Postoperative Ventilation Research Articles

Thoracic paravertebral versus interpleural catheter for post-thoracotomy pain control in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of paravertebral block (PVB) and interpleural analgesia (IPA) after minimally invasive cardiac surgery through thoracotomy in terms of quality of analgesia, post-operative mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) and complications. A randomized, prospective study. A total of 50 adult patients (18-50 years old) undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery via thoracotomy. Patients were randomized for group A: paravertebral epidural catheter (n = 25), group B: interpleural catheter (n = 25). All patients were given Inj. Bupivacaine 0.125%, 8 ml and Inj. Tramadol 100 mg as an adjuvant, total volume 10 ml. After obtaining institutional review board approval, data collected and analysed - visual analogue score (VAS) at rest and on coughing, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, time to extubation, supplementary analgesia requirement, LOS and complications. VAS was recorded at 0, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-extubation, while blood gases at-after shifting, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. There were no significant differences in haemodynamic or respiratory parameters, VAS at rest and on coughing, ventilation duration, ICU and hospital LOS between two groups. The requirement of rescue analgesia was in one patient of mini coronary artery bypass in group B, while one patient in group A required reintubation due to respiratory acidosis and got successfully extubated on next day morning. PVB and IPA both are safe and effective techniques for minimally invasive cardiac surgery with thoracotomy. It allows optimal pain control and safe ICU fast-track post-operative course.

CODE BLUE in a patient with tracheal stent: Are we fully equipped?

Sir, Airway stents have long been used to maintain luminal integrity of compromised airway in case of obstruction and malignancy.[1] The complications associated with airway stent placement are malposition, haemorrhage, airway rupture during placement, migration, impaction, formation of granulation tissue, and stent fracture.[2] We present here a challenging case of an airway emergency in a patient with a tracheal stent inserted for a malignancy. A 29-year-old woman diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea 2 years back had undergone debulking of tumor, tracheal stenting with a metallic stent, and chemo-radiotherapy elsewhere. On the second day of admission, CODE BLUE was activated in view of acute onset biphasic stridor, with air hunger and low oxygen saturation. Despite resuscitation measures, the patient had persistent tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia with non-rebreathing mask (15 L/min of O2). A review of Computed Tomography (CT) neck revealed a tracheal narrowing 1.7 cm distal to vocal cords with narrowest diameter of 6 mm [Figure 1a], complicating an imminent intubation for the patient. She was pre-oxygenated with a non-invasive ventilation mask. Intravenous boluses of fentanyl 75 mcg, muscle relaxant (suxamethonium 100 mg) was given and intubated with a 5.0 mm ID cuffed endotracheal (ET) tube through direct laryngoscopy. A chest x-ray confirmed the position of the ET tube but it fell short of bypassing the tracheal stent, which was reflected in decreased tidal volumes and increased peak pressure. As the length of the 5.0 mm ET tube (23 cm) was not enough to bypass the stent, we had to increase the length by rail roading another 6.5 mm ID tube at the distal end, after removing the connector [Figure 1b]. This step significantly improved the tidal volumes (350-400 ml) without much rise in peak pressure with marked improvement in the oxygenation of patient in the blood gas analysis. Patient underwent bronchoscopic biopsy and excision of mass around the stent after putting on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for oxygenation. Post-procedure ET tube was removed after suctioning and intubated with 7.0 mm ID ET tube for postoperative ventilation and eventually extubated.Figure 1: (a) image showing CECT neck with tracheal stent in situ. (b) image showing the proximal end of 6.5 mm ID tube is cut and railroaded over 5.0 mm ID tube to increase the lengthSecuring airway in an in-hospital CODE blue needs quick thinking and swift action. This case highlights a unique situation where a tracheal stent precluded a “conventional intubation.” A tracheostomy could damage the stent and a supraglottic airway device risked aspiration.[3] A fibre-optic bronchoscope is essential and the best available option to ensure correct position of the tube within the stent or just above the stent. It can also avoid stent-related complications but is not readily available everywhere.[4] No formal guidelines are available in terms of airway management with tracheal stents in situ. A literature search also revealed paucity of data with regard to management in similar case scenarios. Microlaryngeal surgery (MLS) tubes can be made available in the CODE BLUE kits anticipating such scenarios, as they are longer than conventional ET tubes with same internal diameter.[5] This case though uncommon highlights the need to incorporate airway management in cases of tracheal stents as part of our teaching curriculum. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Elective Tracheotomy in Patients Receiving Mandibular Reconstructions: Reduced Postoperative Ventilation Time and Lower Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia.

