Duration Of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Research Articles

A contemporary simple risk score for prediction of severe acute kidney injury after heart transplantation.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple risk score to estimate severe acute kidney injury (AKI) risk based on a large contemporary heart transplantation (HT) cohort. From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021, all consecutive HT recipients in our institute were included and analysed for the occurrence of AKI within the first seven postoperative days. Patients transplanted between 2015 and 2019 comprised the derivation cohort, and those transplanted between 2020 and 2021 formed the validation cohort. The primary endpoint was severe AKI (AKI stages 2-3). The impact of severe AKI on 90day mortality was also evaluated. Overall, 430 HT patients were included in the derivation cohort, and 108 were included in the validation cohort. Postoperative AKI occurred in 388 (72%) patients, including 162 (30%) severe AKI. The risk of 90day mortality significantly increased in patients with severe-AKI. Seven independent predictors of severe AKI were found in the derivation cohort, including recipients' body mass index, history of diabetes, anaemia, preoperative inotropes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, cardiopulmonary bypass duration and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion. The occurrence of severe AKI increased gradually from the lowest to the highest of the four risk score groups in the derivation and validation cohort. The scoring prediction model showed a highly acceptable discriminating power for severe-AKI [C statistic: 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-0.80 for derivation cohort; C statistic: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89 for validation cohort]. A contemporary simple risk score based on available variables from patients undergoing HT can accurately discriminate the risk of severe AKI.

Hyperspectral Imaging for Microcirculatory Assessment of Patients undergoing Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement-a Prospective Observational Pilot Study.

This prospective, observational study evaluated Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) to assess the effects of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on microcirculation. 40 Patients with severe aortic stenosis were enrolled. 20 patients underwent transapical/transaxillary/transaortic aortic valve replacement (TAVR), 20 underwent an open surgical approach with CPB (SAVR). HSI was used to determine tissue oxygenation (StO2 and NIR), hemoglobin (THI) and water content (TWI) at the palm before/after surgery (T1/T2), and on the third postoperative day (T3). TAVR patients showed no significant changes of microcirculatory parameters during surgery. TWI significantly increased until T3. SAVR patients showed an increase of TWI and a decrease of THI, while StO2 and NIR remained unchanged at T2. In SAVR patients, StO2 and NIR correlated negatively with the duration of CPB and StO2 correlated with intraoperative urine output at T2. HSI was able to detect microcirculatory changes during cardiac surgery. CPB duration seemed to affect tissue oxygenation. Clinical trial registration: (German Clinical Trial Register): DRKS00024765.

Analysis of risk factors for the development of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients after aortic valve replacement with myocardial revascularization

Background. Acquired aortic valve disease and coronary heart disease often occur together, and almost two thirds of patients with aortic valve stenosis have severe coronary heart disease. Given the presence of both pathologies, this cohort of patients requires an individual diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The aim of the study was to analyze risk factors for the development of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients after aortic valve replacement with myocardial revascularization. Materials and methods. For this study, a selection of disease histories of adult patients (over 18 years old) who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) together with myocardial revascularization at the State Institution “Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” from 2018 to 2022 was carried out. Results. We selected 130 case histories of patients who underwent SAVR together with myocardial revascularization: the first group (n = 51) — a combination of SAVR and percutaneous coronary interventions; the second group (n = 79) — a combination of SAVR and coronary artery bypass grafting. The analysis of intraoperative data showed that the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping in patients of the first group was significantly lower, by 1.5 times (p = 0.0001) and 1.4 times (p = 0.0001), compared to the second group. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding the frequency of MACCE (p = 0.589). Reliable risk factors for the development of MAССE in the early postoperative period were the evaluation of the operative risk according to the EuroSCORE II scale (odds ratio (OR) 2.13, confidence interval (CI) 1.54–4.48, p = 0.012), the history of myocardial infarction (OR 1.43, CI 1.13–2.45, p = 0.002) and right coronary artery damage (OR 1.79, CI 1.44–3.78, p = 0.021). Conclusions. Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions before SAVR were characterized by a shorter duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, however, no significant difference in major early postoperative complications was observed between the study groups. In particular, there were no significant differences regarding the frequency of MACCE in the early postoperative period.

Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis

The assessment of risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis is important for identifying variables associated with treatment regimens, aiming to improve outcomes. Early identification of high-risk patients may contribute to better outcomes through timely medical and surgical interventions. Objective: to study the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality among patients with infective endocarditis. Materials and methods. A retrospective single-center study was conducted, which included clinical data of 311 consecutive patients from January 1, 2019, to October 22, 2021, at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. The primary outcome of the study was in-hospital mortality among patients with infective endocarditis. Clinical and laboratory data, as well as the results of echocardiographic examinations and postoperative complications were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 13 cases (4.2 %), including 6 (1.9 %) patients with infective endocarditis who died at the preoperative stage despite medical treatment. Postoperative in-hospital mortality accounted for 7 cases (2.3 %), 298 patients (95.8 %) underwent successful surgery and were discharged under the supervision of a cardiologist in their locality. A univariate analysis of preoperative clinical and laboratory characteristics revealed the following risk factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with infective endocarditis at the preoperative stage: fever (p = 0.021), mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (р < 0.001), heart failure (р < 0.001). Similarly, a univariate analysis of intraoperative and postoperative clinical and laboratory characteristics revealed risk factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with infective endocarditis at the postoperative stage to be aortic cross-clamping time (p = 0.010), duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (p = 0.006), ultrafiltration volume (p < 0.001) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level (p = 0.017). Conclusions. Our study demonstrated that risk factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with infective endocarditis included fever, heart failure, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and duration of cardiac surgery. These findings underscore the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of infective endocarditis.

Clinical investigation into risk factors for delirium post-cardiac surgery and its implications for nursing intervention guided by behavior change theory

BackgroundThis study explores the factors contributing to the occurrence of delirium following cardiac surgery and devises nursing strategies rooted in behavior change theory.MethodsA cohort of 320 cardiac surgery patients was selected, categorized into two groups: 93 cases where postoperative delirium (POD) was anticipated, and 227 cases where it was not. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors of POD were scrutinized using single-factor analysis, while binary logistic regression analysis was employed to pinpoint risk factors.ResultsAmong the 320 patients, 93 displayed POD symptoms post-surgery, yielding an incidence of 29.06%. Preoperative univariate analysis disclosed significant differences in gender, age, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes (P < 0.05). Intraoperatively, significant differences were noted in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) anesthesia grade (II, III, and IV), surgery time, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and aortic occlusion duration (P < 0.05). Post-surgery, significant differences were observed in the duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, mechanical ventilation time, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression identified surgery time (OR = 2.334, P < 0.001), ICU admission duration (OR = 1.457, P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.235, P = 0.004), and VAS scores (OR = 2.986, P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for POD. ROC curve analysis indicated higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting POD with surgery time, ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and VAS scores.ConclusionIrrespective of the surgical intervention type, surgery time, ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and VAS scores are recognized as risk factors for POD in cardiac surgery patients. Hence, continuous patient monitoring and early intervention tailored to specific risk factors are essential in clinical practice to mitigate POD incidence.

Factors associated with acute kidney injury after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs as a complication of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Its prevalence and severity are determined by various preoperative and intraoperative factors. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for AKI following on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical records from a single medical center was performed. The primary determinant for AKI analysis was the creatinine-level changes within the first 48 h after surgery. Records of 120 patients from a prospective cohort study were examined.ResultsAn AKI incidence of 26% occurred in the study cohort. The univariate analysis revealed that patients who developed AKI had notably higher EuroSCORE II values (2.00 ± 0.98 vs. 1.49 ± 0.74, p = 0.006) and higher initial levels of urea (7.62 ± 2.94 vs. 6.12 ± 1.71, p = 0.002) and creatinine (0.108 ± 0.039 vs. 0.091 ± 0.016, p = 0.003). Additionally, they exhibited a more frequent occurrence of initial albumin levels below 40 g/l (9 (34.6%) vs. 11 (14.9%) cases, p = 0.030) and a lower initial hemoglobin level (137.8 ± 13.2 g/l vs. 146.6 ± 13.6 g/l, p = 0.005) in comparison to patients without this complication. Moreover, those with AKI had a significantly longer hospital stay duration (14.3 ± 5.45 days vs. 12.6 ± 3.05 days, p = 0.048). Logistic regression indicated one risk factor, oxygen delivery during CPB, that correlated with the onset of AKI in the early postoperative period.ConclusionThe prevalence of AKI was higher among patients with a higher EuroSCORE II, lower preoperative hemoglobin, increased preoperative levels of creatinine and urea, infrequent albumin levels below 40 g/L, diminished oxygen delivery during CPB, and greater need for RBC transfusion and furosemide, but it did not correlate with the duration of CPB.

