Preoperative Pressure Research Articles

A meta-analysis of combined generic-covered stent-graft with or without bare-metal stent for refractory variceal bleeding.

The meta-analysis was conducted to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of generic stent-graft/bare-stent combination compared with Fluency stent alone in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure for refractory variceal bleeding. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant studies from January 1990 to September 2020; outcome measures studied were primary patency, hepatic encephalopathy, survival, re-bleeding and portal venous pressure. Four studies (1 randomised controlled trial and 3 retrospective studies) with 449 subjects (157 patients in the combined stent group and 292 patients in the covered stent group) were included. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.069, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.524, 2.178]), hepatic encephalopathy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.860, 95% CI [0.341, 2.169], P = 0.750) and re-bleeding (OR = 1.049, 95% CI [0.226, 4.881], P = 0.951). Compared with Fluency stent alone, combination therapy was associated with moderate decrease in outcomes on the post-operative portal venous pressure (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.210, 95% CI [-0.418, -0.001], P = 0.049) and was not associated with significant decrease in outcomes on the pre-operative portal venous pressure (SMD - 0.129, 95% CI [-0.336, 0.078], P = 0.223). The primary patency was significantly lower in the Fluency/bare-stent combination group (HR = 0.473, 95% CI [0.288, 0.776]). Generic stent-graft/bare-stent combination therapy was associated with significantly lower primary patency compared to Fluency stent alone.

Does pulmonary hypertension affect early-term outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery?

This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PHT) on postoperative early mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A total of 1107 patients undergoing elective first-time off-pump CABG between January 2011 and April 2022 were included in this retrospective observational cohort study. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) values. The PHT group (n=104) consisted of patients with a SPAP value >30 mmHg, while the non-PHT group (n=1003) consisted of patients with a SPAP value ≤30 mmHg. Patients' preoperative demographics and clinical features, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded and then compared between the groups. In the PHT group, the median age was significantly higher (66 vs. 63 years, p=0.001) and the median left ventricular ejection fraction level was significantly lower (45 vs. 50%, p=0.045) as compared to the non-PHT group. Additionally, the PHT group included a significantly greater percentage of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22.1 vs. 7.4%, p=0.019). As perioperative early-term outcomes, complications, and mortality were considered, the groups were statistically similar, and there were no significant differences between the groups, except for the development of atrial fibrillation. For the first time in the literature, this study revealed that mild PHT (mean SPAP=38.9±8.7 mmHg) did not significantly affect early-term outcomes of off-pump CABG.

Assessment of Reversibility in Pulmonary Hypertension Related to Congenital Heart Disease by Using Biomarkers and Clinical Features

Background: Reversibility of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is closely related to the treatment options for and prognosis of children with congenital heart disease. Objective: We combined patient-specific clinical features including diagnosis, age and echocardiographic results, and biomarkers of pulmonary vascular dysfunction to explore the noninvasive methods that can be used to accurately evaluate the reversibility of pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease (PH-CHD). Methods: Based on the preoperative systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), 70 CHD patients were divided into normal, PH-CHD suspected, and confirmed groups. Additionally, biomarkers of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected. Patients were categorized into reversible (RPH) and irreversible (IRPH) groups according to the sPAP 6 months after surgery. Risk stratification was performed according to the clinical features and biomarkers. Results: CECs and ET-1 levels in the confirmed group were significantly higher. eNOS was higher in the confirmed and suspected groups than that in the normal group. CECs in the IRPH group were significantly higher compared to the RPH group. No such intergroup differences were observed with respect to ET-1 and eNOS levels. The ROC curve showed that the risk stratification was of high diagnostic value to evaluate reversibility. Conclusion: The CECs, eNOS, and ET-1 were closely related with PH-CHD. CECs and risk stratification have high practical value in assessing the reversibility of PH-CHD.

Preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with Fontan outcomes

ObjectiveThe role of preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level in patient outcomes after the Fontan operation remains unclear. MethodsThe medical records of all patients who underwent their first Fontan operation from June 2011 to October 2019 in our tertiary referral pediatric cardiac center were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative hemodynamic factors and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were analyzed to test the association of mortality and morbidity. ResultsWe enrolled 110 patients (men/women 62/48; median age, 4.1 [3.4, 5.8] years; median follow-up period, 4.28 [2.31, 6.71] years). Almost all operations were extracardiac conduits (98.2%). Primary outcomes of death, Fontan takedown, and heart transplantation were observed in 9 patients (8.2%). Abnormal ventricular contractility, elevated preoperative pulmonary artery pressure, high pulmonary vascular resistance index, and high log10 N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level were associated with poor outcomes. Secondary outcomes: atrioventricular valve regurgitation moderate or greater, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, high pulmonary vascular resistance index, and high log10 N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level were associated with rehospitalization due to heart failure. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that log10 N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was the only significant predictor of all primary and secondary outcomes. A scoring system including factors of pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was established, and the risk stratification is associated with outcomes after the Fontan operation. ConclusionsHigh preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was associated with poor outcomes after the Fontan operation.

