Postoperative Chest Radiographs Research Articles

Shallow nasal RAE tube depth after head and neck surgery: association with preoperative and intraoperative factors.

To evaluate risk factors associated with improper postoperative nasal Ring-Adair-Elwyn (RAE) tube depth. We retrospectively enrolled 133 adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with the nasal RAE tube after head and neck surgery. Postoperative chest radiography was performed to confirm nasal RAE tube depth immediately after the patient was admitted to the ICU. Proper tube depth was defined as the tube tip between 2 and 7cm above the carina. The patients were divided into the proper-depth group (78 patients) and the improper-depth group (55 patients). Patients' characteristics were collected. The risk factors for improper postoperative tube depth were assessed using logistic regression analysis. All patients who showed improper tube depth had a shallow tube depth (the tube tip > 7cm above the carina). Multivariable analysis revealed that tall stature [odds ratio (OR) 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.25; P < 0.001], prolonged anesthesia duration (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02-1.32; P = 0.026), and right-sided surgical field as compared to the left (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.14-0.93; P = 0.034) or median field (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.85; P = 0.027) were risk factors associated with postoperative shallow tube depth. Tall stature, prolonged anesthesia duration, and right-sided surgical field were independent risk factors for postoperative shallow nasal RAE tube depth.

Postoperative chest radiograph after open reduction internal fixation of clavicle fractures: a necessary practice?

Iatrogenic pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of clavicular fractures. Many institutions use postoperative chest radiographs to evaluate for this complication despite a lack of data to support this routine practice. Due to concerns of radiation exposure and health care costs, this practice may not be necessary. This study determined the rate of iatrogenic pneumothorax after clavicular ORIF with plate fixation at a single institution over 8 years. We hypothesized that postoperative chest radiographs would identify a very low rate of pneumothorax in patients with isolated clavicular fractures with no serious preoperative pulmonary injury. A retrospective review was performed identifying all patients undergoing clavicular ORIF with plate fixation at a single Level I trauma center by 3 board-certified orthopedic surgeons from 2009 to 2017. Patients without at least 1 postoperative chest radiograph were excluded. We determined patient demographics and rate of preoperative and postoperative pneumothorax. We identified 89 patients without preoperative pneumothorax who underwent clavicular ORIF with at least 1 postoperative chest radiograph. Within this group, no patients (0%) had a new postoperative iatrogenic pneumothorax. Within this series of 89 patients with isolated clavicular fractures without preoperative pneumothorax, no iatrogenic pneumothoraces occurred after plate fixation. Therefore, for patients undergoing ORIF of isolated clavicular fractures obtaining a postoperative chest radiograph may be an unnecessary practice, especially given their low sensitivity. Future high-powered studies are needed to validate this finding.

Changes of diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery: A prospective observational study.

Major laparoscopic pelvic surgery requires steep Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum for a long time. We investigated the effect of Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum on diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery using M-mode sonography. Twenty patients undergoing elective pelviscopic radical hysterectomy were included in this study. Diaphragmatic excursion was measured at the following time points; after sedation, after intubation, 90 minutes after Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum, and after operation with recovery of muscle relaxation. And lung compliance was measured using anesthetic machine under general anesthesia; after the intubation, 90 minutes after Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum and after operation with recovery of muscle relaxation. In order to detect postoperative pulmonary complication, postoperative chest radiography was checked. Static lung compliance, dynamic lung compliance and diaphragmatic excursion were decreased during operation (P < 0.001, respectively). At the end of the operation with recovery of muscle relaxation, reduced diaphragmatic movement was not recovered as its excursion after sedation (P < 0.001). In conclusion, lung compliance was decreased following transiently decreased diaphragmatic excursion during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery.

