Rate Of Mediastinitis Research Articles

Preoperative Malnutrition Calculated Using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), which assesses nutritional status using the ideal body weight ratio and albumin level, is a useful predictor of long-term cardiovascular disease prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative GNRI on off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgical outcomes. Methods: We analyzed 632 elective OPCAB procedures performed between July 2008 and July 2018. GNRI was calculated as 14.89 × albumin level (g/dL) + 41.7 × (current body weight [kg]/ideal body weight [kg]). Patients were divided into two groups: the low GNRI (≤98, L group, n = 155) and high GNRI (>98, H group, n = 477) groups. We compared perioperative variables and mid-term outcomes, particularly survival rates and freedom from major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results: Patients in the L group were older (72.4 ± 8.6 vs. 67.9 ± 10.1 years, p < 0.001) and had lower GNRI scores (90.9 ± 5.8 vs. 106.0 ± 4.8, p < 0.001) than patients in the H group. Perioperative results, including operation time and number of anastomoses, were similar between the groups, with no significant differences in 30-day mortality, perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump use, bleeding, stroke, or mediastinitis rates were observed. However, patients in the L group had a longer postoperative hospital stay than those in the H group (15.4 ± 13.5 vs. 12.6 ± 5.8 days, p = 0.01). Analyses of long-term outcomes revealed a significant difference in 5-year survival rates (70.9% for the L group vs. 83.3% for the H group, p = 0.002) but no significant difference in 5-year MACCE rates (84.1% for the L group vs. 80.3% for the H group, p = 0.19). Conclusions: Despite the longer hospital stay for patients in the L group, other perioperative outcomes were similar between the groups, suggesting that a low GNRI should not preclude patients from undergoing OPCAB surgery.

Role of early extraction of odontogenic focus in deep neck infections

Odontogenic deep neck infections remain a common condition that presents a challenging issue due to the complex involvement of the neck and adjacent structures and its potential life-threatening risk. Periapical infection of the second or third molar with spread to the submandibular and parapharyngeal spaces is the most commonly observed scenario. However, the time of dental extraction of the infection focus remains controversial. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical and radiological features, and management in patients diagnosed with ODNI and to identify the role of early dental extraction on patient outcomes and recovery. This retrospective study included patients over 18 years old with a diagnosis of ODNI who were admitted to the University Hospital "Dr Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez" from January 2017 to January 2022. ODNI diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological evidence of the disease supplemented by dental and maxillofacial evaluation for an odontogenic aetiology. A total of 68 patients were included in the study. The patients' mean age was 40.96 ± 14.9. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity. The submandibular space was the most common deep neck space involved (n=59, 86.8%). Mediastinitis, marginal nerve injury and orocervical fistula were observed in 7.5% of patients, with no fatality in this series. A delay of >3 days for dental extraction of the involved tooth was associated with an increased rate of mediastinitis (n=3, 100%, p= 0.022), number of surgical interventions (1.45 ± 0.61, p= 0.006), ICU stay (n=8, 40%, p= 0.019), and ICU length of stay (0.85 ± 0.8, p= 0.001). Expedited management with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic treatment, along with early extraction of the involved tooth, is mandatory.

A Comparative Study of Pedicled Versus Skeletonized Left Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting Techniques Regarding Rate of Mediastinitis Post CABG in Diabetic Patients

Background: For grafting the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) has become the gold standard. Pedicled and skeletonized methods are the two most common harvesting procedures. Objective: In this study we compared between both techniques regarding incidence of postoperative mediastinitis in diabetic patients. Patients and methods: 80 diabetic patients with controlled diabetes i.e. HbA1c below 7 underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, according to the procedure applied to harvest the LIMA: Group 1: 40 patients underwent pedicled LIMA and Group 2: 40 patients underwent skeletonized LIMA. After CABG surgery, the cases had a 3-month follow-up time. Results: In the pedicled LIMA group, the frequency of excessive intraoperative usage of bone wax was significantly increased. A significant increase was found regarding the occurrence of sternal wound infections (SWI) in the pedicled LIMA group (22.5%) versus (12.5%) within the skeletonized one, (P-value = 0.003). The univariate analysis of the factors related to SWI in all of the studied CABG patients were obesity [OR (95% CI): 15.61 (5.78-42.12), P <0.001], pedicled ITA [OR (95% CI): 4.3(1.4-12.9), P 0.004], intraoperative excessive use of bone wax [OR (95% CI): 14.53(6.48-32.56), P <0.001], and intraoperative excessive use of diathermy [OR (95% CI): 17.31(7.55-39.4), P <0.001]. Conclusion: In comparison to pedicled LIMA, skeletonized LIMA in CABG was correlated to reduced occurrence of superficial as well as deep SWI among diabetic patients.