Association between preoperative baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity and acute renal failure and mortality following colorectal surgery. A single-centre observational study.

Elevated pulse wave velocity is a haemodynamic parameter considered to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular alterations, while pulse pressure is a predictor of cardiovascular complications and development of acute renal failure after both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Our objective was to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity are associated with renal failure and 30-day mortality following colorectal surgery. Retrospective observational study. A total of 816 adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were evaluated by performing multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity were independently associated with complications, specifically renal failure and 30-day postoperative mortality, and whether pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity thresholds correlated with outcomes. Baseline pulse pressure was 56.00 mmHg (45.00;68.00) and estimated pulse wave velocity was 13.16 m/s (10.76;14.85). Baseline pulse pressure was not associated with acute renal failure or mortality in the univariate model. Baseline estimated pulse wave velocity was not associated with complications, acute renal failure, or mortality. An estimated pulse wave velocity of 13.78 m/s significantly predicted acute renal failure (AUC 0.654 [0.588-0.720]) and mortality (AUC 0.698 [0.600-0.796]). Neither pulse pressure nor preoperative baseline estimated pulse wave velocity were associated with acute renal failure or postoperative mortality. The preoperative estimated pulse wave velocity threshold of 13.78 m/s predicted an increased risk of acute renal failure and postoperative mortality.

Surgical outcomes of reoperation after Fontan completion.

OBJECTIVESPatients who have achieved Fontan circulation may require reoperation. We reviewed the outcomes of reoperation after Fontan completion and assessed the risk factors for poor outcomes.METHODSThis was a retrospective study of 106 patients undergoing open-heart reoperations after Fontan completion in 2003 at a single institution.RESULTSThe mean age at reoperation was 24.6 ± 8.3 years. A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction was noted in 30 patients. The reoperations included 73 total cavopulmonary connection conversions, 29 atrioventricular or semilunar valve operations (17 with total cavopulmonary connection conversions) and 4 other operations. Eight early deaths occurred. During a median follow-up of 5.5 (0.01–16.2) years, there were 3 late deaths and 9 second cardiac operations. The 10-year survival rate after reoperation was 89.8%, and the 5-year second cardiac operation-free survival was 84.3%. The 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery before 2011 (75.8% vs 100%), had a history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction (71.7% vs 97.3%), had preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg (64.9% vs 96.5%) and were operated on with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (60.0% vs 91.3%). A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction, preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg and requirement of DHCA were identified as risk factors for mortality.CONCLUSIONSReoperation after Fontan completion resulted in excellent mid-term outcomes. A history of failed Fontan circulation and the requirement of DHCA negatively affected survival outcomes.

Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to Alleviate Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Patients with Obesity Scheduled for Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery: a Pilot, Prospective, Randomized Multicenter Comparative Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and obesity are frequently associated with hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia (DLP), and insulin resistance (IR). In patients with obesity and OSAS scheduled for bariatric surgery (BS), guidelines recommend at least 4 weeks of preoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Low-calorie ketogenic diets (LCKDs) promote pre-BS weight loss (WL) and improve HTN, DLP, and IR. However, it is unclear whether pre-BS LCKD with CPAP improves OSAS more than CPAP alone. We assessed the clinical advantage of pre-BS CPAP and LCKD in patients with obesity and OSAS. Seventy patients with obesity and OSAS were randomly assigned to CPAP or CPAP+LCKD groups for 4 weeks. The effect of each intervention on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was the primary endpoint. WL, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, HTN, DLP, and IR were secondary endpoints. AHI scores improved significantly in both groups (CPAP, p=0.0231; CPAP+LCKD, p=0.0272). However, combining CPAP and LCKD registered no advantage on the AHI score (p=0.863). Furthermore, body weight, CRP levels, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced in the CPAP+LCKD group after 4 weeks (p=0.0052, p=0.0161, p=0.0008, and p=0.0007 vs baseline, respectively), and CPAP+LCKD had a greater impact on CRP levels than CPAP alone (p=0.0329). The CPAP+LCKD group also registered a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels (p=0.0183, p=0.0198, and p<0.001, respectively). Combined with CPAP, LCKD-induced WL seems to not have a significant incremental effect on AHI, HTN, DLP, and IR but lower CRP levels demonstrated a positive impact on chronic inflammatory status.

Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy After Fontan Operation

Fontan circulation leads to chronic elevation of central venous pressure. We sought to identify the incidence, risk factors, and survival among patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) after the Fontan operation. We retrospectively reviewed 1,166 patients who had Fontan operation/revision at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1973 to 2017 and identified patients who had AKI (defined by AKI Network criteria) within 7days of surgery. A total of 132 patients (11%) developed AKI after the Fontan operation with no significant era effect. Of those who developed AKI, severe (grade 3) kidney injury was present in 101 patients (76.5%). Multivariable risk factors for AKI were asplenia (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, p <0.0001), elevated preoperative pulmonary artery pressure (per 1 mm Hg increase, OR 1.04, p=0.0002), intraoperative arrhythmias (OR 1.9, p=0.02), and elevated post-bypass Fontan pressure (per 1 mm Hg increase, OR 1.12, p=0.0007). Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was used in 72 patients (54%), predominantly through peritoneal dialysis (n=56, 78%). Multivariable risk factors for RRT were age ≤3years (OR 9.7, p=0.0004), female gender (OR 2.6, p=0.02), and aortic cross-clamp time >60minutes (OR 3.1, p=0.01). Patients with AKI had more postoperative complications, including bleeding, stroke, pericardial tamponade, low cardiac output state and cardiac arrest, than those without AKI. This resulted in longer intensive care unit stay (39 vs 17days, p=0.0001). In-hospital mortality was exceedingly higher among patients with AKI versus no AKI (58%, 76 of 132 vs 10%, 99 of 1,034, p <0.0001); however, there was no significant difference based on the need for RRT. Recovery from AKI was observed in 56 patients (42%). Over 20-year follow-up, patients with AKI had a distinctly higher all-cause-mortality (82%) than those without AKI (35%). It is prudent to identity patients at a higher risk of developing postoperative AKI after Fontan operation to ensure renal protective strategies in the perioperative period. Postoperative AKI leads to substantial short and long-term morbidity and mortality, but the need for RRT does not affect the outcomes.

Left atrial remodeling after mitral valve repair for primary mitral regurgitation: evolution over time and prognostic significance

Abstract Background Although preoperative left atrial (LA) dilation is a well-known predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with severe, primary mitral regurgitation (MR), little is known about LA reverse remodeling after mitral valve (MV) surgery and its prognostic value. Purpose This study sought to systematically investigate the changes in LA volume in patients undergoing MV repair for severe, primary MR and the association between LA volume after surgery and long-term outcome. Methods In patients undergoing MV repair for severe, primary MR, echocardiography was evaluated at three different time points: pre-operatively, immediate postoperatively (5 [4–6] days) and within 1–3 years (19 [14–24] months) follow-up. Outcome was all-cause mortality happening after the third echocardiographic evaluation. Results A total of 226 patients (mean age 62±13 years, 66% male) were included. Mean pre-operative LA volume index (LAVi) was 56±28 ml/m2 and significantly decreased immediately after surgery (to 38±21 ml/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001) as well as at long-term follow-up (to 32±17 ml/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001). Significant correlations were found between reduction in LAVi at long-term follow-up and age (R=−0.139; p=0.037), pre-operative left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (R=0.199; p=0.003), preoperative LAVi (R=0.498; p&amp;lt;0.001), preoperative effective regurgitant orifice area (R=0.205; p=0.004), preoperative regurgitant volume (R=0.222; p=0.002) and postoperative transmitral mean pressure gradient at long-term follow-up (R=−0.150; p=0.026). Patients were subsequently divided into 3 groups: patients with a preoperative LAVi &amp;lt;42 ml/m2 (n=68), based on the definition of moderately dilated LA; patients with a LAVi 42–59 ml/m2 (n=88) and patients with a LAVi ≥60 ml/m2 (n=70), based on the current class IIaC indication for intervention in primary MR. Although patients with a LAVi ≥60 ml/m2 at baseline showed the most pronounced reduction in LAVi, their values of LAVi at long-term follow-up remained above the range of normality (figure 1). During a median follow-up of 72 (40–114) months, 43 (19.0%) patients died. Patients who had a LAVi ≥42 ml/m2 at long-term follow-up (3rd echocardiographic evaluation) showed significantly higher mortality rates as compared to patients with a LAVi &amp;lt;42 ml/m2 (p&amp;lt;0.001) (figure 2). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age, sex and coronary artery disease, postoperative LAVi ≥42ml/m2 at long-term follow-up remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.494; CI 1.292 to 4.815; p=0.006). Conclusions In patients with severe primary MR, LA reverse remodeling occurs immediately after MV repair, with a further reduction in LAVi during follow-up. Patients in whom LAVi does not remodel to normal values present worse long-term prognosis as compared to patients who achieve normal LAVi values. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant (Appehab724.011664741). Changes in LA volume over timeKM curve for all-cause mortality