Right thoracotomy with central cannulation for valve surgery: 10 years of experience.

The aim of this study is to report the early outcomes of valvular heart surgeries performed via the right thoracotomy approach. While thoracotomy with femoro-femoral bypass is an established method for minimally invasive open-heart surgeries, thoracotomy with conventional cannulation is still being explored. In our center, we conducted 958 valvular heart surgery cases using the right anterolateral thoracotomy approach with central cannulation and data were analyzed. This is a retrospective observational study based on prospectively collected data from patients who underwent valvular heart surgery at our center spanning from April 2013 to April 2023. The data encompass demographics, procedures, operative techniques, post-operative morbidity, mortality, and a 1-month follow-up. Our study revealed no procedure-related mortality. No patient required conversion to median sternotomy. Smooth cannulation and satisfactory exposure were achieved in all patients. The study encompassed a wide age range, from 14 to 68 years, with 618 female patients (64.5%) and 340 male patients (35.5%). The average cross-clamp time ranged from 38 to 90min, the duration of cardio-pulmonary bypass ranged from 45 to 105min, post-operative extubation ranged from 3 to 8h, the average drain volume ranged from 100 to 350ml, and the incision size ranged from 5 to 7cm. Our data demonstrate that conventional cannulation via the right antero-lateral thoracotomy approach for valvular heart disease is a viable alternative to reduce the side effects associated with sternotomy and femoral cannulation. This procedure is safe, reproducible, and provides the same level of treatment quality.

Early postoperative outcomes of modified del Nido cardioplegia in coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with low ejection fraction

Background: This study aimed to investigate the intraoperative and early postoperative effects of modified del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) compared to classic blood cardioplegia (BC) in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 123 patients (108 males, 15 females; mean age: 62.2±8.5 years; range, 42 to 78 years) with an EF of 35% or lower who underwent on-pump CABG were included in the retrospective study between December 2022 and December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of cardioplegia used: Group 1 (n=74) was designated as the BC group, and Group 2 (n=49) was designated as the DNC group. The groups were compared in terms of aortic cross-clamp duration, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration, need for defibrillation during weaning from CPB, positive inotrope requirement, intra-aortic balloon pump requirement, postoperative troponin-I levels, postoperative atrial fibrillation occurence, postoperative prolonged ventilation, development of postoperative neurologic complications, need for reintervention due to postoperative bleeding, postoperative transfusion requirement, and EF values at one month after the operation. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the terms of aortic cross-clamp and CPB duration (p=0.955 vs. p=0.816). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the need for intra-aortic balloon pump usage between the two groups (p=0.105). Dopamine and dobutamine usage were significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.04 and p=0.05, respectively). The intraoperative requirement for defibrillation was significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.01). In addition, troponin levels at 12 h postoperatively were significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.03). The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.02). Moreover, there was no significant difference in EF values at one month after the operation (p=0.08). Conclusion: In patients who underwent CABG with reduced EF, modified DNC provided myocardial protection comparable to classic BC. Additionally, the need for intraoperative defibrillation and postoperative inotropic agents, as well as the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, were lower in patients operated with DNC.

