Mediastinal Reexploration Research Articles

Primary delayed sternal closure in adult cardiac surgery: a systematic review of protocols.

Primary delayed sternal closure (DSC) is a useful tool in the management of certain critically unstable patients after cardiac surgery, but there is a paucity of consensus management guidelines. This review aimed to identify critical key areas in DSC management. Systematic literature search was conducted in January 2023 and performed using Embase and PubMed. For original research articles were included that described outcomes and/or protocols for primary adult DSC patients, excluding articles on pediatric patients and secondary DSC. Eleven retrospective review original articles examined protocols for adult patients undergoing DSC. Hemodynamic instability and uncontrolled bleeding/coagulopathy were the two most common indications. Time to chest closure ranged 22 hours - 8.7 days. A range of dressings were employed, including Esmark and VAC dressings, with about half of authors not disclosing details. VAC was endorsed by several authors specifically for management of uncontrolled hemorrhage/coagulopathy. There was no consensus regarding irrigation solution for mediastinal prepping, with or without antibiotic solution. There was a lack of consensus on antibiotic selection and duration, varying from 2 and 3 multidrug regimens of broad-spectrum antibiotics, with/without antifungals. Mediastinal re-exploration varied from undefined intervals to regimented 24-48-hour interval re-explorations, with final closures in the OR or ICU. The optimum care for the patient with an open chest is evolving, and although there is a lack of a consensus DSC protocol, this review identifies mediastinal management, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and mediastinal re-exploration schedules/protocols as key areas for study to determine optimal care for DSC patients.

Effect of Preoperative Clopidogrel on Outcomes of Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: An STS National Database Analysis

BackgroundWe analyzed The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database to investigate risks and optimal timing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after clopidogrel administration. MethodsPatients were categorized based on clopidogrel use within 5 days and further stratified by days from the last dose (0 to 5 days). Controls were patients who did not receive clopidogrel within 5 days of surgery. The primary outcome was operative mortality, and secondary outcomes included mediastinal reexploration for bleeding and blood product use. ResultsAmong 148,317 isolated CABG, 19,553 patients (13.2%) received clopidogrel within 5 days. Minimal differences in operative mortality (2.8% vs 2.1%, P < .001), but higher rates of mediastinal reexploration (3.5% vs 2.1%, P < .001) and blood product utilization (72.7% vs 56.8%, P < .001) were observed in the clopidogrel group. The adjusted odds ratio of operative mortality peaked on the day of clopidogrel administration but was comparable to controls thereafter. The odds of reexploration were highest on day 0, decreasing gradually to a plateau after day 3. Patients who underwent operations on day 3 after clopidogrel administration had similar odds of operative mortality and mediastinal reexploration for bleeding and shorter total and preoperative lengths of stay but higher blood product use compared with day 5. ConclusionsCABG within 5 days from clopidogrel is associated with a modest increase in operative mortality and reexploration for bleeding and a substantial increase in blood product use. Risks decreased with increasing time from discontinuation, plateauing after 3 days from clopidogrel. CABG at 3 days yields comparable outcomes as 5 days, reducing the waiting period.

Improved early risk stratification of deep sternal wound infection risk after coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundDeep sternal wound infection (DSWI) following open heart surgery is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. Contemporary DSWI risk prediction models aim at identifying high-risk patients with varying complexity and performance characteristics. We aimed to optimize the DSWI risk factor set and to identify additional risk factors for early postoperative detection of patients prone to DSWI.MethodsSingle-centre retrospective analysis of patients with isolated multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial revascularization at Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg between 2007 and 2022 was performed to identify risk factors for DSWI. Three data sets were created to examine preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative parameters, constituting the “Baseline”, the “Improved Baseline” and the “Extended” models. The “Extended” data set included risk factors that had not been analysed before. Univariable and stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for each respective set of variables.ResultsFrom 5221 patients, 179 (3.4%) developed DSWI. The “Extended” model performed best, with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80, 95%-CI: [0.76, 0.83]. Pleural effusion requiring intervention, postoperative delirium, preoperative hospital stay > 24 h, and the use of fibrin sealant were new independent predictors of DSWI in addition to age, Diabetes Mellitus on insulin, Body Mass Index, peripheral artery disease, mediastinal re-exploration, bilateral internal mammary harvesting, acute kidney injury and blood transfusions.ConclusionsThe “Extended” regression model with the short-term postoperative complications significantly improved DSWI risk discrimination after surgical revascularization. Short preoperative stay, prevention of postoperative delirium, protocols reducing the need for evacuation of effusion and restrictive use of fibrin sealant for sternal closure facilitate DSWI reduction.Trial registrationThe registered retrospective study was registered at the study centre and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg (IRB-2019-005).