Outcomes of carotid-subclavian bypass performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BackgroundSubclavian artery revascularization is frequently performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, there is little information on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing carotid to subclavian artery bypass in this clinical setting. As such, this study sought to define the early and late outcomes associated with this procedure. MethodsPatients undergoing carotid-subclavian bypass in conjunction with TEVAR between June 2005 and September 2016 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained, single-center aortic surgery database. The 30-day outcomes specific to the carotid-subclavian bypass procedure were analyzed, including cervical plexus nerve injury, bleeding complications, and local vascular complications. All preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs were carefully analyzed to assess for hemidiaphragm elevation indicative of phrenic nerve palsy. Long-term outcomes included primary graft patency and anastomotic complications. ResultsOf 579 consecutive patients undergoing TEVAR during this time interval, 112 patients (19%) underwent concomitant carotid-subclavian bypass. The cohort was 38% female (n = 43), with a mean age of 65 ± 14 years. The majority of conduits were 8-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (n = 107 [95.5%]), with a minority being reversed saphenous vein (n = 4 [3.6%]) or Dacron (n = 1 [0.9%]) grafts. The bypass procedure was done concurrently at the time of TEVAR in 91% (n = 102) of cases. The short-term complication rate attributed specifically to the carotid-subclavian bypass was 29% (n = 33). These complications included phrenic nerve palsy in 25% (n = 27), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 5% (n = 6), axillary nerve palsy in 2% (n = 2), and neck hematoma requiring re-exploration in 1% (n = 1) of patients. The 30-day in-hospital all-cause mortality rate was 5% (n = 6), and the rate of permanent paraparesis or paraplegia was 0.9% (n = 1). Of the operative survivors (n = 106), follow-up imaging of the bypass graft was available in 87% (n = 92) of patients. Actuarial primary graft patency was 97% at 5 years. There were three patients (3%) with bypass graft occlusions, two of which were clinically silent and detected on follow-up imaging. The third was detected because of symptoms of subclavian steal and required repeated revascularization. Two patients (2%) developed a late anastomotic pseudoaneurysm requiring either endovascular (n = 1) or surgical (n = 1) intervention. ConclusionsCarotid-subclavian bypass for revascularization of the subclavian artery performed in the setting of TEVAR is durable, although the true complication rate is likely higher than is generally reported in the literature because of a not insignificant rate of phrenic nerve palsy. These data should serve well as “gold standard” comparison data for emerging branch graft devices.

A novel tool to evaluate the implant position and predict defibrillation success of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: The PRAETORIAN score

Suboptimal positioning of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) increases the defibrillation threshold and risk of conversion failure. Our objective is to develop a tool to evaluate the implant position and predict defibrillation success of the S-ICD: the PRAETORIAN score. The PRAETORIAN score is based on clinical and computer modeling knowledge of determinants affecting the defibrillation threshold: subcoil fat, subgenerator fat, and anterior positioning of the S-ICD generator. The score evaluates these determinants on the postoperative anterior-posterior and lateral chest radiographs and has 3 categories: 30-<90 points representing a low risk, 90-<150 points representing an intermediate risk, and ≥150 points representing a high risk of conversion failure. The score was developed using 2 separate S-ICD data sets for derivation and validation. The performance metrics are the positive and negative predictive values. The development data set consisted of 181 patients with S-ICD, and the validation cohort consisted of 321 patients from the S-ICD Investigational Device Exemption trial. The distribution of scores was 93%-98% low risk (<90 points), 2%-5% intermediate risk (90-<150 points), and 1% high risk (≥150 points). The positive predictive value for an intermediate or high PRAETORIAN score for a failed conversion test was 51%, while a low PRAETORIAN score predicted a successful conversion in 99.8% of patients. The PRAETORIAN score allows the identification of patients with high defibrillation thresholds by using the routine chest radiograph and provides feedback to implanters on S-ICD positioning. The PRAETORIAN-DFT trial will prospectively validate the score by randomizing to standard conversion testing vs using the score without conversion testing.

The clinical value of routinely obtained postoperative chest radiographs in post-anaesthesia care unit patients seems poor-a prospective observational study.

The clinical value of routinely obtained postoperative chest radiographs (CXRs) in post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) patients is largely unknown. To determine the diagnostic efficacy and treatment impact of postoperative routinely obtained CXRs in a university hospital PACU. Observational study collecting the expectations of attending physicians, the findings on routinely obtained CXRs and actions based on the findings on these CXRs in postoperative PACU patients. A 22-bed PACU in a university hospital in the Netherlands. Patients admitted to the PACU during a 9-month period. The analysis was restricted to CXRs routinely obtained during the first PACU admission, i.e., CXRs obtained during later admissions were excluded. Diagnostic efficacy, defined as the percentage of CXRs showing any unexpected major abnormality; treatment impact, defined as the percentage of CXRs showing an unexpected major abnormality that triggered a predefined change in therapy. The analysis included 294 postoperative CXRs. Of them 94 showed a new and unexpected predefined major abnormality (diagnostic efficacy of 35%). Of these 94 CXRs, only 10 triggered an intervention (treatment impact of 4%). The diagnostic efficacy of routinely obtained postoperative CXRs in PACU patients is fair; the treatment impact seems low if we assume that all CXRs that showed an abnormality but were not followed by an intervention and did not require an intervention. Future research should focus on the safety and cost-effectiveness of abrogating routine postoperative CXRs.