Goal-directed perfusion to reduce acute kidney injury after pediatric cardiac surgery

Although the goal-directed perfusion (GDP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been discussed a lot in adult studies, no pediatric indexed oxygen delivery (DO2i) thresholds are universally accepted, and no pediatric randomized controlled trial (RCT) is reported until now. This study aimed to determine whether the GDP initiative (maintaining DO2i ≥ 360 mL/min/m2 during CPB) could reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after pediatric cardiac surgery and improve clinical outcomes. This single-center RCT enrolled 312 pediatric patients, who were randomized to receive either the GDP strategy or a conventional perfusion strategy during CPB. The primary outcome was the rate of postoperative AKI. Secondary outcomes included major postoperative complications, all-cause mortality within 30 days and short-term clinical outcomes after surgery. AKI occured in 43 patients (28.1%) in the GDP group and in 65 patients (42.2%) in the control group (relative risk, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.91; P = 0.010). In the subgroup analysis, The GDP group had a lower AKI rate compared with the control group among patients with age less than 1 year, with nadir temperature greater than 32°C and nadir hemoglobin less than 8 g/L during CPB, with preoperative cyanosis, and with CPB duration from 60 to 120 minutes. The GDP strategy aimed at maintaining DO2i ≥ 360 mL/min/m2 during CPB is effective in reducing the risk of AKI after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Clinical effects of hybrid debranching technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection

BackgroundTo investigate the clinical effects and safety of the hybrid debranching technique for patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AD).MethodsOne hundred nine patients with acute Stanford type a AD were selected and divided into observation group and control group according to the different surgical methods. Fifty-five patients in the observation group were treated with hybrid debranching, and 54 patients in the control group were treated with Sun’s operation. The operation duration, clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, volume of blood transfusion, ventilator application duration, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, aortic rupture, second thoracotomy due to hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, stroke, paraplegia, renal failure, and all-cause mortality were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was conducted. The number of cases that underwent follow-up and the number of cases with complete thrombosis of the false aneurysm cavity detected by computed tomography angiography (CTA) was recorded.ResultsThe surgical success rate was 100% in both groups, and there were no cases with unplanned secondary surgery. Compared with the control group, only the difference in the volume of blood transfusion was not significantly significant between the two groups (P = 0.052), while the rest of the observation indicators were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.001 for all). The proportion of cases with complete thrombosis of the false aneurysm cavity was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn patients with acute Stanford type A AD involving the arch, the hybrid debranching technique was safe and effective. It was recommended for patients with advanced age and a high risk of intolerance to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

CytoSorb hemoadsorption of apixaban during cardio-pulmonary bypass for heart transplantation

IntroductionHeart transplantation is an emergency surgery requiring cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) and its timing is unpredictable. Patients on the transplant waiting list often have multiple reasons for being anticoagulated. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban are very popular due to their well-known advantages. Intraoperative removal of apixaban using CytoSorb® (CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA), seems to be an interesting solution for patients on DOACs requiring an emergency CPB intervention. The aim of this short communication is to describe the perioperative effects of the use of the CytoSorb® hemoadsorption device during emergency CPB for a heart transplant patient Case presentationA 61-year-old male patient (75kg/173cm) wait-listed for heart transplantation was admitted to our hospital (Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France) to benefit from a heart transplantation. This patient, with many comorbidities, has an end-stage heart failure with multiple episodes of decompensation over the previous year. He was anticoagulated with a Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) due to atrial fibrillation and was switched to apixaban (5mg twice daily) 9 days before surgery based on poor clotting control. A NaCl 0.9% primed CytoSorb cartridge was inserted into the CPB circuit. Hemoadsorption was performed during the entire CPB duration. Anti-Factor Xa Activity (AFXaA) levels were taken at multiple time points before, during and after surgery in order to monitor anticoagulation. Results. Preoperatively, activated Clotting Time (ACT) was 146 seconds. The ACT reached 545 seconds after administration of 25,000IU of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Surgery consisted of an orthotopic heart transplantation with bi-caval anastomoses.CPB duration was 133 minutes with 83 minutes of aortic cross clamping. Total graft ischemic time was 249 minutes. At the time of anesthesia induction and after UFH administration, AFXaA levels were 330ng/mL and 317ng/mL, respectively. Thereafter, AFXaA decreased to 137ng/mL during CPB and to 57ng/mL after the end of CPB and 250mg (=25,000IU) of protamine administration.After surgery, AFXaA levels stabilized over 50ng/mL over the next 14 hours. Postoperative anticoagulation was performed with the use of UFH starting 6 hours after surgery.No primary graft dysfunction (PGD) was observed, and during the post-operative period of 72 hours, the patient did not have any bleeding events requiring reintervention or transfusion. ConclusionIn conclusion, we observed that CytoSorb® could be a potential solution to remove apixaban intraoperatively. If this efficacy is confirmed in larger trials, it would allow transplant candidates to be treated with DOACs without requiring a switch to VKAs.