A NEWLY ESTABLISHED SURGICAL SEPTAL MYECTOMY PROGRAM FOR OBSTRUCTIVE HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: EARLY CLINICAL AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC RESULTS

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Surgical septal myectomy is an effective treatment for drug-refractory heart failure symptoms in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Given the low case volume, current practice guidelines recommend HCM surgery to be performed at experienced HCM centres for optimal outcomes. To meet the growing need for septal reduction therapy in British Columbia, a dedicated septal myectomy program was established in September 2019 as part of the provincial HCM referral centre at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Concerted efforts were made to centralize the case volume and develop standardized perioperative protocols. In this study, we report the early clinical and echocardiographic results of our initial case series. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> We retrospectively reviewed our initial experience with septal myectomy performed for symptomatic obstructive HCM at our institution between September 2019 and December 2020. Patients whose primary surgical indication was unrelated to obstructive HCM were excluded. Among 45 patients (62±10 years of age; 49% male) reviewed, 69% had isolated septal myectomy while 31% had planned concomitant procedures (CABG, AVR, and/or MV repair/replacement). Intraoperative provocation with inducible PVCs and isoproterenol infusion, with simultaneous direct needle measurement of LVOT gradient, was performed before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. All operations were performed by one surgeon (JMK) with support of another senior surgeon (JA). All patients underwent comprehensive preoperative assessment by a dedicated HCM cardiologist (KO). Preoperatively, 85% of patients were in NYHA class III or IV while 15% were in NYHA class II. Preoperative echocardiography demonstrated resting LVOT gradient of 65±39 mmHg and Valsalva-provoked gradient of 94±38 mmHg. Five patients had SAM-related 3 or 4+ mitral regurgitation (MR). First postoperative echocardiography at 1-3 months showed significant reduction of resting LVOT gradient to 8±6 mmHg and Valsalva-provoked gradient to 11±8 mmHg. None of the patients had significant SAM or residual 3 or 4+ MR. At time of postoperative follow-up at 3-4 months, 98% of patients had improvement in NYHA functional class, with 76% in class I and 24% in class II. There was no mortality. There was no iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, and none of the patients required unplanned mitral valve repair/replacement. There was no postoperative CVA, AKI requiring dialysis, or complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker. One patient required mediastinal re-exploration for bleeding in immediate postoperative period. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Our experience demonstrates that, with appropriate planning and support, it is feasible for new HCM surgical programs to achieve safe and desired operative results comparable with those of experienced high-volume centres.

Impact of Bedside Re-Explorations in a Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit Led by Surgeons.

Surgical re-explorations represent 3–5% of all cardiac surgery. Concerns regarding mortality and major morbidity of re-explorations in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting exist. We sought to investigate whether they may have different outcomes compared with those performed in the operating room (OR). Single center retrospective review of patients who underwent mediastinal re-exploration in the ICU or in the OR after cardiac surgery. Mediastinal re-explorations were also classified as: “planned” and “unplanned”. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality, secondary outcomes include deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), sepsis, ICU and hospital length of stay, prolonged intubation (>72 h), tracheostomy, pneumonia, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis and stroke. Between 2010 and 2019, 195 of 7263 patients (2.7%) underwent mediastinal re-exploration after cardiac surgery. More patients in the ICU group experienced two or more re-explorations (30.3% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001), a higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia (22% vs. 7%, p = 0.004), prolonged intubation (46.8% vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001) and longer hospital stay (30.3 ± 34.2 vs. 20.8 ± 18.3 days, p = 0.014). There were no differences in mortality between ICU and OR (16.5% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.24) nor in sepsis (14.7% vs. 7%, p = 0.91) and DSWI rates (1.8% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.14). Re-explorations in the ICU were not associated with increased mortality, sepsis and mediastinitis rate.

