Postoperative Complications In Cardiac Surgery Research Articles

Cardiopulmonary Bypass Blood Flow Rates and Major Adverse Kidney Events in Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score-adjusted Before–After Study

ObjectiveCardiac surgery associated-acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery, which is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the association between CPB blood flow rate (CPB-BFR) and major adverse kidney events at day 30 (MAKE30). DesignRetrospective single-center before-after observational study. Patients were divided in two groups according to CPB flow rates: a first group with an institutional protocol targeting a CPB-BFR >2.2 L/min/m² (low CPB-BFR group), and a second group with a modified institutional protocol targeting a CPB-BFR >2.4 L/min/m² (high CPB-BFR group). The primary outcome was MAKE 30, defined as the composite of death, renal replacement therapy or persistent renal dysfunction. SettingThe data were collected from clinical routines in university hospital. ParticipantsAdult patients who underwent elective and urgent cardiac surgery without severe chronic renal failure, for whom CPB duration was ≥90 minutes. Interventions533 patients were included (low CPB-BFR group n=270, high CPB-BFR group n=263). Measurements and Main ResultsA significant decrease in MAKE 30 was observed in the high CPB-BFR group (3% vs. 8%; OR 0.779, 95% CI [0.661;0.919]; P<0.001) mainly mediated by a lower 30-day mortality in the high CPB-BFR group (1% vs. 5%; OR 0.697, 95% CI [0.595;0.817]; P= 0.001), as was renal replacement therapy (1% vs. 4%; OR 0.739, 95% CI [0.604;0.904]; P=0.016). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing cardiac surgery, increased CPB-BFR was associated with a reduction in MAKE 30 including mortality and renal replacement therapy.

997 Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm 40 Years Following Surgical Atrial Septal Defect Repair

Abstract Background Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare postoperative complication of cardiac surgery. It is often attributed to infection and dehiscence at sites of aortotomy, cannulation, cross-clamp placement, and proximal coronary anastomoses. Mortality risk is 29-46% and this requires prompt surgical intervention. Case summary A 48-year-old woman who underwent atrial septal defect repair at 8 years of age, presented with chest pain radiating to the right shoulder and dyspnoea. Cardiac-gated CT angiography demonstrated a 21mm pseudoaneurysm arising anteriorly from the proximal ascending aorta, 6mm above the right coronary artery ostium, likely the site of previous cardioplegia cannula. There was active blood flow from the aorta into the pseudoaneurysm sac. It was heavily calcified, apart from a thinned irregular wall inferiorly, from which rupture was imminent. She underwent emergency surgery. Using femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass, the chest was safely re-entered. Under mild hypothermia and distal ascending aorta cross-clamping, the pseudoaneurysm was resected and aorta repaired using a Gelweave patch. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home after one week. Discussion Accurate imaging, primarily via cardiac-gated CT angiography, is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning in patients presenting with aortic pseudoaneurysm, particularly those close to the aortic valve and coronary arteries. Operative strategy, including need for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and/or graft replacement of aorta, depends on pseudoaneurysm anatomy. It is recommended that preventative measures are taken during the primary operation, inserting the cardioplegia cannula tip through full-thickness purse-strings and/or addition of separate oversewing sutures after decannulation. Alternative techniques of pseudoaneurysm repair are also discussed.

Influence of preoperative serum albumin levels on postoperative complications in cardiac surgery

Objective: Verify whether lower preoperative serum albumin levels in cardiac surgery patients increase the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), pneumonia, postoperative stay in hospital and mortality. Methodology: A hundred and eighty-five medical records of patients that underwent cardiac surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 were surveyed. The albumin levels were compared between the group that presented at least one of the complications listed above and the group where that complication was not observed. The KDIGO criterion was used to define AKI. Pneumonia diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiologic and laboratory results. The postoperative time in hospital was considered increased when the patient had to stay for a period longer than 8 days. The mortality rate was defined by deaths that occurred up to 30 days after the surgery. Results: Albumin levels ≤3.87 mg/dL were associated to an increase in the risk to develop AKI (p= 0,0072). Albumin values ≤3.91 also increased the chance to have pneumonia (p= 0.0001). However, albumin was not statistically significant to predict mortality and increase in the postoperative stay in hospital. Conclusion: Serum albumin levels that were lower than or equal to 3.91 mg/dL and 3.87 mg/dL increased, respectively, the chances of developing both pneumonia and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. No significant results were obtained regarding albumin levels influence on postoperative stay in hospital or mortality.

Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap With Supercharging for Reconstruction of Extensive Thoracic Defect Due to Deep Sternal Wound Infection: A Case Report

Deep sternal wound infection is a serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery and often requires flap reconstruction. Herein, we report a case of deep sternal wound infection with an extensive thoracic defect that was successfully treated using a modified technique. This technique, defined as “supercharging,” anastomoses the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein of pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap to the transverse cervical artery and external jugular vein, respectively. The transverse cervical artery is an easily accessible and reliable recipient vessel. Therefore, we recommend that our technique be used, especially in cases of deep sternal wound infection with extensive thoracic defects.

Patient Frailty Can Increase the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery: Pilot Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe common postoperative complication of cardiac surgery (CS). It increases the risk of mortality by up to 80%. Therefore, it is essential to have preoperative risk evaluation tools. Frailty is a marker of deterioration of physiologic systems and may be associated with AKI. Purpose: The study aimed to determine the utility of frailty as a predictor of AKI after CS. Method: We enrolled 91 patients undergoing CS with cardiopulmonary bypass to determine if they had frailty before surgery and were associated with postoperative AKI. The diagnosis of postoperative AKI was based on the serum creatinine criteria of the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification up to 7 days following CS. Results: The incidence of postoperative AKI was 62% in the frail group and 21% in the non-frail group. Frailty was associated with a higher risk of AKI (relative risk [RR] = 3.00, 95% CI 1.56 - 5.77, p = 0.00). In regression models, there were associations between frailty and postoperative AKI. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that frailty could be a predictor for post-CS AKI. Therefore, frailty assessment should become an essential part of the preoperative evaluation to help the anesthesiologist to estimate the surgical risk and develop preoperative and transoperative strategies to preserve the renal function and improve the cardiac surgery outcome.

Patient Frailty Can Increase the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery: Pilot Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe common postoperative complication of cardiac surgery (CS). It increases the risk of mortality by up to 80%. Therefore, it is essential to have preoperative risk evaluation tools. Frailty is a marker of deterioration of physiologic systems and may be associated with AKI. Purpose: The study aimed to determine the utility of frailty as a predictor of AKI after CS. Method: We enrolled 91 patients undergoing CS with cardiopulmonary bypass to determine if they had frailty before surgery and were associated with postoperative AKI. The diagnosis of postoperative AKI was based on the serum creatinine criteria of the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification up to 7 days following CS. Results: The incidence of postoperative AKI was 62% in the frail group and 21% in the non-frail group. Frailty was associated with a higher risk of AKI (relative risk [RR] = 3.00, 95% CI 1.56 - 5.77, p = 0.00). In regression models, there were associations between frailty and postoperative AKI. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that frailty could be a predictor for post-CS AKI. Therefore, frailty assessment should become an essential part of the preoperative evaluation to help the anesthesiologist to estimate the surgical risk and develop preoperative and transoperative strategies to preserve the renal function and improve the cardiac surgery outcome.

Application value of echocardiography in transthoracic punctural closure of postoperative residual ventricular septal defect of congenital heart disease.