Efficacy of Double Valve Replacement/Repair in Patients with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fractions

Introduction: A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a known risk factor for double valve replacement or aortic valve replacement in combination with concomitant mitral valve repair (DVR) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we sought to analyze the 30-day mortality and long-term survival rates of patients with reduced LVEFs. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients who underwent DVR was performed at four centers from January 2016 to December 2021. LVEFs were categorized as 41%–50% (n = 120) or ≤40% (n = 58). For the effects of risk factors on 30-day mortality, binary logistic regression was performed. Survival rates were assessed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: A total of 178 patients who underwent DVR were included in this study, of whom 67.42% (n = 120) had LVEFs ranging from 41–50% and 32.58% (n = 58) had LVEFs ≤40%. More mechanical valves and tricuspid valve-forming rings were applied in the LVEF ≤40% group (68.97% versus 53.33%, p = 0.047; 31.03% versus 10.83%, p = 0.001). The 30-day mortality rates of DVR patients with LVEFs ranging from 41–50% and ≤40% were 8.33% and 17.24%, respectively (p = 0.078). During the follow-up period, there were no significant differences in long-term survival (log rank p = 0.75). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age &gt;65 years [odds ratio (OR): 5.559, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.668–18.524, p = 0.005] and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration &gt;200 min (OR: 5.031, 95% CI: 1.773–14.277, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with the likelihood of 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Although the differences in 30-day mortality and long-term survival rates between DVR patients with LVEFs ranging from 41–50% and ≤40% were not statistically significant in our cohort, an age &gt;65 years and a CPB duration &gt;200 min were predictors of 30-day mortality.

Impact of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn in Neonates with Dextro-transposition of the Great Arteries

This study aimed to assess the impact of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) on perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries. Secondarily, we evaluated the association between postoperative outcomes and intraoperative variables including the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, cerebral oxygen desaturation, and hypotension. Retrospective observational study. Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, over a 14-year period from January 2005 to December 2018. The study included 99 consecutive patients with simple dextro-transposition of the great arteries with or without a ventricular septal defect. All patients received preoperative management including intravenous prostaglandin E1 and, when necessary, a balloon atrial septostomy. Patients were then scheduled for an arterial switch operation. Patients were divided into a PPHN and a non-PPHN group. The outcomes assessed included mortality (overall, preoperative, 30-day postoperative and late mortality) and postoperative morbidity (length of ventilatory support, intensive care unit and hospital stay, delayed sternal closure and resternotomy). PPHN was present in 31% of patients. Overall mortality was 8.1%, with no difference between PPHN and non-PPHN patients (9.7 v 7.4%, p = 0.70). PPHN had no effect on morbidity outcomes. A lower weight at birth was associated with preoperative mortality. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and intraoperative hypotension were associated with longer intensive care unit stay. Intraoperative hypotension and cerebral oxygen desaturation had no significant impact on mortality. PPHN did not significantly affect perioperative morbidity and mortality in d-TGA patients, suggesting a more favorable prognosis than previously reported.

Evaluation of Point-of-Care-Directed Coagulation Management in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