Role of Platelet Function Test in Predicting Postoperative Bleeding Risk after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Observational Study

AbstractPatients undergoing cardiac surgery are at risk of excessive bleeding and its associated complications. Excessive bleeding during and after cardiac surgery has an incidence of ~20%. Massive bleeding and subsequent requirement for blood product administration and mediastinal reexploration are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Postoperative, nonsurgical bleeding in cardiac surgical patients is often multifactorial. Platelet dysfunction, excessive fibrinolysis, hypothermia, preoperative anemia, and deficiency of coagulation factors or their dilution are all suggested etiologies of postoperative bleeding. In the Arachidonic Acid Thromboelastometry (ARATEM) test, platelets are activated with arachidonic acid; in Adenosine diphosphate Thromboelastometry (ADPTEM) test, platelets are activated with adenosine diphosphate; and in TRAPTEM test, platelets are activated with thrombin receptor-activating peptide 6. Measurement time is 6 minutes, and results are expressed in three different parameters: A6 (amplitude at 6 minutes, in Ohm); MS (maximum slope of the aggregation curve in Ohm/min), and AUC (area under the curve in Ohm.min). Algorithm-based point-of-care platelet function testing helped us to preemptively give the right blood component therapy, avoiding fibrinolytic bleeding in the postoperative period.

The impact of dual antiplatelet therapy administration on the risk of bleeding complications during coronary artery bypass surgery.

IntroductionDual antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and recurrence of adverse ischemic events in patients affected by acute coronary syndromes, but in patients urgently needing coronary artery surgery it can increase the risk of severe perioperative bleeding complications.AimWe evaluated the impact of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) based on acetylsalicylic acid plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Material and methodsThree hundred and thirty-three patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with DAPT discontinuation > 72 hours or 3–4 days (group A, n = 159), 48–72 hours or 2–3 days (group B, n = 126), < 24 hours or 0–1 day (group C, n = 24) prior to CABG.ResultsOperative mortality was 1.87% (group A), 0.79% (group B), absent (group C). The incidence of mediastinal re-exploration was 1.25% or 2 patients (group A), 1.59% or 2 patients (group B), 8.33% or 4 patients (group C) (p = 0.01). Group C showed postoperatively a greater incidence of a blood loss greater than 500 ml at 6 hours and a blood loss from chest tube drainages significantly higher at 6 and 24 hours (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that ongoing ticagrelor intake in group C (HR = 42.4; p = 0.02) and group C (HR = 6.9; p = 0.04) were the only independent predictors of surgical re-exploration. In group C, surgical re-exploration was 2.56% or 1/39 patients taking clopidogrel, 33.3% or 3/9 patients taking ticagrelor (p = 0.002).ConclusionsDual antiplatelet therapy ongoing until 1 day or 24 hours before CABG showed a significantly increased risk of bleeding complications in comparison with its discontinuation at 2–3 and > 3–4 days before, respectively. Major blood loss and surgical re-exploration were not associated with increased risk of operative all-cause or bleeding-related mortality. As expected, taking ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in the short interval confers a higher risk of bleeding complications.

Retrospective Analysis of Thromboelastography-Directed Transfusion in Isolated CABG: Impact on Blood Product Use, Cost, and Outcomes.