Residual ventricular septal defect (VSD) after congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the major postoperative complications in cardiac surgery. At present, the commonly used clinical treatment methods for this complication are reoperation to redo surgical repair with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and percutaneous transcatheter device closure, but these 2 methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Transthoracic punctural closure of residual VSD is a feasible, safe, and novel technique for patients with residual VSD, which avoids not only the risk of difficulties in reoperation under another CPB due to thoracic adhesion, but also the risk of radiation exposure. Moreover, the operation is easier to handle due to short and direct operation path. This study aims to explore the role and value of echocardiography in transthoracic punctural closure of postoperative residual VSD of CHD. A total of 25 patients, who were admitted in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University and accepted transthoracic punctural closure of postoperative residual VSD, were collected. The morphology of the residual VSD and the distance from tricuspid valve and aortic valve were assessed by trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) preoperatively, and the location of the punctural point and the direction of puncture were determined. The establishment of delivery track and releasing of occluder device were accurately guided by TEE intraoperatively. The position and morphology of the occluder device, residual shunt, aortic regurgitaion, and outflow obstruction were required close attention in immediately postoperative evaluation. If any dislocation or residual shunt was found, adjustments were needed immediately. Follow-ups were performed at 3-5 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation. Occluder location, residual shunt, valvular function, and other complications were observed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to assess the effect of the closure by occluder. Ventricular size and cardiac function were determined to evaluate the state of ventricular remodeling. In addition, cardiac rhythm was monitored by ECG periodically. Of the 25 patients underwent transthoracic punctural closure of postoperative residual VSD, except 1 double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and 1 tetralogy of fallot (TOF) postoperative patients failured and immediately received a thoracotomy surgery with CPB due to excessive size of residual defect and the irregular morphology, the rest 23 patients were successfully closed by the occluders (92.0%). Among the 23 occluders (diameters range from 5 mm to 10 mm), membrane symmetrical VSD occluders were applied to 17 cases, small-waist-large-edge VSD occluder was applied to 1 case, and eccentric VSD occluders were applied to 5 cases. TEE, applied immediately after occlusion, showed the satisfactory position and the shaping of the occluders. There were no residual shunts, no cardiac tamponade, no thrombosis and outflow obstruction. Two patients had small amounts of pericardial effusion. No newly emerging valve reflux was observed. After 3-48 months of observation, there was no device displacement, newly emerging valve reflux, and residual shunt. One case had incomplete right bundle branch block. Guided by TEE, transthoracic punctural closure of postoperative residual ventricular septal defect of CHD is safe and effective. This procedure has broadened the indications for the minimally invasive treatment of CHD and improved the technical system of the minimally invasive treatment of CHD. TEE which can provide accurate diagnosis and guide the whole process plays a decisive role in this operation technique.

Intra-operative and early post-operative prediction of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: Urinary oxygen tension compared with plasma and urinary biomarkers.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious post-operative complication of cardiac surgery. The value of a predictive biomarker is determined not only by its predictive efficacy, but also by how early this prediction can be made. For a biomarker of cardiac surgery-associated AKI, this is ideally during the intra-operative period. Therefore, in 82 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), we prospectively compared the predictive efficacy of various blood and urinary biomarkers with that of continuous measurement of urinary oxygen tension (UPO2 ) at pre-determined intra- and post-operative time-points. None of the blood or urine biomarkers we studied showed predictive efficacy for post-operative AKI when measured intra-operatively. When treated as a binary variable (≤ or > median for the whole cohort), the earliest excess risk of AKI was predicted by an increase in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) at 3h after entry into the intensive care unit (odds ratio [95% confidence limits], 2.86 [1.14-7.21], p=0.03). Corresponding time-points were 6h for serum creatinine (3.59 [1.40-9.20], p=0.008), and 24h for plasma NGAL (4.54 [1.73-11.90], p=0.002) and serum cystatin C (6.38 [2.35-17.27], p=0.001). In contrast, indices of intra-operative urinary hypoxia predicted AKI after weaning from CPB, and in the case of a fall in UPO2 to ≤10mmHg, during the rewarming phase of CPB (3.00 [1.19-7.56], p=0.02). We conclude that continuous measurement of UPO2 predicts AKI earlier than plasma or urinary NGAL, serum cystatin C, or early post-operative changes in serum creatinine.

Blood pressure variability during pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with acute kidney injury.