Особливості респіраторної терапії пацієнтів з ожирінням при лапароскопічних операціях

У цьому клінічному дослідженні ми вивчали респіраторні властивості легень 40 пацієнтів із різним ступенем ожиріння під час лапароскопічних операцій. Усі пацієнти були розподілені на 4 групи: три контрольні групи (1-ша група — пацієнти без ожиріння або з надмірною вагою, 2-га група — пацієнти з 1-м та 2-м ступенем ожиріння, 3-тя група — пацієнти з морбідним ожирінням) і одну основну (4-та група — пацієнти з 1-м і 2-м ступенем ожиріння, яким застосовувалась передопераційна неінвазивна CPAP-терапія (Continues Positive Airway Pressure — постійний позитивний тиск у дихальних шляхах), а параметри штучної вентиляції були оптимізовані шляхом зміни рівня позитивного тиску в кінці видиху (ПТКВ) і застосування рекрутмент-маневру). Досліджувались такі респіраторні властивості легень: статичний комплайєнс, середній динамічний комплайєнс, загальний опір дихальних шляхів, піковий тиск вдиху й тиск плато, середній внутрішньогрудний тиск. Усі ці параметри визначалися під час загальної анестезії у встановлених контрольних точках: 1-ша контрольна точка — після інтубації; 2-га контрольна точка — після підвищення внутрішньочеревного тиску до 15 мм рт.ст.; 3-тя контрольна точка — після зменшення внутрішньочеревного тиску до 10 мм рт.ст.; 4-та контрольна точка — після нормалізації рівня внутрішньочеревного тиску. В основній групі додатково визначали ці параметри після зміни рівня ПТКВ та рекрутменту. Застосування передопераційної неінвазивної CPAP-терапії та підвищеного інтраопераційного рівня ПТКВ покращує респіраторні властивості легень, особливо в пацієнтів з ожирінням і тяжкою супутньою легеневою патологією на фоні підвищеного внутрішньочеревного тиску. Внутрішньочеревний тиск на рівні 15 мм рт.ст., що часто застосовується при лапароскопічних операціях, негативно впливає на респіраторну механіку. ПТКВ на рівні 5 см вод.ст. недостатній для підтримання «відкритих легень» у пацієнтів з ожирінням при внутрішньочеревній гіпертензії. Неінвазивна CPAP-терапія та ПТКВ на рівні 10 см вод.ст. дозволяє втримати задовільну розтяжність легень, знизити загальний опір дихальних шляхів, зменшити та провести профілактику ателектазування легень і, можливо, у подальшому скоротити час відлучення від ШВЛ.

Неинвазивная респираторная CPAP-подготовка пациентов с ожирением перед лапароскопическими операциями

В данной статье на основе проведенного клинического исследования описана возможность применения непродолжительной неинвазивной предоперационной CPAP-подготовки пациентов с ожирением перед индукцией в общую анестезию. В исследование были включены 16 пациентов со II степенью ожирения (индекс массы тела — 35,0–39,9 кг/м2), которые были распределены на 2 группы (контрольную и основную). Исследование было разделено на 3 основных этапа: респираторной подготовки, определения основных показателей респираторной системы и определения времени безопасного апноэ (ВБА). В контрольной группе пациентов респираторная подготовка проводилась с помощью традиционной лицевой маски и без использования положительного давления конца выдоха (PEEP) в течение 5–10 мин. В основной группе до начала индукции пациентам проводилась неинвазивная CPAP-подготовка (PEEP = 6–8 см H2O) с использованием орофациальной маски в течение такого же времени. Важным этапом исследования было определение времени безопасного апноэ у пациентов и влияния различных видов респираторной подготовки на данный важный показатель. Кроме того, были проанализированы основные показатели респираторных свойств легких (статический тораколегочный комплайенс (CRS) и общее сопротивление дыхательных путей (RAW)) при начале инвазивной искусственной вентиляции легких. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о преимуществе использования непродолжительной неинвазивной CPAP-подготовки пациентов. В основной группе респираторные показатели были лучше, а ВБА — длительным (контрольная группа: ВБА — 213 ± 16 с, CRS — 47 мл/мм H2O, RAW — 16,75 см H2O/л в 1 с; основная группа: ВБА — 252 ± 15 с, CRS — 56 мл/мм H2O, RAW — 16,5 см H2O/л в 1 с). Анестезиологу необходимо использовать возможности современных аппаратов искусственной вентиляции легких не только в условиях палаты интенсивной терапии, но и на всех этапах периоперационного маршрута пациента. Это может уберечь от нежелательных проблем и осложнений.