Cardiac surgeries account for approximately 20% of blood use in the United States. Allogeneic transfusion has been associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, further justifying the need to reduce blood use. This study aimed at determining whether a point-of-care coagulation test, thromboelastography (TEG), impacted blood product administration and outcomes. Patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were retrospectively reviewed before the use of TEG (2008-2009) (n = 640) and after implementation (2011-2012) (n = 458). Blood product use was compared between time frames. Logistic regression and generalized linear models were created to estimate the impact on outcomes including the reoperation rate, mortality, and cost. The mean use of each blood product was significantly reduced in the perioperative period. Overall blood product use was decreased by over 40%. Mediastinal re-exploration of bleeding was significantly reduced with TEG (4.8 vs. 1.5%). Six-month mortality was not impacted in this cohort nor was the readmission rate or hospital length of stay. However, blood cost and patient charges were significantly lower after TEG was introduced. The use of TEG to guide the administration of blood products during isolated CABG significantly affected the amounts and types of products given intra- and perioperatively. This resulted in less chest tube drainage, fewer returns to the operating room, and more accurate diagnosis of coagulopathic status. Cost savings to the patient and institution were appreciated as a consequence of these improved clinical outcomes.

Retrospective Analysis of Thromboelastography-Directed Transfusion in Isolated CABG: Impact on Blood Product Use, Cost, and Outcomes

Cardiac surgeries account for approximately 20% of blood use in the United States. Allogeneic transfusion has been associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, further justifying the need to reduce blood use. This study aimed at determining whether a point-of-care coagulation test, thromboelastography (TEG), impacted blood product administration and outcomes. Patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were retrospectively reviewed before the use of TEG (2008–2009) (n = 640) and after implementation (2011–2012) (n = 458). Blood product use was compared between time frames. Logistic regression and generalized linear models were created to estimate the impact on outcomes including the reoperation rate, mortality, and cost. The mean use of each blood product was significantly reduced in the perioperative period. Overall blood product use was decreased by over 40%. Mediastinal re-exploration of bleeding was significantly reduced with TEG (4.8 vs. 1.5%). Six-month mortality was not impacted in this cohort nor was the readmission rate or hospital length of stay. However, blood cost and patient charges were significantly lower after TEG was introduced. The use of TEG to guide the administration of blood products during isolated CABG significantly affected the amounts and types of products given intra- and perioperatively. This resulted in less chest tube drainage, fewer returns to the operating room, and more accurate diagnosis of coagulopathic status. Cost savings to the patient and institution were appreciated as a consequence of these improved clinical outcomes.

Prevalence and Causes of Mediastinal Reexploration for Excessive Bleeding after Cardiac Surgery Procedures

Introduction: Postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery is not an uncommon complication and can be evaluated with surgical and nonsurgical causes. Although any type of coagulopathy should be treated before, during, and after the surgical procedure, cardiac surgeons should have perfect surgical techniques for step by step hemostasis to minimize blood loss. Materials and Method: This retrospective study was conducted on 85 patients out of 1075 (0.07%) ones required Reexploration of the Mediastinal to control the excessive bleeding after different cardiac procedures in Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad of Iran from January 2018 to January 2019. Results: Out of 85 patients who required Mediastinal Reexploration, 61 (71%) and 24(29%) patients underwent the off-pump procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass, respectively. The most common sites for surgical bleeding in the order were missed branches of left internal mammary artery / saphenous vein graft (65%), proximal or distal coronary anastomosis (18%), and aortic /atrial suture line (16%). The death in patients under study was 7 (8%), half of which were not related to Mediastinal Reexploration. Conclusion: The possibility of postoperative bleeding can be minimized through correction of clotting factor deficiencies, improvement of surgical techniques in hemostasis.