Elective tracheotomy (ET) secures the airway and prevents adverse airway-related events as unplanned secondary tracheotomy (UT), prolonged ventilation (PPV) or nosocomial infection. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors predisposing for airway complications after reconstructive lower ja surgery. We reviewed records of patients undergoing mandibulectomy and microvascular bone reconstruction (N = 123). Epidemiological factors, modus of tracheotomy regarding ET and UT, postoperative ventilation time and occurrence of hospital-acquired pneumonia HAP were recorded. Predictors for PPV and HAP, ET and UT were identified. A total of 82 (66.7%) patients underwent tracheotomy of which 12 (14.6%) were performed as UT. A total of 52 (42.3%) patients presented PPV, while 19 (15.4%) developed HAP. Increased operation time (OR 1.004, p = 0.005) and a difficult airway (OR 2.869, p = 0.02) were predictors, while ET reduced incidence of PPV (OR 0.054, p = 0.006). A difficult airway (OR 4.711, p = 0.03) and postoperative delirium (OR 6.761, p = 0.01) increased UT performance. HAP increased with anesthesia induction time (OR 1.268, p = 0.001) and length in ICU (OR 1.039, p = 0.009) while decreasing in ET group (HR 0.32, p = 0.02). OR for ET increased with mounting CCI (OR 1.462, p = 0.002) and preoperative radiotherapy (OR 2.8, p = 0.018). ET should be strongly considered in patients with increased CCI, preoperative radiotherapy and prolonged operation time. ET shortened postoperative ventilation time and reduced HAP.

Outcomes of heart-lung transplantation in Eisenmenger syndrome compared to primary pulmonary hypertension.

Heart-Lung Transplantation (HLTX) is required both in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) when there is associated end-stage heart disease. Although PPH is associated with an otherwise structurally normal heart, ES is associated with congenital heart defects, which may increase the complexity of the operation. This study analyzes if the diagnosis (PPH vs. ES) is related to short-term outcomes after HLTX. Patients ≥18 years of age with PPH and ES who underwent HLTX were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2005 to 2021. Patients were propensity score matched on heart and lung listing status at the time of transplant. Univariable, multivariable, and Kaplan-Meir survival analyses were performed. The unmatched cohort had 128 PPH and 44 ES patients, and the matched cohort had 44 patients in each group. PPH patients had lower waitlist times and PA pressures but higher FEV1, heart, and lung listing status and ECMO bridge. There were no differences in immediate postoperative outcomes such as dialysis, stroke, and airway dehiscence. PPH patients had a higher treatment rejection in the first year. The 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival were better in the PPH group. However, a landmark analysis excluding deaths within 30 days eliminated differences in survival between the groups. Post-transplant dialysis and postoperative mechanical ventilation >5 days were risk factors for 1-year mortality in ES. The short-term outcomes of HLTX are inferior in ES compared to PPH and much of the attrition in ES occurs in the immediate postoperative period.

Review of postoperative extubation in cardiac surgery patients

Cardiac surgery patients traditionally remained intubated overnight; however, fast-track protocols were developed for extubation 12 h and then 6 h postoperatively.1 Benefits of shorter intubation time include reduced Critical Care length of stay with no apparent harmful effects.1 Multidisciplinary extubation protocols have been shown to reduce postoperative ventilation time in cardiac surgery patients.2 Our Critical Care Unit uses a multidisciplinary extubation protocol where routine cases have a sedation break at 2 h after surgery and extubation by 6 h. We audited our compliance with this target and looked at the reasons why these targets were not reached.