Long-term Outcomes of Carotid-Subclavian Bypass in the Setting of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Subclavian artery revascularization is frequently performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for a variety of indications ranging from prophylactic prevention of upper extremity and spinal cord ischemia to preservation of hemodialysis access or left internal mammary artery coronary artery bypass graft. Despite this, there is little information on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing carotid to subclavian artery bypass. We sought to define the outcomes associated with this procedure. Patients undergoing carotid-subclavian bypass in conjunction with TEVAR between June 2005 and September 2016 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained, single-center aortic surgery database. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, respectively. The 30-day outcomes specific to the carotid-subclavian bypass procedure were analyzed, including nerve injury, bleeding complications, and local vascular complications. All preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs were carefully analyzed to assess for hemidiaphragm elevation indicative of phrenic nerve palsy. Long-term outcomes included primary graft patency and anastomotic complications. Of 579 patients undergoing TEVAR during this time interval, 114 patients (20%) underwent concomitant carotid-subclavian bypass. The cohort was 39% female (n = 44), with a mean age of 65 ± 14 years. The majority of conduits were 8-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (n = 107 [92.2%]), with a minority being reversed saphenous vein grafts (n = 4 [3.5%]). The bypass procedure was done concomitantly at the time of TEVAR in 90.4% (n = 103) of cases. The short-term complication rate attributed specifically to the carotid-subclavian bypass was 21% (n = 24). These complications included neck hematoma requiring re-exploration in 0.9% (n = 1), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 5.3% (n = 6), axillary nerve palsy in 1.8% (n = 2), and phrenic nerve palsy in 13.2% (n = 15) of patients. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 5.3% (n = 6), and the rate of permanent paraparesis or paraplegia was 0.9% (n = 1). Of the operative survivors (n = 108), follow-up imaging of the bypass graft was available in 84% (n = 96) of patients. Actuarial primary graft patency was 97% at 10 years (Fig). There were three patients (2.5%) with bypass graft occlusions, two of which were clinically silent and detected in follow-up imaging. The third was detected because of the symptoms of subclavian steal and required repeated revascularization. Two patients (1.8%) developed a late anastomotic pseudoaneurysm requiring either endovascular (n = 1) or surgical (n = 1) intervention. Carotid-subclavian bypass for revascularization of the subclavian artery performed in the setting of TEVAR is durable, although the true complication rate is likely to be higher than generally reported in the literature because of a not insignificant rate of phrenic nerve palsy. These data should serve well as “gold standard” comparison data for emerging branch graft devices.

Unilateral pulmonary oedema after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a single-centre experience

Unilateral pulmonary oedema (UPE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that has been described after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MICS). Over the last 8 years, we have witnessed, in our institution, several cases of severe UPE requiring immediate postoperative extracorporeal life support after MICS. Reviewing the available literature, data regarding this complication after MICS are rare. Consequently, we decided to retrospectively analyse patients scheduled for MICS in our institution. After approval by our institutional review board, 256 MICS patients were analysed. As a primary end-point, we defined a newly developed UPE, radiographically evident within the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary end-points were length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of stay in the hospital and in-hospital mortality. Chest radiographs were analysed by an independent consultant of radiology. Fifty-one (19.9%) patients showed increased right-sided pulmonary vascular congestion in the 1st postoperative chest radiography performed in the intensive care unit. Five (1.95%) patients immediately required extracorporeal life support after admission to the intensive care unit. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly longer in the UPE group [UPE vs non-UPE 213 (49) vs 196 (43) min; P = 0.013]. More patients with UPE showed a preoperative increase of C-reactive protein >0.4265 mg/dl (P = 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified a preoperative increase in C-reactive protein >0.4265 mg/dl as well as a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio 1.009, 95% confidence level 1.002-1.016; P = 0.014) independent risk factors, significantly associated with the development of UPE (odds ratio 2.583, 95% confidence interval 1.275-5.233; P = 0.008), a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio 1.009, 95% confidence interval 1.002-1.016; P = 0.014). The presence of pulmonary hypertension (odds ratio 0.273, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.84; P = 0.02) seemed to be a protective factor regarding the genesis of UPE. In accordance with the rarely available literature regarding UPE after MICS, our analysis led us to hypothesize the possibility of an inflammatory disposition for UPE. The role of pulmonary hypertension remains unclear in our patient population. NCT02655094.