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.

The Characteristics of Postoperative Mediastinitis During the Changing Phases of Cardiac Surgery

Mediastinitis is a serious complication of open heart surgery associated with high mortality, considerable health care costs, and prolonged hospital stay. We examined characteristics and incidence of mediastinitis during 29 years when indications and patient material have been in a process of change. This was a retrospective population-based study comprising all mediastinitis patients more than 16 years of age after open heart surgery between 1990 and 2018 from a population of 1.7 million. Patient records of 50 mediastinitis patients from 2004 to 2014 were reviewed and compared with 120 patients from 1990 to1999. Annual mediastinitis rate varied 0% to 1.5% with a decreasing trend-from a level exceeding 1.2% to approximately 0.3%-over the study period. In 2004 to 2014 patients with mediastinitis were older, more often smokers, and more often had diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency than in 1990 to 1999. No difference in length of hospital treatment, antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment, intensive care unit treatment, or mortality was observed between 1990 to 1999 and 2004 to 2014. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery became less common and valve replacement and hybrid operations more common among operations leading to mediastinitis. Staphylococcus aureus increased (from 25% to 56%, p= .005) whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci (46% to 23%, P < .001) and gram-negative bacteria (18% to 12%, P= .033) decreased as causative agents. Surgery for mediastinitis remained similar except introduction of vacuum-assisted closure treatment. The rate of mediastinitis decreased during these 29 years. No difference in 30-day mortality in mediastinitis was seen: 0.9% in 1990 to 1999 and 2% in 2004 to2014.

163 TRANSHITAL ESOPHAGECTOMY IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, it is encountered a very high incidence of. esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the world.(1). Advances in surgical procedure techniques and. postoperative treatment have arisen in esophagectomy, which remains as with significant morbidity. and mortality. Compared to other esophagectomies. conducted with thoracotomy, such as Ivor-Lewis and McKeown techniques, the Transhiatal. esophagectomy has a shorter surgical time, a lower rate of mediastinitis and then lower morbidity. Methods Ninety-six patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, between 2005 and 2017 were evaluated. Thirteen patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment with chemoradiotherapy. Ninety-day survival and 5-year survival were evaluated. Results Overall 90-day survival was 91.7%. The overall 5-year survival was 41.2%. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy had a 90-day survival of 100% and a 5-year survival of 74.1%. Patients undergoing frontline esophagectomy had a 90-day survival of 90.3% and 5-year survival rate of 36%. Non-neoadjuvant patients with negative lymph nodes had a 5-year survival of 50.2%. The average surgical time was 253 minutes. Thirty-seven patients (38.5%) had positive lymph nodes in the surgical specimen. Multivariate analysis showed that surgical time and presence of positive lymph nodes are associated with a worse outcome. Conclusion Patients submitted to transhiatal esophagectomy present considerable long-term survival, which can be amplified in the absence of lymph node involvement. Operated patients who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery demonstrate increased survival times compared with those without treatment. References 1) Corley DA, Buffler PA. Oesophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas: analysis of regional variation using the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database. Int J Epidemiol. 2001 Dec;30(6):1415–25.

Staging of Surgical Procedures in Comorbid Congenital Tracheal Stenosis and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease

Comorbid long segment congenital tracheal stenosis and congenital cardiovascular abnormalities in children pose significant challenges with regard to repairing these abnormalities simultaneously or in stages. The aim of this study was to explore whether this combination of abnormalities needs a staged approach for surgical repairs. All children who underwent both tracheal and cardiac surgical procedures at a tertiary hospital from 1995 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively for mortality, ventilation days, postoperative intensive care unit days, mediastinitis, and unplanned reoperation by dividing them into simultaneous repairs (group 1), staged repairs within the same admission (group 2), and staged repairs during different admissions (group 3). Of 110 patients included in the study (group 1, 74; group 2. 10; and group 3, 26 patients), there was no significant difference in mortality (P= .85), median ventilation days (P= .99), median intensive care unit days (P= .23), unplanned airway reoperation (P= .36), and unplanned cardiac reoperation (P= .77). There was a significant difference in the rate of mediastinitis (group 1, 3%; group 2, 10%; and group 3, 19%; P= .02). There was no significant difference in 5-year survival (group 1, 86.2%; group 2, 77.8%; and group 3, 85.1%; P= .86). A higher STAT category was identified to be a risk factor for mortality in multivariate Cox regression analysis (relative risk, 5.45). Combined tracheal and cardiac abnormalities need a stratified approach to facilitate better clinical outcomes. Although the trajectory of care is often based on the clinical presentation, establishing a management protocol will be helpful, for which setting an international database will be useful.

Evaluation of post-operative development of mediastinitis in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A single-center experience.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate mediastinitis cases developed after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery performed by median sternotomy to determine the causative microorganisms, risk factors, and clinical features. Between March 2009 and December 2018, a total of 44 patients (32 males and 12 females; mean age 62.84±6.951 years; range, 46-78 years) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with median sternotomy and developed mediastinitis postoperatively were included in the studying our cardiovascular surgery (CVS) department. Patients demographic information, comorbidities, habits, pre-operative hospital stay, elective or emergency surgery, perioperative internal mammary artery use, perioperative blood or blood product, operation and cardiopulmonary bypass times, suitability of antibiotic prophylaxis, medical and surgical treatment, clinical data, and laboratory results were retrospectively analyzed. Purulent discharge cultures obtained directly from the mediastinal space and microbiological examination notes made from the material obtained from the surgical site or surgical repair were recorded. In isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery performed over a period of approximately 10 years, the rate of mediastinitis was 1%. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without mediastinitis in terms of age, sex, smoking habits, duration of operation and cardiopulmonary bypass, and intraoperative blood transfusion. The presence of diabetes mellitus and high mean body mass index was significantly higher in patients with mediastinitis compared to those without. Mediastinitis was diagnosed in 38 (86.3%) patients in the 1st month, 5 (11.3%) in the first 3 months, and 1 (2.2%) in the 1st year. Twenty-five (56.9%) Gram-positive bacteria, 13 (29.6%) Gram-negative bacteria, and 1 (2.3%) fungi were the microorganisms grown in purulent discharge cultures. Pathogen microorganisms could not be produced in 5 (11.4%) cases. The three most commonly isolated agents were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) (50%), Escherichia coli (9.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.8%). Attention should be paid to surgical site infection in patients undergoing CVS. Following discharge, follow-up is important and empirical treatment should be determined by considering the presence of MRCNS as the leading infectious agent in our hospital when infection occurs.

P4592Total arterial revascularization in severe coronary artery disease: a 25-years single-center experience

Abstract Objective To evaluate very long-term survival of Total Arterial Revascularization (TAR) in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Methods Between January 1992 and December 2017, 13798 patients aged 70 years or less underwent primary isolated CABG with at least two grafts in our department. Patients receiving TAR were matched by propensity-score analysis to the rest of the population. All pre- and peri-operative data were collected prospectively in our institutional database. Long-term survival was assessed using provincial vital statistics data. The primary outcome was very-long time survival, secondary outcomes were operative mortality and early complications. Results Propensity-score matching identified 602 pairs with similar preoperative characteristics. In the matched control group, 65.4% and 30.9% of patients received 1 and 2 arterial grafts, respectively, whereas 3 or more arterial grafts were used in 3.6%. Less distal anastomoses (2.57±0.77 vs 3.39±0.97, p&lt;0.0001) were performed in TAR patients, who therefore had a shorter cross-clamping time (44.2±14.7 vs 52.9±19.6, p&lt;0.0001). Operative mortality was similar (0.5% vs 1.0%, p=0.51) and there was no difference in the rate of mediastinitis (2.5% vs 0.8%, p=0.28)for the TAR and matched control groups, respectively. TAR patients were less likely to receive blood transfusions (34.9% vs 40.7%, p=0.04). The average follow-up was 13.4±6.7 years. Cox-adjusted survival was significantly better in patients receiving TAR compared to the matched population, up to 25 years postoperatively (HR 0.87 [0.86–0.88], p&lt;0.0001, Figure 1). Figure 1 Conclusion Total arterial revascularization is not associated with increased perioperative risk of complications and provides long-term survival benefits up to 25 years postoperatively.