A comparison of total thoracoscopic versus robotic approach for cardiac myxoma resection: a single-center retrospective study

Advances in instrumentation and technique have facilitated minimally invasive surgeries for cardiac myxoma treatment. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between the thoracoscopic and robotic approaches for myxoma resection. Intraoperative data and postoperative data of 46 patients who underwent either thoracoscopic (n = 15) or robotic (n = 31) cardiac myxoma resection in our center between July 2013 and September 2022 were retrospectively compared. There was no in-hospital death in either group. Meanwhile, the operative time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly shorter in the robotic group than in thoracoscopic group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.035, respectively). Furthermore, shorter ICU stays (P = 0.006), shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time (P = 0.035) and less thoracic drainage (P = 0.040) were observed in the robotic group. However, the operating room costs and total hospital costs were both significantly lower in thoracoscopic group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Lastly, a faster return to exercise was noted in robotic group than in thoracoscopic group (Log-Rank χ2 = 4.094, P = 0.043). Both approaches can be safe and feasible for myxoma resection. However, regardless of higher expenses, the robotic myxoma resection approach provides shorter operation time, less postoperative thoracic drainage, and faster recovery than total thoracoscopic technique.

Blood transfusion in aortic root surgery impairs midterm survival

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of perioperative allogeneic packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during aortic root replacement. MethodWe reviewed patients undergoing aortic root replacement at our institution between March 2014 and April 2020. In total, 760 patients underwent aortic root replacement, of whom 442 (58%) received a perioperative RBC transfusion. Propensity score matching was used to account for baseline and operative differences resulting in 159 matched pairs. All-cause mortality was assessed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Data were obtained from our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and chart review. ResultsAfter propensity score matching, the RBC-transfused and -nontransfused groups were similar for all preoperative characteristics. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, crossclamp time, and lowest operative temperature were similar between the transfused and nontransfused groups (standardized mean difference <0.05). RBC transfusion was associated with more frequent postoperative ventilation greater than 24 hours (36/159 [23%] vs 19/159 [12%]; P = .01), postoperative hemodialysis (9/159 [5.7%] vs 0/159 [0%]; P = .003), reoperation for mediastinal hemorrhage (9/159 [5.7%] vs 0/159 [0%]; P = .003), and longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (3 vs 2 days and 8 vs 6 days respectively; P < .001). Thirty-day operative mortality after propensity score matching was similar between the cohorts (1.9%; 3/159 vs 0%; P = .2), and 5-year survival was reduced in the RBC transfusion cohort (90.2% [95% confidence interval, 84.1%-96.7%] vs 97.1% [95% confidence interval, 92.3%-100%] P = .035). ConclusionsAortic root replacement frequently requires RBC transfusion during and after the operation, but even after matching for observed preoperative and operative characteristics, RBC transfusion is associated with more frequent postoperative complications and reduced midterm survival.

A simple-to-use nomogram for predicting prolonged mechanical ventilation for children after Ebstein anomaly corrective surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundProlonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after pediatric cardiac surgery imposes a great burden on patients in terms of morbidity, mortality as well as financial costs. Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease, and few studies have been conducted about PMV in this condition. This study aimed to establish a simple-to-use nomogram to predict the risk of PMV for EA children.MethodsThe retrospective study included patients under 18 years who underwent corrective surgeries for EA from January 2009 to November 2021. PMV was defined as postoperative mechanical ventilation time longer than 24 hours. Through multivariable logistic regression, we identified and integrated the risk factors to develop a simple-to-use nomogram of PMV for EA children and internally validated it by bootstrapping. The calibration and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsTwo hundred seventeen children were included in our study of which 44 (20.3%) were in the PMV group. After multivariable regression, we obtained five risk factors of PMV. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were as follows: preoperative blood oxygen saturation, 0.876(0.805,0.953); cardiothoracic ratio, 3.007(1.107,8.169); Carpentier type, 4.644(2.065,10.445); cardiopulmonary bypass time, 1.014(1.005,1.023) and postoperative central venous pressure, 1.166(1.016,1.339). We integrated the five risk factors into a nomogram to predict the risk of PMV. The area under ROC curve of nomogram was 0.805 (95% CI, 0.725,0.885) and it also provided a good discriminative information with the corresponding Hosmer-Lemeshow p values > 0.05.ConclusionsWe developed a nomogram by integrating five independent risk factors. The nomogram is a practical tool to early identify children at high-risk for PMV after EA corrective surgery.