Retained pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator components after heart transplantation are common and may lead to adverse events

Many patients have a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) extracted at the time of heart transplantation. CIED components may be retained after heart transplantation, but their frequency, nature, and clinical significance is uncertain. Consecutive patients that underwent heart transplantation over 10 years from 1 January 2007 until 1 January 2017 were identified from the unit database. Pre- and post-operative chest radiographs were reviewed by two independent observers for the presence of CIED components. Adverse events relating to any retained CIED component were recorded. Two hundred and six patients had a CIED removed at the time of transplantation. Retained CIED components were present in 86 (42%) patients. The most common retained CIED components were suture sleeves and superior vena cava (SVC) coils of dual coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads. An SVC coil was retained in 25% of patients that had a dual coil ICD lead. Seven adverse events were associated with CIED removal or retained CIED components, including one fatal event. However, retained CIED components were not associated with reduced long-term survival after heart transplantation. Retained CIED components were seen in 42% of patients that had a CIED prior to transplantation, may be associated with serious adverse events but are not associated with reduced long-term survival. Cardiac surgeons should be aware of all CIED system components and be familiar with techniques for their complete removal at the time of transplantation.

Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Complication Rates after Port Insertion: Is a Postoperative X-Ray Needed?

It is customary for a postoperative chest radiograph to be obtained after fluoroscopic guided port insertion to exclude acute complications. In this review, we provide a cost-benefit analysis by examination of acute postoperative complications detected by postoperative port insertion chest films at our institution. We conducted a retrospective chart review of complications associated with port insertion procedures performed over a 5-year period. Our study included only ultrasound-assisted internal jugular venous or landmark guided subclavian ports placed with the assistance of fluoroscopy. A total of 519 port insertions were reviewed and there was noted to be a postoperative complication rate of 0.58 per cent. The operative note for each complication described a procedural abnormality that suggested a chest film would be of medical benefit. The total price of postoperative chest radiographs was $179,400. Performing chest X-ray films on asymptomatic patients after fluoroscopic guided placement of ports proved to be of no medical advantage to 516 out of 519 patients. Given the extremely low complication rate and financial burden placed on the patient population, we propose discontinuing routine use of postoperative port placement chest radiographs as a way to alleviate unwarranted medical cost.

The Effect of Immediate Breast Reconstruction on Thoracic Spine Alignment After Unilateral Mastectomy

BackgroundLong-term posture change after unilateral mastectomy in breast cancer patients can affect spinal alignment during the postoperative period. We evaluated the effect of immediate breast reconstruction on body posture after surgery by analyzing spinal alignment with radiographic studies. Materials and MethodsPreoperative and 2-year postoperative chest radiographs of 116 patients who received immediate breast reconstruction with unilateral mastectomy and 250 patients who underwent unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Cobb angle, the direction of spinal curvature, upper and lower ends of the thoracic curve, and curve length were measured and compared between both groups. Additional patient information including age, height, weight, body mass index, and side of surgery were collected via chart review. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the Cobb angle between the preoperative and 2-year postoperative chest radiographs between the immediate breast reconstruction group and mastectomy group. Without considering curvature change, the difference was −0.593° in the reconstruction group and 2.698° in the mastectomy-alone group (P = .02), and considering curvature change, the difference was 0.335° and 3.972° in the reconstruction and mastectomy-alone group, respectively (P < .01). ConclusionThe amount of change in postoperative spinal alignment was significantly smaller in the immediate breast reconstruction group compared with patients who received only unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. We suggest that immediate breast reconstruction positively affects spinal alignment, leading to better posture and physical function.

Routine use of chest radiographs in the post-operative management of pectus bar removal: necessity or futility.