Cellulose-Derived Absorbable Hemostatic Product as a Risk Factor for Mediastinitis after Cardiac Surgery

Background: We describe the management and control of an outbreak of mediastinitis in a cardiac surgery department. Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 87 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, or both during a five-month period with a higher than normal number of cases of post-operative mediastinitis. In addition to medical records review, a survey was conducted among surgeons to estimate the frequency of cellulose-derived absorbable hemostatic (CDAH) use. Results: Eleven patients (12.5%) developed mediastinitis during the period. None of them died, and the course of the infections was benign. No differences were found between the infected and non-infected patients regarding clinical or demographic characteristics. The rate of infection by surgeon ranged from 0 to 21.4%. (p = 0.38). We found a significant linear relation between the frequency of CDAH use and the risk of infection, from 3.3% to 22.6% (p = 0.024). Cultures of unused CDAHs were negative. Cessation of product use led to no new cases for the following year and to a mediastinitis rate <1% for the following 24 months. Conclusion: We identified a cluster of undesired clinical outcomes compatible with mediastinitis that added morbidity and associated cost, but not deaths, related to the use of CDAH as a hemostatic. These data suggest keeping the use of CDAH in cardiothoracic surgery to a minimum.

Ambulatory setting of patients with surgical site infections after a cardiac intervention.

Verifying the clinical-surgical profile and the results of patients monitored in an surgical wound ambulatory after a cardiac surgeries. This is a historical cohort research with patients submitted to cardiac surgery and monitored for a year in an outpatient surgical wound clinic from a hospital specialized in cardiology. The study analyzed the prevalent microorganisms in infections, the products used in the dressings, the time of follow-up, and the type of therapy established in the dressings. Among the 150 patients, most were sexagenarians (61.7 ± 11.4 years), hypertensive patients (75%), and diabetic (44.7%). There were 12 patients with mediastinitis (8%) and 44 with surgical site infection (29.3%). Fatty acids (80%) and calcium alginate (19%) were used for wound healing. The mean follow-up time was 35 ± 71 days. Sexagenary, hypertensive, diabetic and revascularized patients constituted the population monitored in the wounds outpatient clinic. The SSI and mediastinitis rates found were acceptable and similar to those in literature.

Effect of chlorhexidine skin disinfection and retrosternal gentamicin sponge on post-sternotomy mediastinitis: results from a prospective controlled registry of 2340 patients

Reducing post-sternotomy mediastinitis (PSM) requires incorporating multiple methods. However, the independent effects of these measures are not well studied. To evaluate the independent effect of preoperative disinfection using isopropyl alcohol (IPA)-chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and the topical application of a retrosternal gentamicin collagen sponge at wound closure on reducing PSM. From October 2012 to August 2014, 2340 patients were included in this prospective, controlled registry. Patients were divided into four groups. In groups 1 and 2, the skin was disinfected with IPA, and in groups 3 and 4, the skin was disinfected with IPA-CHG. A retrosternal gentamicin collagen sponge was used in groups 2 and 4. Freedom from PSM up to the 30th postoperative day was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was freedom from any surgical site dehiscence. A stepwise regression model was made to reveal the independent factors associated with lower incidence of PSM. There were significant differences in outcome among the groups (P<0.0001). Primary healing was highest in group 4 (91.4%), which showed the lowest rate for mediastinitis (0.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that the use of CHG and a gentamicin sponge was statistically significant (P=0.026 and 0.013, respectively). The other significant independent factors were valve operation (P=0.001), body mass index >30kg/m2 (P=0.001), preoperative stroke (P=0.005), and blood transfusion (P=0.022). Preoperative skin disinfection with IPA-CHG is superior to only IPA, and it should be recommended. The addition of a retrosternal gentamicin-releasing sponge further reduces the rate of mediastinitis.

Should Diabetes Be a Contraindication to Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Grafting?