Chronic hypoxia prolongs postoperative mechanical ventilation and reduces the left atrial pressure threshold in children with tetralogy of Fallot.

Chronic hypoxia induces pulmonary microvascular endothelial dysfunction. The left atrial pressure (LAP) represents the hydrostatic pressure of pulmonary microcirculation. The conjunction of the LAP and any abnormal pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier function will have an impact on pulmonary exudation, resulting in prolonged mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to investigate the tolerance threshold of the pulmonary microcirculation to LAP in children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgery. This retrospective study included 297 Chinese patients who underwent TOF correction at Fuwai Hospital. Patients were categorized according to their preoperative oxygen saturation (SpO2) level. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) revealed a total of 126 participants in the SpO2 < 90% and SpO2 ≥ 90% groups. Between-group comparisons were conducted to verify the correlation between hypoxia and prolonged mechanical ventilation. A subgroup analysis was performed to reveal the significant role of postoperative LAP stewardship on prolonged mechanical ventilation. Failure to extubate within the first 48 h (23.81% vs. 9.52%, P = 0.031) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (26.98% vs. 11.11%, P = 0.023) were more commonly observed in children with preoperative SpO2 < 90%. The incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation consistently increased with LAP in both the SpO2 < 90% and SpO2 ≥ 90% groups, although LAP was still within the normal range (6-12 mmHg). Children in chronic hypoxic conditions tolerated lower LAP well. The tolerance threshold for postoperative LAP in children diagnosed with TOF under chronic hypoxic conditions was identified as 7 mmHg. Children in a chronic hypoxic state may suffer from a high incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgical correction of TOF and may not tolerate higher postoperative LAP. To improve pulmonary prognosis, it is better to control and maintain the postoperative LAP at a lower state (≤7 mmHg) in children with chronic hypoxia.

Postoperative pulmonary complication as an emerging complication in major head and neck cancer surgery: A retrospective study.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are one of the most significant complications following head and neck cancer surgery (HNCS). Patients requiring tracheostomy, free tissue transfer reconstruction, and postoperative ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU) may have a high incidence of PPCs. This study aimed to identify the most likely situations for developing PPCs in HNCS. A retrospective analysis of 40 patients who had undergone HNCS has been conducted. We individually traced each patient for 7 days postoperatively and collected data on various parameters. The incidence of PPCs after HNCS is more with free flap reconstruction. Patient-related risk factors with PPCs were advanced age, smoking, body mass index (BMI) >25, and bilateral or unilateral neck dissection. Postoperative ICU stay was significantly related to an increased incidence of PPCs. In terms of specific surgical sites, both the maxilla and mandible also showed significant relationship with PPCs. Tracheostomy was also considered a related factor in developing PPCs. To reduce PPCs in HNCS, patients with one or more of these risk factors should be subjected to exaggerated postoperative pulmonary care.

Anaesthesia in SARS-CoV-2 infected children - single-centre experience. Acase-control study.

Although manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is gene-rally mild or asymptomatic, anaesthetic implications of the infection in children are still a matter of concern. Single reports suggest that patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at higher risk of anaesthetic complications. We performed a retrospective, case control study analysing the risk of general anaesthesia in SARS-CoV-2 infected children admitted to a tertiary paediatric university hospital for the purpose of urgent procedures requiring anaesthesia between April 1st and September 30 th , 2021. The control group consisted of SARS-CoV-2 negative children consecutively anaesthetised for the same reasons during the first month of observation. Our hypothesis was: general anaesthesia can be safely performed in SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Study endpoints: primary - anaesthetic respiratory complications (bronchospasm, laryngospasm, intraoperative desaturation below 94%, desaturation below 94% after awakening, unplanned postoperative mechanical ventilation); secondary - hospital length of stay, thrombotic, cardiac, haemorrhagic events, ICU admission, deaths during hospitalisation. The examined group consisted of 58 SARS-CoV-2 infected children, the matched control group of 198 patients. The rate of complications in both groups was very low, with no significant difference between the groups. The only differences observed were a higher frequency of desaturations in the awakening period and longer time of hospitalisation in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that physical status of the patient and duration of the procedure were the main factors influencing the risk of complications. In our experience anaesthesia of SARS-CoV-2 infected children can be safely performed.