While there is literature on techniques for pectus bar removal, there are limited reports on post-operative management. This can include obtaining a postoperative chest radiograph (CXR) despite the minimal risk of associated intra-thoracic complications. This is a review of our experience with bar removal and lack of routine post-operative CXR. A single institution retrospective chart review was performed from 2000 to 2015. Patients who underwent a pectus bar removal procedure were included. We assessed operative timing of bar placement and removal, procedure length, intra-operative and post-operative complications and post-operative CXR findings, specifically the rate of pneumothoraces. 450 patients were identified in this study. Median duration of bar placement prior to removal was 35months (interquartile range 30 and 36months). Sixtey-four patients obtained a post-operative CXR. Of these, only one (58%) film revealed a pneumothorax; this was not drained. A CXR was not obtained in 386 (86%) patients with no immediate or delayed complications from this practice. Median follow-up time for all patients was 11 months (interquartile range 7.5-17months). The risk for a clinically relevant pneumothorax is minimal following bar removal. This suggests that not obtaining routine imaging following bar removal may be a safe practice.

Novel technique for harvesting the sternoclavicular graft.

Originally introduced for mandibular reconstruction more than 40 years ago, the sternoclavicular graft (SCG) has gained widespread popularity for the reconstruction of the ramus-condyle unit (RCU) owing to its anatomic and histological likeness to the normal mandibular condyle. Conventional longitudinal osteotomy design for its harvest has been fraught with considerable complications at the donor site including fracture clavicle and major neurovascular injury. In an attempt to alleviate these ill effects, a new technique for procuring the sternoclavicular graft is presented. A split-thickness cortico-cancellous graft was harvested form the sternal end of the clavicle along with the articular disk with the osteotomy cut oriented parallel to the coronal plane, with limited soft tissue dissection. Donor site complications were assessed in terms of incidence of clavicle fracture, neurovascular injury, pleural tear and radiographic healing as seen in the six-month postoperative chest radiograph. 17 patients suffering from unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis underwent SCG harvesting for RCU reconstruction following osteoarthrectomy. No adverse events were seen in the intra- and post-operative period in any patient and satisfactory radiographic osseous healing was observed after six months. The proposed harvest technique for SCG results in reduced donor site morbidity and favourable healing and greater patient comfort.

Assessment of extravascular lung water by ultrasound after congenital cardiac surgery.

Lung ultrasounds show vertical artifacts known as B-lines in the presence of increased extravascular lung water (EVLW). We aimed to investigate whether lung ultrasound could estimate EVLW after congenital cardiac surgery. This prospective observational study comprised 61 children (age range 3 days to 7.4 years) undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. We compared postoperative B-line scores from lung ultrasounds, early postoperative ultrasound as our primary interest, with corresponding postoperative chest radiography (CXR) lung edema scores, with static lung compliance, and with short-term clinical outcome interpreted as time on mechanical ventilation and length of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay. Our findings showed lung ultrasound B-line scores and CXR lung edema scores as correlating 1-6 hr postoperatively (r2 = 0.41, P < 0.0001), on the first postoperative day (r2 = 0.15, P = 0.004) and on the fourth postoperative day (r2 = 0.28, P = 0.008). The B-line score or CXR lung edema score showed no correlation with lung compliance. We found that in multivariable analyses, with length of perfusion and presence of postoperative complications as covariates, both lung ultrasound (P ≤ 0.02) and CXR (P ≤ 0.002) 1-6 hr postoperatively predicted the length of mechanical ventilation and PICU stay. The interobserver variability was less for lung ultrasound B-line score than for CXR lung edema score (P = 0.001). Our results show that lung ultrasound in assessment of postoperative EVLW predicted length of mechanical ventilation and stay in the PICU, and it had less interobserver variability than CXR. Accordingly, lung ultrasound may complement CXR in assessment of lung edema after surgery for congenital heart defect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:345-352. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulmonary lobe eventration in a dog: case report

A mixed breed dog, six years old was referred, after an episode of thoracic trauma bite, with posterior swelling in the thoracic region, to perform chest radiographs due to dry cough after physical exertion or dorsal position. Through radiographs, pulmonary protrusion through the fifth left intercostal space was observed. Thoracotomy and resection of cranial portion of the left cranial pulmonary lobe and eventration repair were performed. Postoperative chest radiographs confirmed the normal expansion of the remaining left cranial lobe. The intercostal eventration should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of increased thoracic volume and episodes of trauma.