Effect of ultrasound use on the pathological outcomes in temporal artery biopsy

Aim:This study aimed to determine whether there is a significant difference between the results of a standard biopsy and Doppler ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the temporal artery, which showed low preoperative pulse pressure.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Data from 21 patients, who received preliminary diagnosis of temporal arteritis at the neurology clinic were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the method with Doppler ultrasonography and without ultrasonography.&#x0D; Results: Results from a total of 21 patients were evaluated. The first group consisted of 11 patients who underwent standard temporal artery biopsy, while the second group consisted of 10 patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided biopsy. Six patients in the group without the ultrasonography guidance showed insignificant results. Furthermore, the samples were insufficient in four of these six patients. In contrast, four patients from the Doppler ultrasonography-guided group were diagnosed with arteritis, in addition to the fact that an insufficient biopsy sample was not encountered in these patients.&#x0D; Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the pathology results of the two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although we failed to find a significant difference between the groups, we believe that the Doppler ultrasonography-guided biopsy should be used as a supportive tool rather than diagnostic tool per se, as the Doppler ultrasonography-guided group did not provide insufficient biopsy samples in the pathology results as opposed to the standard group.

Defecation disorder and anal function after surgery for lower rectal cancer in elderly patients.

AimThis study aims to investigate the association of patient age with defecation disorders and anal function after lower rectal cancer surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 141 consecutive patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent sphincter‐preserving operation. The patients were classified into five categories by age thresholds at 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 years, for disaggregate analysis. Anal manometry was used for measuring the maximum resting pressure, high‐pressure zone, and maximum squeeze pressure. Anal manometry was performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome scores were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after rectal surgery or stoma closure for patients with ileostomy.ResultsThe data of 117 patients were reviewed. No significant differences were found between the younger and elderly groups in any characteristics across the six age groups. The preoperative intra‐anal pressures of the elderly patients were slightly lower than those of the younger patients; however, there was no significant difference in the course of postoperative intra‐anal pressures. Defecation disorder, as measured by the Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome scores, improved significantly in elderly patients compared to younger patients.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in the course of postoperative intra‐anal pressures between the elderly and younger patients. However, defecation disorders in elderly patients significantly improved compared with younger patients. Sphincter‐preserving operation can be a viable treatment option for active elderly patients.

Proposition of quantitative parameters for pre- and early post-operative assessment in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy - An Indian prospective study.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension results from the incomplete resolution of the vascular obstruction associated with pulmonary embolism. Symptoms are exertional dyspnoea and fatigue, and over a period of time, right ventricular dysfunction sets in. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is an effective surgical remedy for this condition. Our study is an initial post-operative experience of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and we have also tried to formulate quantitative parameters for the prediction of the post-operative course in patients who are undergoing surgery. Twenty patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy between July 2017 and January 2020. Pre-operatively, each patient was subjected to the (i) 6-min walk test, (ii) pre-operative brain natriuretic peptide values and (iii) pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Following the surgery and subsequent discharge, the patients were followed up at intervals of 15 days, 1, 3, 6, 9 months and at 1 year. At one year post-operatively, the same three quantitative tests were performed on each subject. Post-operatively, the mean 6-min walk distance was 499.75 m as against 341.35 m pre-operatively (p < 0.0001). Mean brain natriuretic peptide was 8.69 pm/l as against 47.58 pm/l pre-operatively (p < 0.0001). Mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 22.25 as against 67.1 pre-operatively (p < 0.0001). 6-Min walk test, brain natriuretic peptide and pulmonary artery systolic pressure could be considered as useful predictors of the haemodynamic severity of disease and predict the post-operative outcome.