Recommendations on Perioperative Management and Emergency Intubation for Patients with Omicron

The Chinese National Health Commission adopted the strategy of "Category B and Category B Management" for Omicron infection on January 8, 2023, which might have triggered the recent Omicron epidemic in China. This undoubtedly poses a great challenge to the medical system. For anesthesiologists, under the new trend of Omicron epidemic, perioperative anesthesia management of patients with Omicron has become the focus of attentions, which includes the whole process of preoperative visits, intraoperative management, and postoperative analgesia and ventilation monitoring. Moreover, in case of respiratory failure necessitating emergency intubation, safe, rapid, and effective emergency tracheal intubation is also a focus worthy of attention and discussion. We put forward the latest suggestions on perioperative management and emergency tracheal intubation during the Omicron pandemic.

Dexmedetomidine versus propofol or midazolam in patients with abdominal sepsis regarding inflammatory response and capillary leak

ABSTRACT Background Abdominal sepsis patients suffer from profound intravascular fluid deficit due to concomitant inflammatory response and capillary leakage. It is reported that anti-inflammatory properties of sedative agents can control inflammatory cascade in many experimental septic conditions. We aimed to investigate the best sedative drug for inflammatory responses and capillary leak in patients with abdominal sepsis. Methods In this prospective randomized study, 60 patients with abdominal sepsis who underwent abdominal surgery and required post-operative sedation and mechanical ventilation were randomized into 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Group D (sedated with dexmedetomidine), group P (sedated with propofol), and group M (sedated with midazolam). This study was held in intensive care units of Assiut University Hospitals with primary outcome was serum IL-6 and IL-1β. Secondary outcomes were capillary leak index, lactate clearance, vasopressor requirements, total intake, total output, and fluid balance. Results Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced levels of IL-6 and IL-1β through 48 hours compared to both midazolam and propofol. Dexmedetomidine caused a significant decline in capillary leak index (p < 0.05) through 48 hours and significant higher lactate clearance (p = 0.03) in first 24 hours compared to both midazolam and propofol. Dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower intake in first 24 hours and comparable vasopressor requirements through 48 hours. Dexmedetomidine group had a significantly higher output, lower serum creatinine levels and lower positive fluid balance compared to propofol and midazolam. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine reduced inflammatory response and capillary leak in mechanically ventilated patients with abdominal sepsis with better lactate clearance and less fluid intake.

Surgical treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a single institution

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a larger series compared with conventional open surgery. Additionally, we summarized the experience of thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of CDH in infants.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 109 children with CDH who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2011 to January 2021. According to the surgical method, the children were divided into an open group (62 cases) and a thoracoscopy group (47 cases).Patients who underwent surgical correction had the diaphragmatic defect size graded (A–D) using a standardized system. We compared the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative CCU admission time and other surgical indicators as well as the recurrence rate, mortality rate and complication rate of the two groups of children.ResultsThe index data on the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative CCU admission time were better in the thoracoscopy group than in the open group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). We compared the number of incision infections, lung infections, atelectasis, pleural effusion, and chylothorax between the two groups. There were more children in the open group than in the thoracoscopy group. The overall incidence of postoperative complications in the open group (51.61%) was higher than that in the thoracoscopy group (44.68%).The recurrence rate of the thoracoscopy group (8.51%) was higher than that of the open group (3.23%). In the open group, 7 patients died of respiratory distress after surgery, and no patients died in the thoracoscopy group.ConclusionsThoracoscopic surgery and open surgery can effectively treat CDH. Compared with conventional open surgery, thoracoscopy has the advantages of shorter operation time, less trauma, faster recovery and fewer complications. We believe that thoracoscopic surgery for type A/B diaphragmatic defect has certain advantages, but there is a risk of recurrence.