Assessment of the Impact of Skeletonization on Pleuropulmonary Changes after Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Harvest for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Skeletonization has been proposed as a technique to minimize the risk of sternal devascularization during bilateral internal thoracic artery harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting. The impact of this strategy on late radiologic pleuropulmonary changes has not been addressed. Post-operative chest radiographs from patients (n = 253 per group) undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery harvest using skeletonized and non-skeletonized techniques were reviewed by blinded radiologists. The primary outcome was the incidence of atelectasis and pleural effusion. Multivariable linear regression models were derived to assess the relationship of radiologic pleuropulmonary outcomes to patients and operative variables. Patients in the skeletonized group were older (p < 0.0001), had a lower preoperative hematocrit (p = 0.014), had higher prevalence of peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.001), were of female gender (p = 0.015), underwent off-pump surgery (p < 0.001), had urgent/emergent status (p = 0.024), and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.019). There was no difference in the incidence of post-operative complications, ventilation time, or intensive care unit stay. There was no difference in the severity of post-operative atelectasis in both groups. More patients in the non-skeletonized group had a grade 2/3 left pleural effusion on the late post-operative chest X-ray (p = 0.007). The independent effect of skeletonization on the development of a late left pleural effusion was significant (odds ratio = 0.558, 95% confidence interval = 0.359-0.866, p = 0.009). Skeletonization results in a decreased incidence of late post-operative left pleural effusion with no difference in early or late atelectasis. Further studies are warranted to assess the mechanism of these pleuropulmonary changes and the impact of other factors such as pleural violation during surgery.

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular central venous catheter tip positioning via the right subclavian vein using a microconvex probe.

The ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC) guidewire tip positioning has been demonstrated for catheterization of the right internal jugular vein. We explored the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided right subclavian vein (RScV) CVC tip positioning via a right supraclavicular approach using a microconvex probe. Twenty patients scheduled for elective surgery were consecutively included in this observational feasibility study following written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were emergency procedure, thrombosis and obstacle to guidewire advancement. Following an ultrasound pre-scan of the superior vena cava (SVC), the RScV and the right pulmonary artery (RPA) via the right supraclavicular fossa view, a sterile ultrasound-guided venipuncture was performed. The guidewire J-tip was advanced to the distal SVC with subsequent introduction of the CVC. The final CVC tip position was confirmed with ultrasound and postoperative chest radiograph. In all patients, SVC, RScV and RPA were visualized in the pre-scan. Guidewire positioning and final ultrasound CVC tip confirmation in the distal SVC was successful in all patients. In two patients, needle insertion of the RScV failed and insertion site was converted to a right internal jugular vein insertion. No misplacement, arterial puncture, pneumo- or hematothorax occurred. Time for pre-scan to venipuncture was 9 min 25 sec ± 5 min 24 sec and 1 min 05 sec ± 59 sec from venipuncture until guidewire positioning (mean ± SD, n = 18). Ultrasound-guided CVC tip confirmation following catheterization of the right subclavian vein via a right supraclavicular approach with a microconvex probe is feasible.

Endobronchial tumor laser resection: handling anesthetic challenges through a modified technique

Reported is a case of left mainstem bronchus carcinoid that was managed by means of a modified technique using a microlaryngeal tube for right lung ventilation and laser resection using an AMBU Ascope. The upper lobe of the left lung showed dramatic improvement on postoperative chest radiograph and computed tomography scan. Precautions for laser surgery and sharing of the airway by the surgeon and the anesthetist were taken care of during ventilation of the right lung. Soiling and tumor migration of the opposite lung were prevented intraoperatively and postoperatively.