This study evaluates the influence of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) versus single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting on postoperative morbidity and long-term survival among diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A multicenter, retrospective analysis of 47,984 consecutive CABGs performed from 1992 to 2014 at 7 medical centers was conducted. Among the study population, 1,482 CABGs with BIMA were identified, and 1,297 BIMA patients were propensity-matched to 1,297 SIMA patients. The study cohort for this analysis, drawn from matched data, included 430 diabetic patients: 217 SIMA and 213 BIMA. The primary endpoint was long-term survival. Secondary endpoints included postoperative morbidity, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. The median duration of follow-up was 9.3 (range, 4.3 to 13.9) years. Among propensity-matched diabetic patients, there was no significant difference in age, body mass index, or major baseline comorbidities. The groups were also well matched on the number of diseased coronary arteries and number of distal anastomoses performed. There was no difference in the rate of mediastinitis or sternal dehiscence (p= 0.503) or in-hospital mortality (p= 0.758) between groups. Both groups had a similar median length of stay of 5 (range, 4 to 7) days. Diabetic patients who received a BIMA had significantly improved long-term survival when compared with SIMA patients (hazard ratio 0.75 [95% confidence interval 0.57 to 0.98], p= 0.034). Among diabetics undergoing CABG, use of BIMA grafting does not result in increased in-hospital morbidity or mortality and confers a long-term survival advantage when compared with SIMA grafting. Thus, diabetic patients should be considered for BIMA grafting more frequently.

AN APPROACH FOR MEDIASTINITIS PREVENTIONIN PATIENTS FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY

The aim of this study was to reduce incidence of sternal deep wound infection (DWI) in patients following cardiac surgery. An experience of cardiac surgery by sternotomy access in 429 consecutive patients was presented. Perioperative intravenous injections of cefazolin were used in 225 patients (control group). Combination of perioperative intravenous injections with local retrosternal irrigation of cefazolin before sternum closure was used in 204 patients (study group). In control group sternal DWI occurred in 10 patients (4.4%), and in 4 patients a resternotomy sanation required. There were no deaths in this group due to infection or sepsis. In follow-up period (3 years), instability of sternum occurred in 3 patients (1.3%), and in 1 (0.4%) sternum reosteosynthesis required. In studied group the sternal DWI did not occur (p&lt;0.01). Sternum instability and/or indications for sternum reosteosynthesis were not determined in follow-up period (2 years). It was concluded, that combination of intravenous and local usage of cefazolin in cardiac surgery patients is a simple and effective approach to prevent sternal DWI. Application of this method significantly (p&lt;0.01) reduces the incidence rate of mediastinitis.

Results of elective cardiac surgery in patients with severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2)

The increasing number of obese patients eligible for cardiac surgery requires risks and benefits to be balanced in this population. To study the results of cardiac surgery in severely obese patients (body mass index [BMI]≥35 kg/m2). In this retrospective study of 3564 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2012, the population was divided into two groups: BMI 20-34.9 kg/m2 (n=3282) and BMI≥35 kg/m2 (n=282). Patients with BMI<20 kg/m2 were excluded due to the well-known increased mortality risk. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors. Among our patients, 58.2% and 27.7% underwent isolated coronary or valvular surgery, respectively; 9.7% had combined valvular and coronary surgery and 4.4% had other procedures. Severely obese patients were younger: 62.5±9.3 years vs 67.8±10.7 years (P=0.0001). Overall 90-day mortality was 4.0%. Severe obesity did not influence postoperative mortality. In the multivariable analysis, the interaction between preoperative renal failure and severe obesity was an important mortality prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 11.17; P=0.03). Mediastinitis rates were similar between groups in non-diabetic patients; in diabetic patients, severe obesity was associated with higher mediastinitis rates (P=0.002). Superficial wound infections were higher in severely obese patients (P=0.003). Elective cardiac surgery in severely obese patients was not associated with increased perioperative morbimortality, but had a higher superficial wound infection risk. Nevertheless, severe obesity itself should not be a contraindication to elective surgery.

Impact of Medicare's Payment Policy on Mediastinitis Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in US Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a policy in October 2008 to eliminate additional Medicare payment for mediastinitis following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. To evaluate the impact of this policy on mediastinitis rates, using Medicare claims and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) prospective surveillance data. We used an interrupted time series design to compare mediastinitis rates before and after the policy, adjusted for secular trends. Billing rates came from Medicare inpatient claims following 638,761 CABG procedures in 1,234 US hospitals (January 2006-September 2010). Prospective surveillance rates came from 151 NHSN hospitals in 29 states performing 94,739 CABG procedures (January 2007-September 2010). Logistic regression mixed-effects models estimated trends for mediastinitis rates. We found a sudden drop in coding for index admission mediastinitis at the time of policy implementation (odds ratio, 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23-0.57]) and a decreasing trend in coding for index admission mediastinitis in the postintervention period compared with the preintervention period (ratio of slopes, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.74-0.95]). However, we saw no impact of the policy on infection rates as measured using NHSN data. Our results were not affected by changes in patient risk over time, heterogeneity in hospital demographics, or timing of hospital participation in NHSN. The CMS policy of withholding additional Medicare payment for mediastinitis on the basis of claims-based evidence of infection was associated with changes in coding for infections but not with changes in actual infection rates during the first 2 years after policy implementation.