Blood pressure variability (BPV), defined as the degree of variation between discrete blood pressure readings, is associated with poor outcomes in acute care settings. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children. No studies have yet assessed the association between intraoperative BPV during cardiac surgery with CPB and the development of AKI in children. A retrospective chart review of children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB was performed. Intraoperative BPV was calculated using average real variability (ARV) and standard deviation (SD). Multiple regression models were used to examine the association between BPV and outcomes of AKI, hospital and intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay, and length of mechanical ventilation. Among 231 patients (58% males, median age 8.6months) reviewed, 51.5% developed AKI (47.9% Stage I, 41.2% Stage II, 10.9% Stage III). In adjusted models, systolic and diastolic ARV were associated with development of any stage AKI (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08-1.8 and OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.05-1.8, respectively). Greater diastolic SD was associated with longer PICU length of stay (β 0.94, 95% CI 0.62-1.2). When stratified by age, greater systolic ARV and SD were associated with AKI in infants ≤ 12months, but there was no relationship in children > 12months. Greater BPV during cardiac surgery with CPB was associated with development of postoperative AKI in infants, suggesting that BPV is a potentially modifiable risk factor for AKI in this high-risk population.

Perioperative Management After Elective Cardiac Surgery: the Predictive Value of Procalcitonin for Infective and Noninfective Complications

Objective: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been associated with adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on thresholds and timing of PCTmeasurement to predict adverse outcomes. Materials & methods: A total of960 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were retrospectively evaluated. PCT levels were measured from the first to the seventh postoperative day (POD). The onset of complications was recorded. Results: Complications occurred in 421 (44%) patients. PCT on the third POD was associated with the occurrence of any kind of complications (odds ratio: 1.06; p: 0.037), and noninfectious complications (odds ratio: 1.05; p: 0.035), after adjusting. PCT above the median value at the third POD (>0.33μg/l) predicted postoperative complications (incidence rate ratio: 1.13; p = 0.035). Conclusion: PCT seems to predict postoperative complications in cardiac surgery. The determination at the third POD yields the greatest sensitivity and specificity.

A Newly Proposed HbA1C-Hemoglobin Ratio - A Better Predictor of Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery When Compared to HbA1C and Anemia Alone

HbA1C's predictive value for postoperative complications in cardiac surgery has been mixed. Studies did not account for HbA1C being over-read in anemic patients. This study proposes a novel way of using a ratio of HbA1C over hemoglobin (HH ratio). Retrospective recruitment of patients undergoing cardiac surgery was done with ethics approval. The primary objective of our study is to look for the correlation of HH ratio with 90-day (short-term) and 1-year (long-term) mortality. The secondary objective is to investigate its association with other adverse events. Statistical analysis was done using multivariable regressions and Cox proportional hazard models. Of the 974 patients recruited, 618 had a HH Ratio<0.5, 284 between 0.5-0.7 and 72 had the ratio >0.7. HH ratio of 0.5-0.7 and >0.7 was associated with 90-day mortality (HR 5.12, P = 0.033 and HR 7.25, P= 0.048 respectively) and 1-year mortality (HR 4.53, P = 0.028 and HR 9.20, P = 0.022 respectively). The higher HH ratio groups were also associated with increased length of stay (hours) in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001) and renal complications (P < 0.001). Our study showed a positive association of HH ratio with 90-day and 1-year mortality and postoperative adverse outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The HH ratio has the potential to be a new perioperative target.

Effect of Modified Ultrafiltration on Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers and Clinical Outcome in Adult Patients Undergoing Valvular Heart Surgery

Background: Cardiac surgery associated with acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). CSA-AKI varies between 7% and 40% in large cohorts undergoing a variety of cardiac surgical procedures and is associated independently with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the effect of using modified ultrafiltration on acute kidney injury by using the levels of AKI biomarkers (serum creatinine and NGAL) in adult patients with no previous chronic renal disease undergoing valvular heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the cardiothoracic surgery unit, Kasr AL-Ainy hospital from February 2017 to July 2017 on 40 patients who underwent valve replacement surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1: Non-MUF group. Group 2: MUF group. Results: Regarding serum creatinine, the preoperative and 2h postoperative levels were not statistically different between the two studied groups (P>0.05), while in the non-MUF group, there was a significant increase (P 0.05) between AKI and non-AKI patients in preoperative levels while the postoperative creatinine levels were significantly higher (P<0.04) in AKI than non-AKI patients. Conclusion: AKI after cardiac surgery is independently associated with a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs.