Impact of regional anesthesia on outcomes of geriatric patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization: A propensity score-matched cohort study.

Lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease in elderly patients is associated with a high risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to a conduct retrospective review and propensity score matching analysis to determine whether the use of regional anesthesia (RA) instead of general anesthesia (GA) in geriatric patients undergoing LER for peripheral artery disease results in improved short-term mortality and health outcomes. We reviewed medical records of 1271 patients aged >65 years who underwent LER at our center between May 1998 and February 2016. According to the anesthesia method, patients were grouped in the GA and RA groups. The primary outcome was short-term mortality (7-day and 30-day). The secondary outcomes were 5-year survival rate, intraoperative events, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative length of stay. A propensity score-matched cohort design was used to control for potentially confounding factors including patient demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and preoperative medications. After propensity score matching, 722 patients that received LER under GA (n = 269) or RA (n = 453) were identified. Patients from the GA group showed significantly higher 7-day mortality than those from the RA group (5.6% vs 2.7% P = .048); however, there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the groups (GA vs RA: 6.3% vs 3.6%, P = .083). The 5-year survival rate and incidence of arterial and central venous catheter placement or intraoperative dopamine and epinephrine use were significantly higher in the GA group than in the RA group (P < .05). In addition, the frequency of immediate postoperative oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation support was higher in the GA group (P < .05). However, there was no difference in the postoperative cardiopulmonary and cerebral complications between the 2 groups. These results suggest that RA can reduce intraoperative hemodynamic support and provide immediate postoperative respiratory intensive care. In addition, the use of RA may be associated with better short-term and 5-year survival rates in geriatric patients undergoing LER.

EFFECT OF PERIOPERATIVE DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON CARDIAC SURGERY OUTCOME

This retrospective study was designed to assess the impact of perioperative dexmedetomidine on the outcome of open-heart surgery. This study was conducted at the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology Faisalabad from 01 Jan 2022 to Dec 2022. A total of 350 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Informed consent of the participants was taken. The ethical board of the hospital approved the study. Subjects were divided into the dexmedetomidine group (who were administered dexmedetomidine peri operatively, 179 (51%)) and non-dexmedetomidine group (who were not helped dexmedetomidine peri operatively, 171(48.8%).0.24-0.6 μg/kg/h was infused intravenously after cardiopulmonary bypass. The was continued for more than twenty-four hours postoperatively.10 out of 350 subjects (2.8%) died in hospital, and 14 (4%) died within thirty days. Perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion resulted in a significant reduction in hospital and 30-day mortality. In-hospital mortality in the dexmedetomidine and non-dexmedetomidine group were 1.22% and 4.6%, respectively (P=.008). 30-day mortality in the dexmedetomidine and non-dexmedetomidine groups was 1.8% and 5.2%, respectively (P=.002). Perioperative dexmedetomidine significantly reduced post-operative sepsis (0.8% vs. 2.2%, P=.043) and other complications (46.19% vs. 56.07%, P=.0205). There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay, ICU stay, post-operative ventilation time, and incidence of delirium and MACEs. So, it can be concluded that perioperative intravenous dexmedetomidine results in improved hospital and thirty-day survival and is associated with a decrease in post-operative delirium and overall complications.

Experience of Using High-Frequency Lung Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Cardiac Surgery

The incidence of various postoperative complications including pulmonary ones is at a high level in a cardiac surgery. The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of hig h-f requency lung ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass as a preventive measure for postoperative pulmonary complications compared to lo w-v olume lung ventilation. Subjects and Methods. 60 patients undergoing cradiac surgery were included in the study. In HF Group ( HF ventilation with airway pressure control at the frequency of 30 0/m in, the ratio of duration of inhalation and exhalation is 1:2, mean airway pressure is 8 mbar) and VC Group (lung ventilation during CPB with parameters: tidal volume is 3 m l/k g, respiratory rate is 6/m in, and positive en d-e xpiratory pressure is +5 cm H 2 O). Results. No significant difference in the analysis of the oxygenation index were observed between groups. Frequency of pulmonary atelectasis on chest radiology in postoperative period made 3 (9%) in VC Group and 4 (12%) HF Group ( p = 0.71). The frequency of intraoperative recruiting lung maneuvers was 5 (16%) in VС Group and 6 in HF Group (18%) ( p = 0,75). The duration of postoperative ventilation did not differ between the groups. Conclusion. HF mechanical ventilation during CPB has no significant advantage over lo w-v olume mechanical ventilation. HF mechanical ventilation and lo w-v olume mechanical ventilation has the same protective effect on the oxygenating function of the lungs after CPB .