Coagulatory alterations are common after pediatric cardiac surgery and can be addressed with point-of-care (POC) coagulation analysis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a preventive POC-controlled coagulation algorithm in pediatric cardiac surgery. This single-center, retrospective data analysis included patients younger than 18 years who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and received a coagulation therapy according to a predefined POC-controlled coagulation algorithm. Patients were divided into two groups (<10 and >10 kg body weight) because of different CPB priming strategies. In total, 173 surgeries with the use of the POC-guided hemostatic therapy were analyzed. In 71% of cases, target parameters were achieved and only in one case primary sternal closure was not possible. Children with a body weight ≤10 kg underwent surgical re-evaluation in 13.2% (15/113), and respectively 6.7% (4/60) in patients >10 kg. Hemorrhage in children ≤10 kg was associated with cyanotic heart defects, deeper intraoperative hypothermia, longer duration of CPB, more complex procedures (RACHS-1 score), and with more intraoperative platelets, and respectively red blood cell concentrate transfusions (all p-values < 0.05). In children ≤10 kg, fibrinogen levels were significantly lower over the 12-hour postoperative period (without revision: 3.1 [2.9-3.3] vs. with revision 2.8 [2.3-3.4]). Hemorrhage in children >10 kg was associated with a longer duration of CPB (p = 0.042), lower preoperative platelets (p = 0.026), and over the 12-hour postoperative period lower platelets (p = 0.002) and fibrinogen (p = 0.05). The use of a preventive, algorithm-based coagulation therapy with factor concentrates after CPB followed by POC created intraoperative clinical stable coagulation status with a subsequent executable thorax closure, although the presented algorithm in its current form is not superior in the reduction of the re-exploration rate compared to equivalent collectives. Reduced fibrinogen concentrations 12 hours after surgery may be associated with an increased incidence of surgical revisions.

Efficacy of cardiopulmonary bypass method with blood delivery via femoral artery cannulation for paediatric aortic arch repair

IntroductionThe efficacy of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) management with blood delivery via femoral artery cannulation for paediatric aortic arch repair has yet to be reported. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that this CPB method would reduce lactate elevation compared to CPB management using circulatory arrest of the lower body under deep hypothermia.MethodsThis study included patients who underwent paediatric aortic arch repairs between March 2012 and March 2018 at the German Paediatric Heart Centre, Sankt Augustin. Patients who were repumped intraoperatively were excluded. Group A (lower body circulatory arrest), Group F (retrograde aortic perfusion via femoral artery cannulation), and Group D (antegrade descending aortic perfusion) included 41, 18, and 15 patients, respectively. The CPB records were retrospectively reviewed for the minimum body temperature during CPB (℃), lactate levels before CPB (mmol/L), CPB duration (min), aortic clamp time duration (min), total urine output (mL) and changes in lactate levels during CPB (mmol/L).ResultsThe minimum body temperatures during CPB were 16.79 ± 1.48℃, 23.73 ± 4.67℃, and 30.59 ± 2.35 ℃ in Groups A, F, and D, respectively. The increases in lactate levels during CPB in Group F (1.06 ± 0.94) were significantly lower than in Group A (1.66 ± 0.90, p = 0.033); however, no different from Group D (0.92 ± 1.13, p = 0.807).ConclusionThis CPB method is a promising alternative to the CPB method using antegrade descending aortic perfusion for paediatric aortic arch repair.Trial registrationUMIN000052933.

Association of Acute Systemic Inflammation with Patient-Centric Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Elective Cardiac Surgery.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) occur frequently after cardiac surgery. Absolute postoperative values of biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) and alveolar epithelial injury (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products [sRAGE]) have been associated with hypoxia and prolonged ventilation. However, relationships between these biomarkers and PPCs, contextualized to preoperative inflammation and perioperative lung injury risk factors, are uncertain. We aimed to determine associations between perioperative increases in biomarkers of inflammation and alveolar epithelial injury with a patient-centric PPC definition in adult cardiac surgical patients, accounting for the influence of intraoperative risk factors for lung injury. Adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery were eligible for this observational cohort study. Blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and sRAGE were collected after anesthesia induction (baseline) and on postoperative day 1 (POD 1). The primary outcome was the occurrence of moderate or severe PPCs, graded using a validated scale, in POD 0 to 7. We estimated the association between POD 1 IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and sRAGE concentrations and moderate/severe PPC presence using separate logistic regression models for each biomarker, adjusted for baseline biomarker values and risk factors for postoperative lung injury (age, baseline PaO2/FiO2, left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF], procedural type, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and transfusions). Covariables were chosen based on relevance to lung injury and unadjusted between-group differences among patients with versus without PPCs. The secondary outcome was postoperative ventilation duration, which was log-transformed and analyzed using linear regression, adjusted using the same variables as the primary outcome. We enrolled 204 patients from 2016 to 2018. Biomarkers were analyzed in 2023 among 175 patients with complete data. In adjusted analyses, POD 1 IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly associated with moderate/severe PPCs. The odds ratio (OR) for developing a PPC for every 50 pg/mL increase in POD 1 IL-8 was 7.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13-28.53, P = .003) and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.13-1.93, P = .01) for every 50 pg/mL increase in POD 1 IL-6. In adjusted analyses, postoperative ventilation duration was significantly associated with POD 1 sRAGE; each 50 pg/mL increase in sRAGE was associated with a 25% (95% CI, 2%-52%, P = .03) multiplicative increase in hours of ventilation. TNF-α was not significantly associated with PPCs or ventilation duration. Acute systemic inflammation is significantly associated with PPCs after elective cardiac surgery in adults when taking into consideration preoperative inflammatory burden and perioperative factors that may influence postoperative lung injury.