Perfil clínico de la fibrilación auricular en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca. Experiencia de un centro universitario

Introduction: atrial fibrillation is a frequent postoperative complication of cardiac surgery. Internationally, an incidence of 30% is registered, being its maximum peak between the second and third postoperative day, however, we do not have data in our center.Method: a prospective cohort study was carried out, approved by the institutional ethics committee. It included patients over the age of 18 years, who received cardiac surgery between January 1 and December 31, 2018 at a university cardiovascular center. Those patients with AF at the time of surgery were excluded. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were recorded. Continuous variables were presented as median and interquartile range, categorical variables in absolute value and relative frequencies. The incidence was calculated as the number of new cases / total population. Associations were evaluated with chi square and Mann Whitney test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed. A p <0.05 was considered significant.Results: 104 patients were included. Median age of 66 years, 51% male. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 29%, with a maximum between the second and third day, and a duration of less than 24 hours in 83% of cases. Recurrence during admission was 38%. Amiodarone was used for acute treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation in 100% of cases, beta-blockers in 63%, digoxin 7%, and electrical cardioversion in 26%. All the patients were in sinus rhythm at discharge and one month after surgery. Variables with a significant association in univariate analysis for postoperative atrial fibrillation risk were age (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12 p = 0.007) and chronic kidney disease (OR 3.75, 95% CI: 1.4-9.4 p = 0.005). A risk score of less than 14 in the Multicenter Risk Index (OR 0.18; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93 p = 0.04) and smoking were “protective” in the univariate analysis (OR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.14-0.98 p = 0.048). In the multivariate analysis, no variable reached statistical significance. A significant association was identified between postoperative atrial fibrillation and pulmonary edema (p <0.001), shock (p <0.04) and acute renal failure (p <0.01). Postoperative atrial fibrillation patients had a median of 5 aditional days of hospitalization (p <0.0003).Conclusion: A high incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was found in the studied population. Factors associated with a higher risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation were identified, as well as an association with other serious complications in the postoperative period. The results highlight the importance of protocolizing the recognition of risk patients as well as their treatment.

Tissue oxygen saturation changes and postoperative complications in cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study

BackgroundCardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) can induce microvascular dysfunction and tissue hypoperfusion. We hypothesized that the alterations in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived parameters would be associated with post-operative complications in cardiac surgery patients.MethodsProspective observational study performed at two University Hospitals. Ninety patients undergoing cardiac surgery with ECC were enrolled. The NIRS sensor was applied on the thenar eminence. A vascular occlusion test (VOT, 3-min ischemia) was performed at baseline (t0), at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (t1), 3 (t2) and 6 (t3) hours later. Baseline tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), oxygen extraction rate and microvascular reactivity indices were calculated.ResultsIn the first hours after cardiac surgery, StO2 tended to increase (86% [80–89] at T3 versus 82% [79–86] at T0, p = ns), while both tissue oxygen extraction and microvascular reactivity tended to decrease, as indicated by increasing occlusion slope (− 8.1%/min [− 11.2 to − 7] at T3 versus − 11.2%/min [− 13.9 to − 7.9] at T0, p = ns) and decreasing recovery slope (1.9%/sec [1.1–2.9] at T3 versus 3.1%/sec [2.3–3.9] at T0, p = ns). No substantial differences were found in NIRS-derived variables and their changes over time between patients with complications and those without complications.ConclusionsPeripheral tissue oxygen extraction and microvascular reactivity were reduced during the first hours after cardiac surgery. NIRS-derived parameters were not able to predict complications in this population of cardiac surgery patients.

Effect of red blood cell storage duration on major postoperative complications in cardiac surgery: A randomized trial

BackgroundAlthough observational studies suggest an association between transfusion of older red blood cell (RBC) units and increased postoperative risk, randomized trials have not supported this. The objective of this randomized trial was to test the effect of RBC storage age on outcomes after cardiac surgery. MethodsFrom July 2007 to May 2016, 3835 adults undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac valve procedures, or ascending aorta repair, either alone or in combination, were randomized to transfusion of RBCs stored for ≤14 days (younger units) or for ≥20 days (older units) intraoperatively and throughout the postoperative hospitalization. According to protocol, 2448 patients were excluded because they did not receive RBC transfusions. Among the remaining 1387 modified intent-to-treat patients, 701 were randomized to receive younger RBC units (median age, 11 days) and the remaining 686 to receive older units (median age, 25 days). The primary endpoint was composite morbidity and mortality, analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. The trial was discontinued midway owing to enrollment constraints. ResultsA total of 5470 RBC units were transfused, including 2783 in the younger RBC storage group and 2687 in the older RBC storage group. The GEE average relative-effect odds ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-1.19; P = .083) for the composite morbidity and mortality endpoint. In-hospital mortality was lower for the younger RBC storage group (2.1% [n = 15] vs 3.4% [n = 23]), as was occurrence of other adverse events except for atrial fibrillation, although all CIs crossed 1.0. ConclusionsThis clinical trial, which was stopped at its midpoint owing to enrollment constraints, supports neither the efficacy nor the futility of transfusing either younger or older RBC units. The effects of transfusing RBCs after even more prolonged storage (35-42 days) remains untested.

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NACETYLCYSTEINE AND BICARBONATE IN RENAL PROTECTION AFTER CARDIAC BYPASS SURGERY

Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is a common and serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery that employs cardiopulmonary bypass. Acute renal failure occurs in up to 30% of patients who undergo cardiac surgery. Aim of the Work: to compare between the effectiveness of acetylcysteine and bicarbonate in prevention of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective cardiac bypass surgeries. Patients and Methods: This interventional prospective comparative randomized single blinded study was conducted on 120 cardiac patients, hypertensive, diabetic with normal preoperative kidney functions, of either sex, aging >40 years old, scheduled for elective cardiac bypass surgery at Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Ain Shams University hospitals. Study started June 2017 and ended December 2018; after the approval of the ethical medical committee and obtaining a written informed consent from thepatient. Results: The current study showed nonsignificant correlation between usage of NAC and bicarbonate and renal protection after cardiac bypass surgeries. Also the current study showed the more the time of aortic clamping, time of CPB and the lower the MAP during CPB, the more the rise in serum creatinine after 24 hours. Conclusion: The current study shows that perioperative intravenous administration of NAC with or without sodium bicarbonate may not have a role in prevention of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective cardiac bypass surgeries as detected by serum creatinine and creatinine clearance.

APPLICATION OF VARIABLE VACUUM IN CARDIOSURGERY WITH COMPLICATIONS

In the conditions of progress of modern medicine in the field of surgery, antibacterial therapy and preventive practices, postoperative sternomediastinal infections still remain a pressing public health problem. They have a significant impact on the survival rate, duration of hospitalization and the economic burden of treating cardiac patients. The problem of postoperative complications in cardiac surgery is very relevant at present, given the increase in the number of geriatric patients, patients with overweight and diabetes . Median sternotomy, as a surgical approach, has several disadvantages, one of which is the risk of developing infectious complications in the field of surgical intervention. They proceed with the formation of a superficial or deep wound infection, diastasis and fragmentation of the sternum, destabilization of the bone skeleton of the chest .