Utility of Platelet Function Tests: A Recent Review Round Up

AbstractPatients undergoing cardiac surgery are at risk of excessive bleeding and associated complications. Excessive bleeding during and after cardiac surgery has an incidence of ~20%. Massive bleeding and subsequent requirement for blood product administration and mediastinal re-exploration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Postoperative, nonsurgical bleeding in cardiac surgical patients is often multifactorial. Platelet dysfunction, excessive fibrinolysis, hypothermia, preoperative anemia, and deficiency of coagulation factors or their dilution are all suggested etiologies of postoperative bleeding. Among these, the most important is thought to be platelet dysfunction, which occurs as a result of the interplay of acquired and pharmacologically induced factors. Patients suffering from coronary artery disease are usually advised to stop antiplatelet medication a few days prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to reduce the incidence of postoperative bleeding. However, patients who are still on antiplatelet drugs are at an increased risk of postoperative bleeding. Currently, the transfusion of blood and blood components to manage postoperative bleeding after CABG remains largely empirical, with considerable variation among institutions. Algorithm-based hemostatic therapy has been shown to be superior to empiric hemostatic therapy that is based on clinical judgment. Hence, there is a need to have objective tests to demonstrate platelet dysfunction before platelet transfusion. Several devices of platelet function tests have been reported in clinical studies to evaluate platelet dysfunction and quantify the need for antiplatelet therapy

The Impact of Preoperative Clopidogrel on Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study evaluated the impact of preoperative clopidogrel exposure on outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients undergoing isolated CABG from January 2010 to February 2018 at a single institution were included. Primary stratification was based on exposure to clopidogrel within 5 days of CABG. Primary outcomes included blood product transfusion and mediastinal reexploration for bleeding. Secondary outcomes included early and late mortality, major postoperative complications, and hospital readmissions. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the risk-adjusted impact of preoperative clopidogrel on post-CABG mortality. Isolated CABG was performed in 7048 patients, including 1240 (18%) who had received clopidogrel within 5 days. Patients who received preoperative clopidogrel had higher rates of transfusions (53.4% vs 40.3%, P < .001) and reoperation for bleeding (3.0% vs 2.0%, P= .02). Most postoperative complication rates were similar, although those exposed to clopidogrel had higher rates of postoperative stroke (2.3% vs 1.2%, P= .002) and prolonged ventilation (10.2% vs 7.1%, P < .001). Clopidogrel exposure did not impact unadjusted or risk-adjusted 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year mortality or readmission. Discontinuing clopidogrel for at least 3 days preoperatively mitigated but did not eliminate the increased risk of blood transfusions after CABG. CABG can be safely performed in patients with recent clopidogrel exposure with no increased risk of early or late mortality. However, CABG should be delayed for at least 5 days, if clinically feasible, to minimize transfusions and reoperation risk. In patients with more urgent indications, delaying CABG at least 3 days can mitigate but not eliminate the increased bleeding risk.

Pulmonary Perfusion and Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Bypass Are Not Associated with Improved Postoperative Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery.

Clinical trials of either pulmonary perfusion or ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) are equivocal. We hypothesized that to achieve significant improvement in outcomes both interventions had to be concurrent. Retrospective case-control study. Major academic tertiary referral medical center. Two hundred seventy-four consecutive patients who underwent open heart surgery with CBP 2009-2013. The outcomes of 86 patients who received pulmonary perfusion and ventilation during CBP were retrospectively compared to the control group of 188 patients. Respiratory complications rates were similar in both groups (33.7 vs. 33.5%), as were the rates of postoperative pneumonia (4.7 vs. 4.3%), pleural effusions (13.9 vs. 12.2%), and re-intubations (9.3 vs. 9.1%). Rates of adverse postoperative cardiac events including ventricular tachycardia (9.3 vs. 8.5%) and atrial fibrillation (33.7 vs. 28.2%) were equivalent in both groups. Incidence of sepsis (8.1 vs. 5.3%), postoperative stroke (2.3 vs. 2.1%), acute kidney injury (2.3 vs. 3.7%), and renal failure (5.8 vs. 3.7%) was likewise comparable. Despite similar transfusion requirements, coagulopathy (12.8 vs. 5.3%, p = 0.031) and the need for mediastinal re-exploration (17.4 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.0633) were observed more frequently in the pulmonary perfusion and ventilation group, but the difference did not reach the statistical significance. Intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, and the ICU readmission rates (7.0 vs. 8.0%) were similar in both groups. Simultaneous pulmonary perfusion and ventilation during CBP were not associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Planned Versus Unplanned Reexplorations for Bleeding: A Comparison of Morbidity and Mortality

