+/-6 min, respectively, in group II. There were 10 (20%) deaths in this series, eight (32%) in group I and two (8%) in group II. Out of 12 patients operated before 1995, seven (58%) patients died; and out of 38 patients operated between 1995 and 2009, three (8%) patients died (p=0.008). By Cox multifactorial analysis, the earlier date of operation represented the only risk factor of death (p=0.037). Twelve (71%) survivors in group I and five (22%) survivors in group II required re-intervention, most often for subaortic stenosis, aortic arch obstruction or conduit obstruction. All patients remain in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I or II at median 12.6 years in group I, and 1.7 years in group II, respectively, after surgery. Interrupted aortic arch can be repaired in neonates with a mortality of 5-10%. The results depend on experience. Isolated cerebral perfusion was joined with decreased mortality but it did not influence the occurrence of neurological complications.

Temporary Cross-clamping of the Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta During Cesarean Hysterectomy to Control Operative Blood Loss in Placenta Previa Increta/Percreta

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of temporary cross-clamping of the infrarenal abdominal aorta for controlling operative blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy in severe invasive placentation. A 35-year-old woman with a significant risk factor of four previous cesarean sections and placenta previa was referred to Taichung Veterans General Hospital with suspected abnormal placentation at 37 weeks of gestation. Obstetric ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a bulky inhomogeneous placenta with extensive uterine serosa-bladder interface hypervascularity and suspicious focal bladder invasion. Cesarean hysterectomy was performed with the use of temporary cross-clamping of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. The duration of aortic cross-clamping was 1 hour, and the estimated blood loss was 2,000 mL. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 11 with no postoperative sequelae. With this limited experience, we are encouraged by the apparent reduction in operative blood loss after the use of temporary cross-clamping of the infrarenal abdominal aorta during cesarean hysterectomy. Further investigation is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this procedure.