Arterial stiffness is a predictor for acute kidney injury following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BackgroundCardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery, an episode of which impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. Pulse wave velocity (PWV; a non-invasive measurement tool to assess arterial stiffness) has been shown to predict kidney disease progression, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. We hypothesised that PWV would also predict acute kidney injury in subjects who have undergone non-valve repair elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery .MethodsThis was a prospective, observational, exploratory study. PWV was determined with a Vicorder device, together with standard clinical and biochemical parameters. AKI staging was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines.Results137 patients were included in the study. 85% were male, and mean age was 66.3 years (SD = 9.7 years). There were 40 episodes (29%) of CSA-AKI. Each 1 unit increase in PWV score was associated with a 1.5 fold greater odds of a CSA-AKI event (p = 0.006(odds ratio = 1.5; confidence interval:1.13–2.10). A 1 unit increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate resulted in an estimated 85% decrease in the odds of developing AKI, each year, men have an odds reduction of 15% of developing AKI compared with females and each 1 year increase in age lowered the odds of developing AKI by 87%.ConclusionsThis pilot exploratory study revealed that PWV, assessed prior to non-valve repair elective CABG surgery, independently predicts CSA-AKI events. PWV is a simple, non-invasive technique that could potentially be used to risk stratify for CSA- AKI following elective cardiac surgery.Trial registrationClinTrial.Gov NCT02364427. Registered 18 February 2015.

Cost of individual complications following coronary artery bypass grafting

ObjectiveThe financial implications of postoperative complications in cardiac surgery remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to define the cost of surgery without complications and demonstrate the incremental cost of each complication. MethodsAll patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were evaluated (2006-2015) from a statewide Society of Thoracic Surgeons database collaborative (N = 36,588). Patients were stratified by presence of postoperative complications, including major morbidities as defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ie, prolonged ventilation, renal failure, reoperation, stroke, and deep sternal wound infection). Hierarchical modeling was used to identify the independent inflation-adjusted cost of each complication while controlling for hospital variation and time. ResultsThe median age was 64 years, 74.3% were men, and average predicted risk of mortality was 1.9%. A total of 24,738 (67.7%) patients experienced no complications at an average cost of $36,580. Each complication independently increases the cost of care and resulted in an exponential increase in cost. After accounting for incidence and incremental costs, institutions in our collaborative have spent an estimated $59.1 million on prolonged ventilation, $8.3 million on renal failure, $7.6 million on reoperation, $3.3 million on stroke, and $256,000 on deep sternal wound infections over the past 10 years. ConclusionsThe average cost of CABG without complication was $36,580. Each additional major complication resulted in an exponential increase in cost. Over the past 10 years, the total cost of complications after isolated CABG was $78.6 million, emphasizing the importance of quality improvement projects to contain costs.

Kruchość chorych kierowanych na operacje kardiochirurgiczne — badanie pilotażowe

Introduction. Frailty has been recently approved in many surgical fields as the acknowledged preoperative predictor of adverse postoperative complications. Several methods are available to assess frailty assessment which focus on different patient-related data. The aims of the study were: 1) to verify whether frailty may predict early postoperative complications in cardiac surgery; and 2) to investigate the agreement between objective and subjective assessment of frailty. Material and methods. This prospective study included 54 consecutive patients (32 men; median age 75 years) hospitalized between December 2015 and February 2016. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS, subjective tool) and the Modified Frailty Index (MFI, objective tool). Complications were evaluated based on medical records. Results. The median EFS was 6 (IQR 5–7) points. Frailty was observed in 15% and vulnerability in 49% of subjects. The median MFI was 0.45 (IQR 0.36–0.56). We found a weak correlation between frailty and the length of hospital stay (EFS: r = 0.22; P = 0.1; MFI: r = 0.324; P = 0.02). Neither tools could predict the occurrence of postoperative complications (EFS: AUROC = 0.602; 95% CI 0.459–0.732; P = 0.2; MFI: AUROC = 0.532; 95% CI 0.389–0.670; P = 0.2). We found no correlation between EFS and MFI (r = 0.05, P = 0.7). Conclusions. Although many elderly cardiac surgical patients are at risk of frailty, none of the evaluated methods could predict postoperative complications. Available diagnostic tools to assess frailty cannot be used interchangeably. Subjective assessment (by a patient) should be verified by objective evaluation (by a treating physician) and conclusions should be drawn based on the overall clinical picture.