The Role of Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation in Neonates with Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Background: Many advances have been made in managing neonates with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). This resulted in a progressive decrease in mortality as a result of improved neonatal intensive care and neonatal mechanical ventilation; however, this is not the case in developing countries. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative ventilation in neonates with EA/TEF in Iraq as a developing country. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study for all neonates with EA and/or TEF admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Alkhansaa Teaching Hospital between December 2012 to December 2014. Forty operated neonates were randomly divided into two groups according to the record number of presentations (even = G1, odd = G2): Twenty patients (group l) had been assigned to be post-operatively on a ventilator as a routine protocol. While group 2 planned to be extubated in the theater. We evaluated the complications and mortality rates in two groups. Results: For 24 months, 40 neonates with EA/TEF were admitted to PICU; Thirty-two were operated on within 24 hours of life. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding fetal maturity (p-value 0.490), gender, and weight. The mean period for mechanical ventilation was four days. Six neonates had tube mal-positioning complications, leading to lung collapse, hypoxia, and pneumonia (p-value 0.250). Anastomotic leaks occur in 10 neonates (five in each group) (p-value 0.642), which sometimes leads to sepsis (p-value 0.347). Trachea-malacia was recorded after weaning in 5 intubated patients (p-value 0.078). The mortality rate in G1 was 35%, while in group 2 was 25% (p-value 0.366). Conclusions: Although the study’s sample is small, it is recommended to avoid mechanical ventilation in the postoperative care of neonates with EA and/or TEF.

Exploration of the thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia under high-frequency ventilation.

Explore the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopy in the treatment of esophageal atresia under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) mode. This was a single-center retrospective analysis. A total of 24 children were divided into the HFOV and the No-HFOV group. The demographic information, surgical results and relevant experience were analyzed. All patients in the HFOV group underwent thoracoscopic esophageal atreplasty with a mean operation duration of 165.8 ± 33.9 min. Two patients had postoperative anastomotic leakage, which was cured after conservative treatment. One child had a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula, which was closed after endoscopic cauterization. The mean postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 8.83 ± 8.02 days. There was no return of anastomotic leakage or r-TEF after oral feeding. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the NO-HFOV and the HFOV groups except for the operation time where the HFOV group was shorter than that of the NO-HFOV group. Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia anastomosis under HFOV ventilation is feasible for patients with severe pulmonary infection, heart malformation, such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, and poor anesthesia tolerance, but the long-term prognosis still needs further study in a large sample size.

Peri- and neonatal factors influencing mortality and morbidity 2years after esophageal atresia primary repair: a single center retrospective study.

Post-operative ventilation and feeding management strategies may represent an opportunity for quality-of-care improvement to positively impact long-term outcomes after primary esophageal atresia repair. • Children operated on for esophageal atresia experience long-term digestive, respiratory, and neurologic morbidity, especially after multiple-stage esophageal repair. • Exclusive oral feeding at discharge is associated with a decreased risk of medical complications in the first years of life, in studies including all types of esophageal atresia repair.Outcomes of children after primary repair (non-long gap populations) have been less documented. • In our retrospective cohort of children with one-stage esophageal atresia repair, ventilatory support for more than 8 days and inability to achieve full oral feeding before hospital discharge in the neonatal period were independently associated with adverse digestive, respiratory, and neurologic outcomes at 2 years in survivors. • Both these factors are potentially modifiable, representing an opportunity for quality-of-care improvement to positively impact long-term outcomes.These results might also help identify children at risk of unfavorable evolution, to customize a multi-disciplinary follow-up program.