Mediastinal reexplorations for bleeding are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study hypothesized that bleeding patients who undergo delayed chest closure after an initial operation experience similar outcomes in comparison with patients who have initial chest closure and later require an unplanned reexploration. This study included all patients in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database who underwent cardiac surgical procedures or thoracic transplantation from 2011 to June 2014, had an intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirement of 2units or more, and required mediastinal reexploration for bleeding. Reexplorations were classified as planned (temporary chest closure for a planned "second look") or unplanned (initial sternal closure and subsequent reexploration). The two groups were then propensity matched. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were major complication rates, hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of postoperative pneumonia and cardiac arrest. Among 3,293 patients, 110 (3.3%) met inclusion criteria and required mediastinal reexploration for bleeding. This group included 62 planned (56%) and 48 unplanned (44%) reexplorations. After propensity matching 30 pairs of patients across 16 variables, operative mortality rates were comparable (37% vs 37%; p=1.00) between unplanned and planned reexploration cohorts. There were no differences in rates of deep sternal wound infection, renal failure, postoperative hospital length of stay, pneumonia, or cardiac arrest, with the exception of a higher rate of prolonged intubation (93% vs 53%; p < 0.01) in the planned reexploration group. Delayed sternal closure is a safe alternative to initial definitive chest closure when concern exists for postoperative bleeding.

Routine use of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts for left-sided myocardial revascularization in insulin-dependent diabetic patients: early and long-term outcomes.

Despite encouraging late outcomes, the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting for myocardial revascularization in diabetic patients remains controversial because of an increased risk of sternal complications. In the present study, early and long-term outcomes of the routine use of left-sided BITA grafting in insulin-dependent diabetic patients were reviewed retrospectively. Among the 2701 consecutive patients who underwent isolated BITA grafting at the authors' institution from 1999 throughout 2012, 188 (mean age: 67 ± 9 years) were insulin-dependent diabetic patients. The mean expected operative risk, calculated according to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, was 11 ± 10.8%. There were 6 (3.2%) hospital deaths. Prolonged invasive ventilation (17.6%), multiple transfusion (16.5%), deep sternal wound infection (DSWI, 11.7%) and acute kidney injury (10.6%) were the most frequent major postoperative complications. Chronic lung disease (P = 0.08), low cardiac output (P = 0.039), multiple transfusion (P = 0.034) and mediastinal re-exploration (P = 0.071) were risk factors for DSWI. The mean follow-up was 5.7 ± 3.6 years. The 10-year non-parametric estimates of overall survival, freedom from cardiac and cerebrovascular death, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were 57.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1-66.2], 83.6 (95% CI: 76.6-90.7) and 55.4% (95% CI: 44.7-66.1), respectively. Predictors of decreased late survival were old age (P = 0.013), chronic lung disease (P = 0.004), renal impairment (P = 0.009) and left ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.035). Left-sided BITA grafting may be performed routinely even in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. The increased rates of postoperative complications do not prevent low early mortality and good long-term outcomes.

Patient and procedural characteristics for successful and failed immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room following cardiac surgery in infancy

Immediate extubation in the operating room after congenital heart surgery is practiced with rising frequency at many cardiac institutions to decrease costs and complications. Infants less than one year of age are also increasingly selected for this 'fast track'. However, factors for patient selection, success, or failure of this practice have not been well defined in this population, yet are critical for patient safety. To identify selection criteria, patient and procedural characteristics for successful or failed very early endotracheal extubation in the operating room immediately following infant heart surgery. A retrospective analysis was performed for 326 consecutive patients undergoing neonatal and infant heart surgery from 2009 to 2012. Extubation and reintubation data were taken from the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and patients' charts. Patient characteristics were derived using multivariable logistic regression models. Very early extubation in the operating room was performed for 130 of 326 neonates and infants (40%). Weight >4 kg, lesser procedural complexity, and absence of trisomy 21 were identified as significant predictors for attempted very early extubation. Of these patients, 12% required reintubation within 48 h following surgery, predominantly due to respiratory failure or for mediastinal re-exploration. Greater procedural complexity was associated with failed extubations. Reintubation was associated with prolonged hospitalization. Extubation immediately after infant heart surgery in the operating room can be safely achieved. However, our data suggest that patients undergoing more complex procedures should be selected more conservatively for immediate early extubation.