Early versus Late Tracheostomy for Ventilator Dependence after Cardiovascular Surgery: Long-Term Results

Although concerns exist about the possibility of infecting a sternotomy wound by performing a tracheostomy early after cardiac surgery, it has been shown that tracheostomy performed before postoperative day 10 can improve outcomes for cardiovascular surgery patients who require long-term ventilation. We retrospectively reviewed all charts for patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery and required tracheostomy at a single-institution site from January 2005 to July 2012. Patients were divided into two groups based upon whether their tracheostomy was performed less than 10 days after their initial operation (early tracheostomy) or ≥10 days after their initial operation (late tracheostomy). Preoperative demographics and postoperative complications were studied. There were no new mediastinitis episodes following tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy was associated with higher 90-day (74.4% vs 56.8%) and 180-day (47.4% vs 28.7%, p 0.047) survival when compared to late tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy after cardiovascular surgery does not seem to be associated with an increased rate of mediastinitis but is associated with improved survival.

Skeletonized left internal thoracic artery is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis in diabetic patients

Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is a feared risk factor for mediastinitis and viewed with caution by cardiovascular surgeons. To identify risk factors for mediastinitis in diabetics undergoing CABG surgery with use of unilateral ITA in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE. Retrospective study of 157 diabetics operated between May 2007 and April 2010. Nine preoperative variables, five intraoperative variables and seven postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. The incidence of mediastinitis was 7% (n=11), with a lethality rate of 36.1% (n=4). Variables associated with increased risk of mediastinitis were: use of pedicled ITA (OR 8.25, 95% CI 2.03 to 66.10, P=0.016), postoperative renal complications (OR 5.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 25.62, P=0.049) and re-operation (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.24 to 42.17, P=0.023). In multivariate analysis using backward logistic regression, only one variable remained as independent risk factor: use of pedicled ITA (OR 7.64, 95% CI 1.95 to 61.6, P=0.048), in comparison to skeletonized ITA. We suggest that diabetics should be considered for strategies to minimize risk of infection. In diabetics that undergo unilateral ITA, the problem seems to be related to how ITA is harvested. Diabetics should always be considered for use of skeletonized ITA.

Artéria torácica interna esqueletizada está associada a menores taxas de mediastinite em idosos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify which option of harvesting internal thoracic artery (ITA), pedicled or skeletonized, is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in elderly, in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of PROCAPE. Retrospective study of 160 elderly who underwent consecutive CABG between May 2007 and June 2011. Eleven preoperative variables, four intraoperative variables and eight postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated between two groups: CABG with skeletonized ITA (n=80) and pedicled ITA (n=80). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. The incidence of mediastinitis was 6.8% (n=11), with a lethality rate of 54.5% (n=6). The skeletonized ITA group were more exposed than pedicled ITA group to obesity (n=12 vs. n=4; 15% vs. 5%; P=0.035) and multiple transfusions (n=25 vs. n=11; 31.2% vs. 13.7%; P=0.008). The pedicled ITA group presented a greater risk of mediastinitis after CABG than skeletonized ITA group (n=10 vs. n=1; 12.5% vs. 1.2%; Unadjusted OR 11.3; 95% CI 1.4 - 241.5; P=0.008). In multivariate analysis, this difference maintained statistically significant (Adjusted OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.5-495.8; P=0.012), being considered an independent association. We suggest that elderly should be considered for strategies to minimize risk of infection. In elderly that undergo unilateral ITA, the problem seems to be related to how ITA is harvested. Elderly should always be considered for use of skeletonized ITA.

Nursing Considerations for Children Undergoing Delayed Sternal Closure After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

Nursing Considerations for Children Undergoing Delayed Sternal Closure After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease