Preoperative Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Research Articles

Ultra-fast track extubation protocol following cardiovascular surgery: Predictors of failure and outcomes.

Identifying independent predictor factors of failure of ultra-fast track (UFT) extubation and to compare in-hospital outcomes with UFT extubation versus fast track (FT) extubation after cardiovascular surgery in adults. Retrospective analysis of 1498 consecutive patients aged over 18 years-old undergoing cardiovascular surgery at a single institution. Between December 2014 and December 2016, FT extubation was used (N = 713) while, between December 2016 and December 2018, all patients were preoperatively considered suitable for UFT extubation (N = 785). In this instance, a standardized anaesthetic protocol was applied in all cases. The decision to not extubate in the operating room (OR) was based on intraoperative haemodynamic and ventilation. Extubation in the OR was possible in 699 (89%) patients. Significant independent predictors factors of UFT extubation failure were: preoperative NYHA class III-IV, myocardial infarction within two days prior to surgery, preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, urgent/emergent surgery, intraoperative transfusion of platelets and intraoperative inotropic and vasopressor support. UFT extubation was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular complications such as congestive cardiac insufficiency (OR: 1,57; 95% CI: 1,13-2,19; p = 0,008) and new-onset postoperatory atrial fibrillation (OR: 1,40; 95% CI: 1,06-1,86; p = 0,020). Patient extubated in the OR presented lower risk of overall complications, shorter intensive care unit stay and higher short-term survival, although, no statistically significance was found when performing the multivariate adjustment. A routine immediate extubation in the OR following adult cardiovascular surgery is a feasible and safe practice, associated with low cardiovascular morbidity.

Protocolo de extubación ultra-fast track tras cirugía cardiovascular: predictores de fracaso y resultados

ObjectivesIdentifying independent predictor factors of failure of ultra-fast track (UFT) extubation and to compare in-hospital outcomes with UFT extubation versus fast track (FT) extubation after cardiovascular surgery in adults. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of 1,498 consecutive patients aged over 18 years-old undergoing cardiovascular surgery at a single institution. Between December 2014 and December 2016, FT extubation was used (N=713) while, between December 2016 and December 2018, all patients were preoperatively considered suitable for UFT extubation (N=785). In this instance, a standardized anaesthetic protocol was applied in all cases. The decision to not extubate in the operating room (OR) was based on intraoperative haemodynamic and ventilation. ResultsExtubation in the OR was possible in 699 (89%) patients. Significant independent predictors factors of UFT extubation failure were: preoperative NYHA class III-IV, myocardial infarction within two days prior to surgery, preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, urgent/emergent surgery, intraoperative transfusion of platelets and intraoperative inotropic and vasopressor support. UFT extubation was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular complications such as congestive cardiac insufficiency (OR: 1,57; 95% CI: 1,13-2,19; P=0,008) and new-onset postoperatory atrial fibrillation (OR: 1,40; 95% CI: 1,06-1,86; P=0,020). Patient extubated in the OR presented lower risk of overall complications, shorter intensive care unit stay and higher short-term survival, although, no statistically significance was found when performing the multivariate adjustment. ConclusionsA routine immediate extubation in the OR following adult cardiovascular surgery is a feasible and safe practice, associated with low cardiovascular morbidity.

Prophylactic Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in High Risk Cardiac Surgery: The PINBALL Pilot Multicentre, Registry-Linked, Randomised, Controlled Feasibility Trial

BackgroundProphylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) is commonly used in selected patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, but definitive evidence is lacking. The aim of the multicentre PINBALL Pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the feasibility of performing a definitive trial to address this question. MethodsPatients listed for CABG surgery with impaired left ventricular function and at least one additional risk factor for postoperative low cardiac output syndrome were eligible for inclusion if the treating surgical team was uncertain as to the benefit of prophylactic IABC. The primary outcome of feasibility was based on exceeding a pre-specified recruitment rate, protocol compliance and follow-up. ResultsThe recruitment rate of 0.5 participants per site per month did not meet the feasibility threshold of two participants per site per month and the study was stopped early after enrolment of 24 out of the planned sample size of 40 participants. For 20/24 (83%) participants, preoperative IABC use occurred according to study assignment. Six (6)-month follow-up was available for all enrolled participants, [IABC 1 death (8%) vs. control 1 death (9%), p = 0.95]. ConclusionThe PINBALL Pilot recruitment rate was insufficient to demonstrate feasibility of a multicentre RCT of prophylactic IABC in high risk patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Six-Month Outcomes After High-Risk Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Preoperative Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Use: An Inception Cohort Study

To inform the design of a pivotal randomized controlled trial of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at high risk of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Inception cohort study. A total of 13 established cardiac centers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Adult patients were eligible for inclusion if they were listed for CABG surgery and had 2 or more LCOS risk factors (low ejection fraction, severe left main coronary artery disease, redo sternotomy, unstable angina). Outcomes of interest were a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality, postoperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), or stroke as well as 6-month vital status and quality of life using the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ5D). The study included 136 participants over a 29-month period. Overall, in-hospital and 6-month mortality occurred in 7 (5%) and 11 (8%) participants, respectively. The composite outcome occurred in 60 (44%). The mean increase in EQ5D summary index at 6 months was 0.10 (standard deviation 0.24, p = 0.01). Perioperative AMI, AKI, or stroke significantly decreased the odds of a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life (odds ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.79; p = 0.014). Preoperative IABC was used in 39 participants and did not predict postoperative outcomes. The study identified a group of patients at risk of LCOS in whom CABG surgery was associated with a substantial burden of perioperative morbidity. Preoperative IABC use was variable, supporting the need for further research.

Preoperative Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background: The intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is the most used ventricular mechanical assist device. In recent years, the preoperative use in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction presents itself as a great benefic strategy to the postoperative recovery. This paper aim is to evaluate the IABP post-operative benefit in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. Methods: From January 2011 to March 2016, 125 patients underwent a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass and preoperative IABP in Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School and Hospital Estadual Mario Covas. The inclusion criteria were the presence of severe ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than or equal to 40%, estimated by Doppler echocardiography using the Simpson method. The preoperative LVEF was 30.25% ± 8.53% and the diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (LVDD) 67.75 ± 16.37 mm. IABP was installed approximately 15 hours before the surgery. Results: The patients required the IABP for 2.4 ± 1.58 days, and vasoactive drugs, 4.8 ± 2.12 days. We performed 3.2 ± 1.9 grafts per patient and the total length of stay was 07 ± 5.52 days. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 67 ± 10.95 minutes and anoxia time, 46.4 ± 10.06 minutes. Twelve patients (9.6%) had pneumonia and four (3.2%), atrial fibrillation. We observed a LVDD reduction to 63 ± 16.26 (p = 0.068) and LVEF enhancement to 36.50 ± 16.86 (p = 0.144). The data were analyzed statistically according to the Wilcoxon test. There were no deaths. Conclusion: The initial experience of the authors with the preoperative IABP in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction suggests great benefit in post-operative recovery with im-provement of LVEF and reduction of LVDD.

Preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in cardiac surgery: propensity analysis of data obtained from the ARIAM Registry of Cardiac Surgery

The aim of our study was to assess whether the preoperative use of IABP is beneficial in patients undergoing cardiac surgery of any kind.

Preoperative Preparation of Patients with Multifocal Atherosclerosis for Coronary Bypass Surgery: Mechanical and Medical Methods

Objective: to optimize preoperative preparation of patients with multifocal atherosclerosis and reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction for coronary bypass surgery, by providing a rationale for the use of mechanical and medical circulatory support methods. Subjects and methods. Sixty-one patients with multifocal atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease (CHD), and reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, who underwent coronary bypass surgery, were examined. Levosimendan was administered to 2 groups of patients: 1) 28 patients with preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation; 2) as inotropic support in 33 patients. There were central and intracardiac hemodynamic changes as evidenced by transpulmonary thermodilution and pulsed Doppler ultrasound echocardiog-raphy during different preoperative preparations. Conclusion. The use of levosimendan in patients with multifocal atherosclerosis, CHD, and planned coronary bypass surgery, by taking into account contraindications to intra-aor-tic balloon counterpulsation, makes it possible to improve central hemodynamical parameters and to reduce the degree of diastolic dysfunction, the incidence of organ dysfunctions, and the length of intensive care unit stay. Key words: coronary bypass surgery, left ventricular ejection fraction, multifocal atherosclerosis, levosimendan, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.

Mortality reduction in cardiac anesthesia and intensive care: results of the first International Consensus Conference

There is no consensus on which drugs/techniques/strategies can affect mortality in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. With the aim of identifying these measures, and suggesting measures for prioritized future investigation we performed the first International Consensus Conference on this topic. The consensus was a continuous international internet-based process with a final meeting on 28 June 2010 in Milan at the Vita-Salute University. Participants included 340 cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiologists from 65 countries all over the world. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify topics that subsequently generated position statements for discussion, voting, and ranking. Of the 17 major topics with a documented mortality effect, seven were subsequently excluded after further evaluation due to concerns about clinical applicability and/or study methodology. The following topics are documented as reducing mortality: administration of insulin, levosimendan, volatile anesthetics, statins, chronic β-blockade, early aspirin therapy, the use of pre-operative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, and referral to high-volume centers. The following are documented as increasing mortality: administration of aprotinin and aged red blood cell transfusion. These interventions were classified according to the level of evidence and effect on mortality and a position statement was generated. This International Consensus Conference has identified the non-surgical interventions that merit urgent study to achieve further reductions in mortality after cardiac surgery: insulin, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, levosimendan, volatile anesthetics, statins, chronic β-blockade, early aspirin therapy, and referral to high-volume centers. The use of aprotinin and aged red blood cells may result in increased mortality.

Impact of preoperative intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation on postoperative outcome in cardiac surgery patients: a single centre experience

Impact of preoperative intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation on postoperative outcome in cardiac surgery patients: a single centre experience

Mortality Predictors in ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The use of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in primary treatment of acute myocardial infarction is still debated. We evaluated the predictors of mortality in patients undergoing primary CABG for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Between January 2003 and January 2008, all patients referred to our institution with STEMI who did not qualify for primary angioplasty and required CABG were included in this study. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared retrospectively in terms of demo-graphics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Preoperatively confirmed cases of STEMI (n = 150) were included in the analysis. There were 114 survivors and 36 nonsurvivors. In-hospital mortality rate was 22%. In Cox regression analysis age, cardiogenic shock (Killip ≥3), preoperative cardiac troponin levels, preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP), previous myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. After multivariate analysis, factors predicting in-hospital mortality were age, preoperative cardiac troponin levels, and preoperative IABP. Age, preoperative cardiac troponin levels, and preoperative IABP use were predictive factors of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing primary CABG for STEMI.

Effect of Circulatory Assistance on Premature Death and Long-term Prognosis

Background Patients undergoing urgent heart transplantation (HT) have a poorer prognosis and more long-term complications. The objective of this study was to compare the preoperative course in patients undergoing urgent HT according to the need for preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). Materials and Methods We studied 102 consecutive patients including 23 patients with IABP who underwent urgent HT between January 2000 and September 2006. We excluded patients who received combination transplants, those who underwent repeat HT, and pediatric patients who underwent HT. The statistical methods used were the t test for quantitative variables and the χ 2 test for qualitative variables. A logistic regression model was constructed to assess the possible relationship between IABP and other variables on premature death within 30 days after HT. Results Mean (SD) patient-age was 50 (10) years. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the IABP and the non-IAPB groups. The IABP patient group had higher rates of acute graft failure (45.5% vs 35.4%; P = .46) and premature death (18.8% vs 14.8%; P = .67) and shorter long-term survival (40.6 [34.9] vs 54.5 [43.7] mo; P = .30). Multivariate analysis demonstrated no association between the need for IABP and increased frequency of premature death. Conclusions Use of IABP is not associated with premature or late death. We recommend use of IABP in patients with acute decompensated heart failure to stabilize them before HT.

Current use of preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk cardiac surgery: a cohort study

Current use of preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk cardiac surgery: a cohort study

Reduced Mortality in High-Risk Coronary Patients Operated Off Pump With Preoperative Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation

Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation has better outcomes compared with perioperative or postoperative insertion in critical patients, and off-pump surgical procedures have been advocated to reduce mortality in high-risk patients. However, some surgeons are reluctant to perform beating heart operations in specific patient subgroups, including those with unstable angina or patients with low ejection fraction, because of their possible perioperative hemodynamic instability. We evaluated combined beating heart procedures and preoperative IABP in selected high-risk patients and compared our results with the predictive European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) model. Fifty-five high-risk patients with a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 24 were prospectively enrolled and then divided into emergency (group 1, n = 25) and nonemergency (group 2, n = 30) groups. IABP was inserted immediately before operation in group 1 and the day before the procedure in group 2. Compared with the EuroSCORE predictive model, a dramatic decrease in mortality occurred in both groups. Group I predicted mortality was 36.8%, and observed was 20%; and group 2 predicted mortality was 15.2% and observed was 0%. No specific complications from the use of IABP were encountered. During mid-term (2 years) follow-up, no patient died from a cardiac cause or required percutaneous coronary intervention or subsequent reoperation due to incomplete revascularization. The combined use of preoperative intraaortic counterpulsation and beating heart intervention allows complete revascularization in high-risk patients with a important reduction in operative mortality and excellent mid-term results.

Elective preoperative use of intra aortic balloon counterpulsation in high risk group of coronary artery disease patients to facilitate off pump surgery

Background To avoid the deleterious effects of cardio-pulmonary bypass, off pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCABG) is increasingly the procedure of choice in the majority of patients needing myocardial revascularization. However patients at high operative risk are sometimes not given the advantage of off pump surgery because of haemodynamic deterioration during displacement of the heart to access the target vessels, or deterioration per se due to the factor causing the high risk (eg unstable hemodynamics) leading to institution of cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB). Preoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) therapy improves cardiac performance and facilitates the access to the anastomotic site during off pump coronary artery bypass grafting while maintaining haemodynamic stability.

Prospective randomized study of preoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting patients

Prospective randomized study of preoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting patients

Preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in very high-risk patients prior to urgent noncardiac surgery

The optimal management of high-risk patients requiring urgent or emergency noncardiac surgery when the options for further testing and evaluation are limited, is unclear.The focus of most of the literature, including the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, has been on patients undergoing elective as opposed to urgent surgery. A few reports have suggested the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation as a strategy to help carry such patients through the procedure.We describe three such very high-risk patients who successfully underwent emergency surgery with prophylactic insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump without any adverse cardiac events or device-related complications. Our experience, as well as that of others suggests that preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is a useful (and safe) approach to help very high-risk patients undergo urgent and emergency noncardiac surgery. Randomized trials are needed to assess whether balloon counterpulsation offers an incremental benefit over aggressive preoperative beta blockade.

Surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular septal defect: 19 years of experience

Objectives To review our experience of surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods In the period 1983–2002, 50 patients underwent repair of VSD. Mean age was 66 years, male sex 52%. Infarct location was anterior in 60% and posterior in 40% of cases. Median interval between rupture and surgery was 2 days. Preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was employed in 56%; a coronary angiogram was performed in 98% of cases. A patch repair technique was used in 90% of cases. Coronary bypass grafting was associated in 50% of patients. Results Mean aortic clamp time was 101 ± 31 min. Global operative mortality was 36%, respectively 26.7% in anterior and 50% in posterior location ( p = ns). Emergency operation and interval from rupture to surgery less than 3 days were univariate predictor of early mortality. Five years survival excluding operative deaths was 76%. Conclusions The surgical repair of post-infarction VSD entails a high operative mortality; different techniques were employed with similar results. Emergency operation is associated with a worse short-term prognosis; long-term survival is acceptable.

Usefulness of Unipolar Epicardial Ventricular Electrogram for Triggering of Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation During Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Patients with Hemodynamic Instability Complicating Acute Coronary Syndromes

During off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for patients requiring preoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) support, errors in timing of IABP during mobilization of the heart can induce unstable hemodynamic conditions. We applied a simple technique for triggering IABP accurately during off-pump CABG: one end of an epicardial pacemaker wire is placed on the surface of the left ventricle, and the other end is linked to one of the precordial V leads. This technique provided an exact detection of R-wave potentials in any position of the heart during the off-pump CABG procedure. Ten patients with hemodynamic instability complicating acute coronary syndromes underwent off-pump CABG with this technique, including grafting to the circumflex system, safely and successfully.

Perioperative determinants of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery*

Objective To determine perioperative predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients ≥75 yrs of age after cardiac surgery. Design Inception cohort study. Setting A tertiary care, 54-bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU). Patients All patients aged ≥75 yrs admitted over a 30-month period for cardiac surgery. Intervention Collection of data on preoperative factors, operative factors, postoperative hemodynamics, and laboratory data obtained on admission and during the ICU stay. Measurements and Main Results Postoperative death, frequency rate of organ dysfunction, nosocomial infections, length of mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay were recorded. During the study period, 1,157 (14%) of 8,501 patients ≥75 yrs of age had a morbidity rate of 54% (625 of 1,157 patients) and a mortality rate of 8% (90 of 1,157 patients) after cardiac surgery. Predictors of postoperative morbidity included preoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, preoperative serum bilirubin of >1.0 mg/dL, blood transfusion requirement of >10 units of red blood cells, cardiopulmonary bypass time of >120 mins (aortic cross-clamp time of >80 mins), return to operating room for surgical exploration, heart rate of >120 beats/min, requirement for inotropes and vasopressors after surgery and on admission to the ICU, and anemia beyond the second postoperative day. Predictors of postoperative mortality included preoperative cardiac shock, serum albumin of <4.0 g/dL, systemic oxygen delivery of <320 mL/min/m2 before surgery, blood transfusion requirement of >10 units of red blood cells, cardiopulmonary bypass time of >140 mins (aortic cross-clamp time of >120 mins), subsequent return to the operating room for surgical exploration, mean arterial pressure of <60 mm Hg, heart rate of >120 beats/min, central venous pressure of >15 mm Hg, stroke volume index of <30 mL/min/m2, requirement for inotropes, arterial bicarbonate of <20 mmol/L, plasma glucose of >300 mg/dL after surgery, and anemia beyond the second postoperative day. During the study period, the study cohort used 6,859 (21.5%) ICU patient-days out of a total 31,867 ICU patient-days. Nonsurvivors used 2,023 (30%) ICU patient-days and patients with morbidity used 5,903 (86%) ICU patient-days. Conclusions Severe underlying cardiac disease (including shock, requirement for mechanical circulatory support, hypoalbuminemia, and hepatic dysfunction), intraoperative blood loss, surgical reexploration, long ischemic times, immediate postoperative cardiovascular dysfunction, global ischemia and metabolic dysfunction, and anemia beyond the second postoperative day predicted poor outcome in the elderly after cardiac surgery. Postoperative morbidity and mortality disproportionately increased the utilization of intensive care resources in elderly patients. Future efforts should focus on preoperative selection criteria, improvement in surgical techniques, perioperative therapy to ameliorate splanchnic and global ischemia, and avoidance of anemia to improve the outcome in the elderly after cardiac surgery. (Crit Care Med 1998; 26:225–235)

Effective surgical management of high-risk coronary patients using preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy

The proportion of high-risk coronary patients submitted to surgical myocardial revascularization (CABG) is steadily increasing. High-risk patients utilize more hospital resources and have a higher procedural cost than low–moderate risk CABG patients. An efficient management is essential to improve outcome and reduce costs. This report entails three study periods. In an initial retrospective study coronary high-risk criteria were established. At least two of the following factors were required: redo CABG, unstable angina, left main stem stenosis greater than 70%, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction <0.30 and diffuse coronary artery disease. Poor preoperative cardiac performance was the major contributing factor for poor outcome. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy (IABP) was introduced as preoperative therapy. During a second study period prospective randomized studies found preoperative IABP-therapy efficient, significantly improving both preoperative cardiac index ( P<0.0001), decreasing postoperative mortality ( P<0.0001) and morbidity, shorten intensive care unit stay as well as total hospital stay ( P<0.0001). Drug consumption was significantly reduced ( P<0.0001). Optimal timing was found to be 2 h prior to aortic cross-clamping and the therapy was found highly cost-beneficial with an average 36% reduction of the total procedural cost. During a third study period, well beyond any study protocol period, preoperative IABP therapy was again found highly effective with a close to 100% utilization rate in high-risk patients and continuous efficacy with excellent outcome, despite acceptance of sicker patients. During this post-study evaluation period 1/3 of the high-risk patients presented with 4 of the established risk factors. The use of preoperative IABP therapy is therefore highly recommended for high-risk coronary patients undergoing CABG.