Instantaneous Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure Difference in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective and Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundDuring cardiac surgery, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is defined as an instantaneous pressure difference ≥ 6 mm Hg between right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), for ≥ 5 minutes. Risk factors for RVOTO remain poorly understood. This cohort study was designed to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of the patients who experienced RVOTO. MethodsInstantaneous pressure difference between RVSP and PASP was measured by means of a pulmonary artery catheter with a right ventricular port during cardiac surgery from a retrospective (n = 295) and a prospective (n = 105) cohort. ResultsFrom the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively, incidence of RVOTO was 30.2% and 36.2% before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) initiation and 43.7% and 47.6% after CPB separation. Before CPB initiation, patients with RVOTO had higher cardiac output (4.2 ± 1.5 vs 3.8 ± 1.1 L/min; P = 0.033) and received more inhaled epoprostenol (79% vs 61%; P = 0.005) and inotropes (66% vs 51%; P = 0.016) compared with those without RVOTO. After CPB separation, patients with RVOTO had higher heart rate (62 ± 15 vs 58 ± 13 beats/min; P = 0.011), cardiac output (4.1 ± 1.4 vs 3.7 ± 1.1 L/min; P = 0.003), and CPB duration (90 ± 45 vs 77 ± 30 min, P = 0.014), had lower fluid balance (758 ± 1123 vs 1063 ± 1089 mL; P = 0.021), and were more exposed to intratracheal milrinone (12% vs 4%; P = 0.015) compared with those without RVOTO. The time with persistent organ dysfunction (TPOD) at 28 days after surgery was similar among patients who had an RVOTO event, before CPB initiation or after CPB separation, compared with those who did not. ConclusionsRVOTO is common in cardiac surgery. However, it is not associated with longer TPOD.

Mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for partial atrioventricular septal defect in children

Objective: This study aims to describe the mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for partial atrioventricular septal defect in children. Summary: Partial atrioventricular septal defect is one of the three types of atrioventricular septal defect, accounting for about 3.5% of congenital heart disease. Traditionally, complete repair has been performed via sternotomy. However, with the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques in treating congenital heart conditions, we conducted this study to assess the feasibility and mid-term outcomes of this approach. Subjects and methods: This descriptive study spanned from January 2018 to December 2023, involving 30 patients diagnosed with partial atrioventricular septal defect who underwent minimally invasive complete repair. The cohort comprised 12 males and 18 females, with an average age of 18 months and average weight of 10.3 kg. The mean diameter of the primary atrial septal defect was 15 mm. Eight patients (26.7%) exhibited moderate to severe mitral regurgitation, and the average pulmonary artery pressure was 37 mmHg. Results: The average durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp were 82 minutes and 58 minutes, respectively. None of the patients required sternotomy. The average time of artificial ventilator post-surgery was 6.9 hours, with a mean hospital stay of 7.6 days. Postoperative echocardiography showed promising results: complete closure of atrial septal defect, with 90% of patients having absent or mild mitral valve regurgitation, only 10% experienced moderate mitral valve regurgitation. The average follow-up period was 38 months, during which there were no postoperative fatalities. One patient required reoperation due to severe mitral regurgitation from an anterior cleft. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery for partial atrioventricular septal defect in children can be safely performed, yielding favorable mid-term outcomes during follow-up.