Continuing Antiplatelet Therapy Before Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Meta-Analysis on the Need for Reexploration and Major Outcomes

To determine major adverse outcomes, including the risk of mediastinal reexploration, death, stroke and myocardial infarction, associated with continuing antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. A meta-analysis of parallel randomized, controlled trials published in English. A university-based electronic search. Patients undergoing surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Continuing antiplatelet therapy versus stopping antiplatelet therapy before the surgery. A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE(R), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twelve studies were retained for analysis. Continuing antiplatelet drugs for CPB increases the rate of reexploration by a standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06, 0.39; I-square 0%; p value 0.01; classical fail-safe number 5. The number needed to harm (NNTH) is 87 (95% CI 390, 44). There was no statistical difference for death at 30 days and 1 year, myocardial infarction at 30 days, and stroke at 30 days. Continuing antiplatelet drugs increases blood loss, SMD 0.27 (95% CI 0.09, 0.45), I-square 73.1%; p = 0.003. Continuing antiplatelet therapy for patients undergoing surgery with CPB is associated with a low risk for reexploration.

Antiplatelet therapy at the time of coronary artery surgery: can a personalized approach improve outcomes?

We read with great interest the recently published multicentre cohort study by Kremke et al. [1]. Patients exposed to antiplatelet therapy (APT) at the time of coronary artery surgery (CAS) had greater postoperative bleeding volumes and greater transfusion requirements [1]. Exposure to clopidogrel, but not aspirin, was associated with greater reoperation rates and was an independent risk factor for severe postoperative bleeding, although mean bleeding volumes were not significantly different in the aspirin and clopidogrel subgroups [1]. Despite current guidelines, it is apparent that many patients are proceeding with CAS without the 5-day delay off clopidogrel. The efficacy of platelet inhibition with clopidogrel varies widely among patients, from intensive platelet inhibition to poor platelet response [2], and these variations could, to some degree, explain the non-significant differences in mean bleeding volumes in the aspirin and clopidogrel subgroups [1]. The effect of clopidogrel on bleeding mainly depends on two factors: (i) observed platelet inhibition, which depends on inherent platelet activity prior to clopidogrel administration and platelet inhibitory response to clopidogrel and (ii) newborn platelets ability to restore normal aggregation after clopidogrel discontinuation. Therefore, the use of suitable point-of-care platelet function analysers seems to be reasonable in this field. Recently, we found aspirin(P = 0.014) and clopidogrel(P = 0.003) sensitive platelet function tests to be predictive of excessive postoperative bleeding in patients following CAS [2]. Of note, 76.3% patients were transfused with no significant differences among the groups with regard to the preoperative APT administration regime (P = 0.636) [2]. However, transfused patients had significantly lower values of aspirin-sensitive platelet function tests (P = 0.002) [2]. In our opinion, the study cohort is somehow heterogeneous. Eligible procedures were either isolated CAS or CAS combined with aortic valve replacement (AVR) [1]. AVR certainly extends the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, which was recently described as a predictor of transfusion requirements [3]. After matching, authors reported a slightly greater use of antifibrinolytic drugs in the APT group [1]. Both on-pump and off-pump procedures were included [1]. Authors reported that off-pump surgery and perioperative use of tranexamic acid were associated with a lower risk of severe postoperative bleeding [1]. The use of antifibrinolytic drugs should be equally balanced since there is evidence that antifibrinolytic therapy reduces bleeding and transfusion outcomes [4]. It would be interesting to see if exclusion of CAS + AVR and off-pump CAS patients would bring different results. During the study period, thromboelastometry-guided blood component therapy became available at two of three participating centres [1]. At the same time, multivariate analysis revealed that surgery at one of the participating centres was one of independent risk factors for severe postoperative bleeding [1]. Spiess et al. [5] reported thromboelastography-guided haemostatic management to have significantly reduced the incidence of overall transfusion and mediastinal re-exploration due to excessive bleeding. Thus, perhaps one could assume that one centre, which was found to be independent risk factor for severe postoperative bleeding, was in fact the one without thromboelastometry guided transfusion therapy available. The largest extent of chest tube output together with the greatest transfusion rates, was observed in the subgroup of patients exposed to dual APT [1]. Those results are in line with the results recently published by Miceli et al. [6]. Further incremental platelet inhibition may be observed in the group of patients receiving dual APT. Therefore, the role of aspirin and clopidogrel administration management should be separately assessed by drug-specific platelet function tests, thus facilitating an individual therapeutic approach for discontinuation management of each antiplatelet agent preoperatively.