Diaphragmatic mobilization technique for anterolateral thoracolumbar exposure

Background Traditional diaphragmatic incision to expose the thoracolumbar junction is associated with significant morbidity. In an effort to eliminate the drawbacks during and after thoracolumbar exposure, the technique of diaphragmatic mobilization has been developed to expose T12, L1 and upper L2 vertebral bodies. Objective The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and clinical experience of diaphragmatic mobilization technique to the thoracolumbar junction. Materials and methods Seventeen patients with spinal pathology at the thoracolumbar junction (T12, L1 and L2) underwent surgery using left-sided thoracotomy with diaphragmatic mobilization. In each case, the lateral aspect of the involved vertebra with the disc space proximal and distal was exposed with the mid-vertebra proximal and distal. Preoperative and intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to assure correct level together with daily postoperative chest radiography until chest drain removal. Operative results, complications and early outcomes were assessed. Conclusion Diaphragmatic mobilization allowed adequate thoracolumbar exposure to perform corpectomy, decompression and strut grafting plus or minus fixation without the need for circumferential release, thus avoiding its possible complications. In addition, it can be considered as an alternative for surgeons lacking experience, or facilities with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Study of internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Dear editor Internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) metastasis has a similar prognostic importance as axillary lymph nodal involvement in breast cancer patients.1 Patients with both axillary- and internal mammary-positive nodes have a very poor prognosis.2 Reliable data for internal mammary nodal metastases are reported to be present in 18%–33% (mean 23.4%) of patients who have not been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) mostly concomitant with axillary metastases, and metastases exclusively situated in the internal mammary chain occur in 2%–11% of patients,3 but limited data are available in the context of NAC. Current imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, could usually detect metastases lesions larger than 5 mm.1 Zhang et al reported that of a total of 112 (n=809; 13.8%) patients considered to have IMLN-positive diseases (the median size of the enlarged IMLN was 1.3 cm [range: 0.5–3.0 cm]) on the basis of imaging reports, only ten patients underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration to obtain pathologic confirmation and all of the sampled lymph nodes were confirmed to contain malignant cells before receiving chemotherapy. Patients with positive IMLN before NAC received adjuvant radiation to the breast or the chest wall and the regional lymphatics including the IMLN chain with a median dose of 60 Gy if the IMLNs normalized after chemotherapy and 66 Gy if they did not.4 However, some patients with positive IMLN could not be detected by imaging techniques and fine-needle aspiration could not be performed for all suspicious positive IMLNs under ultrasonographic guidance. High-risk did not mean IMLN metastases, and low-risk did not mean IMLN negative.1 Hence, we recommend internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy (IM-SLNB) as a minimally invasive technique for the efficient evaluation of the status of internal mammary sentinel lymph node (IM-SLN) to obtain complete nodal staging and guide adjuvant radiotherapy. Sixty female patients who had histologically proven clinical stage T1 through T4, N0 through N3, M0 primary invasive breast cancer treated at the Breast Cancer Center in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute between 2012 and 2014 were enrolled in the study. Anthracycline- and taxane-based regimens were done. An amount of 18.5–37 MBq of 99mTc-labeled sulfur colloid in 1.0–1.2 mL volume was injected intraparenchymally at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions 2–3 cm away from the nipple under ultrasonographic guidance 3–18 hours before surgery in all patients. Subsequently, lymphoscintigraphy was performed 0.5–1.0 hours before surgery. IM-SLNB was performed on all patients with IM-SLN detected by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy or intraoperative gamma-probe. The IM-SLNB was performed from the sternal border in a lateral direction for 3–4 cm, and the pectoral major and minor muscle fibers were separated to expose the posterior intercostal space. The external and internal intercostal muscles were divided transversally from the sternal border. In this procedure, particular care must be taken to avoid injury to the inferior parietal pleura and internal mammary vessels. The visualization rate of IM-SLNB was 63.3% (38/60). The median age of the 38 patients was 50 years (range: 32–68 years). The success rate of IM-SLNB was 97.4% (37/38). The median number of IM-SLNs was 2 (total 60, range: 1–4). The site of IM-SLNs concentrated in the second (44.7%, 17/38) and third (55.3%, 21/38) inter-costal space. The median time consuming was 10 minutes (range: 5–30 minutes). The IM-SLN-positive rate was 8.1% (3/37), and all of them combined with positive axillary lymph nodes. Only two patients had intraoperative surgical complications. One had an injury to pleura and another had an injury to the internal mammary artery. They were repaired intraoperatively with no pneumothorax on postoperative chest radiography and postoperative bleeding. It is necessary to perform IM-SLNB after NAC to ascertain the nodal staging and pathological status as there were still 8.1% of patients with IM-SLNs metastases after NAC. The visualization and success rates of IM-SLNB are acceptable. The 2015 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines5 recommended that internal mammary radiotherapy should be performed on those patients with clinically and pathologically involved IMLN. IM-SLNB could help to make clear the pathological status and provide an accurate indication of radiation to the internal mammary area in case of under-stage and under-/over-treatment.