Predictive value of leukocyte derived markers for postoperative delirium after cardiac valve surgery

To explore the predictive value of leukocyte derived markers for postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. A prospective cohort study was conducted. The patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from October 2021 to March 2023 were enrolled. The demographic, baseline and perioperative data were collected, and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to white blood cell ratio (PWR) were calculated before operation and within 24 hours after operation. Delirium assessment was conducted twice a day for patients within 1-5 days after surgery or discharged within 5 days. According to the evaluation results, the patients were divided into delirium group and non-delirium group. The clinical indexes between the two groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors of POD, and the POD predictive model was constructed. The predictive value of POD predictive model was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). A total of 235 patients were enrolled in the analysis, of which 83 patients had POD (35.32%) and 152 patients did not have POD (64.68%). Compared with the non-delirious group, the patients in the delirious group had higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score and lower mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score. In terms of perioperative data, compared with the non-delirium group, the patients in the delirium group had longer operative time, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and postoperative hospital stay, higher incidence of perioperative atrial fibrillation, and lower discharge life score. In terms of leukocyte derived markers, NLR within 24 hours after surgery in both groups were significantly higher than those before surgery, and PWR were significantly lower than those before surgery. The NLR within 24 hours after surgery, PWR difference and NLR difference in the delirium group were significantly higher than those in the non-delirium group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CCI score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.394, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.038-1.872, P = 0.027], perioperative atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.697, 95%CI was 1.711-7.990, P < 0.001), duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR = 1.008, 95%CI was 1.002-1.015, P = 0.016), length of ICU stay (OR = 1.006, 95%CI was 1.002-1.010, P = 0.002), NLR difference (OR = 1.029, 95%CI was 1.009-1.050, P = 0.005) and PWR difference (OR = 1.044, 95%CI was 1.009-1.080, P = 0.013) were independently correlated with POD. POD predictive model was constructed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis result: POD predictive model index = -4.970+0.336×CCI score+1.317×perioperative atrial fibrillation+0.009×duration of cardiopulmonary bypass+0.006×length of ICU stay+0.030×NLR difference+0.044×PWR difference. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of NLR difference for predicting POD was 0.659 (95%CI was 0.583-0.735), the optimal critical value was 16.62, the sensitivity was 60.2%, and the specificity was 70.4% (P < 0.05). The AUC of PWR difference for predicting POD was 0.608 (95%CI was 0.528-0.688), the optimal critical value was 25.68, the sensitivity was 51.8%, and the specificity was 75.7% (P < 0.05). The AUC of POD predictive model for predicting POD was 0.805 (95%CI was 0.745-0.865), the optimal critical value was 0.39, the sensitivity was 74.7%, and the specificity was 79.6% (P < 0.05). The differences of NLR and PWR are independently related to POD, which has potential value in predicting POD after cardiac valve surgery.

Early and Long-Term Results of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair in Young and Middle-Aged Patients

The aim. To analyze the early and long-term results of minimally invasive mitral valve repair in young and middle-aged patients and compare the outcomes with mitral valve repairs performed through standard sternotomy. Materials and methods. From 2016 to 2021, 128 patients with mitral insufficiency were operated in the Ukrainian Children’s Cardiac Center. Exclusion criteria included patients under 18 or over 59 years old and patients with concomitant pathology of the aortic valve, aorta, and coronary arteries. Results. In the investigated group, the average duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping time was longer than in the comparative group. However, the average duration of mechanical ventilation, average time in theintensive care unit, and average length of hospitalization were shorter in the investigated group. Patients in the investigated group less frequently required red blood cell transfusion (5.6% vs. 14.6%) and plasma transfusion (9.4% vs. 14.6%). The percentage of postoperative complications was almost half lower in the investigated group (3.6% vs. 6.6%). None of the patients in the investigated group showed a severe degree of mitral insufficiency, while two patients in the comparative group had severe mitral insufficiency. Conclusions. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair is associated with a lower percentage of postoperative complications. Early and long-term observation results indicate the high effectiveness and safety of the minimally invasive method.