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Case Reports: A 57 year old male underwent routine off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease. Approximately 45 minutes after intensive care unit (ICU) admission, he developed pulseless ventricular tachycardia, for which advanced cardiovascular life support was initiated. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) included closed chest compressions. The cardiac rhythm varied between ventricular tachycardia, idioventricular, and asystole. Multiple doses of epinephrine were given with return of spontaneous circulation after 15 minutes of CPR. Massive chest tube drainage followed by profound hypotension unresponsive to vasopressors prompted emergent re-sternotomy in the ICU. A right ventricle (RV) laceration was noted and manual pressure was applied to control hemorrhage. The patient was immediately returned to the operating room for emergent mediastinal re-exploration. The RV laceration was repaired primarily and he was subsequently placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. Careful inspection of the bypass grafts revealed thrombosis of the obtuse marginal vein graft. The obtuse marginal was re-grafted with saphenous vein distal to the previous graft. No other significant bleeding sources were identified, hemostasis was achieved, and the chest was closed. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. Discussion: Cardiac arrest secondary to ventricular dysrhythmias was caused by saphenous vein graft occlusion to the lateral wall. Cardiac compression, via a closed or open chest technique, was necessary in restoring circulation. RV laceration is a very rare mechanical event occurring as a consequence of closed chest CPR after recent sternotomy. A high level of suspicion is required if increased bleeding is noted during CPR. Prompt chest re-exploration during or after CPR for cardiac surgery patients can be a lifesaving intervention in appropriately selected patients.

Standardized postoperative handover process improves outcomes in the intensive care unit

To determine whether structured handover tool from operating room to pediatric cardiac intensive care unit following cardiac surgery is associated with a reduction in the loss of information transfer and an improvement in the quality of communication exchange. In addition, whether this tool is associated with a decrease in postoperative complications and an improvement in patient outcomes in the first 24 hrs of pediatric cardiac intensive care unit stay. Prospective observational clinical study. Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit of an academic medical center. Pediatric cardiac surgery patients over a 3-yr period. Evaluation of communication and patients studied for two time periods: verbal handover (July 2007-June 2009) and structured handover (July 2009-June 2010). None. Two anonymous surveys administered to the entire clinical team of the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit evaluated loss of information transfer for each of the two handover processes. Quality of structured handover tool was evaluated by Likert scale responses in the second survey. Patient complications including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mediastinal reexploration, placement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, development of severe metabolic acidosis, and number of early extubations in the first 24-hr pediatric cardiac intensive care unit stay were compared for the two time periods. Survey results showed the general opinion that the structured handover tool was of excellent quality to enhance communication (Likert scale: 4.4 ± 0.7). In addition, the tool was associated with a significant reduction (p < .001) in loss of information for every category of patient clinical care including patient, preoperative, anesthesia, operative, and postoperative details and laboratory values. Patient data revealed significant decrease (p < .05) for three of the four major complications studied and a significant increase (p < .04) in the number of early extubations following introduction of our standardized handover tool. In this setting, a standardized handover tool is associated with a decrease in the loss of patient information, an improvement in the quality of communication during postoperative transfer, a decrease in postoperative complications, and an improvement in 24-hr patient outcomes.