In Hospital Outcome of Mitral Valve Replacement with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: In patients undergoing surgery for mitral valve replacement (MVR) for valvular heart disease, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has been considered a major risk factor. In this prospective study, we have studied the early hemodynamic changes and post-operative outcomes of MVR among patients with mild to severe PAH in Bangladesh perspective. Methods: Total 60 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement for predominantly mitral regurgitation (MR) and mixed lesion with mitral stenosis (MS) having pulmonary arterial hypertension ranging from mild to severe pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were studied prospectively for immediate postoperative haemodynamic and outcome. The mean age of the patients was 36.23±9.18 years. Total 13 (21.66%) patients had mitral regurgitation and 47 (78.33%) had mixed lesion with mitral stenosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative pulmonary artery pressures. Group A patients with mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension (PASP 40-59 mm of Hg) and Group B patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PASPe” 60 mm of Hg). Results: After mitral valve replacement, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) decreased significantly in Group A to near normal levels (PASP41.25±7.25). In Group B also the PASP decreased insignificantly (PASP 61.85±9.12) but significant residual PAH remained. Operative mortality was nil (0%) in Group A and 6.7% in Group B. Conclusions: Mitral valve replacement is safe and effective at the presence of PAH as long as the PASP is below or equal to 60 mm of Hg. With PASP &gt;60 mm of Hg, MVR carries a high risk of mortality and the patients continues to have severe PAH in the postoperative period. Cardiovasc j 2021; 14(1): 30-36

Decreasing complications of pectoralis major muscle flap reconstruction with two modalities of negative pressure wound therapy.

Deep sternal wound infection is a feared complication of open-heart surgery. Negative pressure wound therapy has gained an important role in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy has been introduced as a method to prevent wound complications after sternotomy, and lately, after flap reconstructions in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. We aimed to study if incisional negative pressure wound therapy with PICO™ had similar beneficial effect described earlier with competing commercial devices. This study included 82 patients treated with pectoralis major muscle flap for deep sternal wound infection during the years 2006-2020. PICO group consisted of 24 patients treated with preoperative negative pressure wound therapy and postoperative incisional negative pressure wound therapy (PICO™). Two control groups included 48 patients with conventional treatment and 10 patients with preoperative negative pressure wound therapy only. In the PICO group, the complication rate declined from 50.0% to 33.30%, major complication rate from 29.2% to 12.5%, and need for an additional flap from 14.6.% to 4.2% when compared to conventional treatment. The length of hospital stay decreased as well. Preoperative negative pressure wound therapy alone was associated with moderate decline in the complication rates. In addition, we described the use of split pectoralis major muscle flap reconstruction in 57 patients. To our knowledge, this is the largest published patient series describing this method in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy with PICO™ seems beneficial after flap reconstruction. Split pectoralis major muscle flap is a versatile reconstruction option suitable to be used as a workhorse in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection.

Total cavopulmonary connection procedure in adults: A review of the medical literature

Thanks to advances in surgical techniques, the number of patients with complex congenital heart disease reaching adulthood is increasing [1], [2]. Among them, patients with not palliated or not fully palliated univentricular hearts remain difficult to manage. The benefit–risk balance for total cavo pulmonary connection (TCPC) is very difficult to assess in these patients. This review aims to describe the characteristics of TCPC surgery in adults. We reviewed publications between 1980 and 2020 and studied the characteristics of TCPC surgery in adults: the preoperative patient's characteristics, the indications for surgery, the surgical techniques, the short- and long-term results. We found 15 articles [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17]. This surgery was most often performed in the second decade of the patients’ lives. The adult survivors with univentricular heart disease are more likely to have a left ventricle. The median time from palliation to TCPC is 6 to 7 years (Table 1). The decision to perform a TCPC was based overwhelmingly on cyanosis. Atriopulmonary anastomosis gradually gave way to intracardiac TCPC and now to TCPC with the insertion of an extracardiac tube (Fig. 1). The postoperative mortality rate (less than 30 days after surgery) is highly variable in the series ranging from 0 to 20%. Hemodynamic failure with low cardiac output of the systemic ventricle accounts for almost 50% of the causes of death in most series (Fig. 2). Mortality at 5, 10 and 15 years reported in four series is 76%–95%, 71%–81% and 66%–68%, respectively (Table 2). Risk factors for mortality at a distance from the operation include age > 30 years, male sex, preoperative mean pulmonary arterial pressure > 15 mmHg, postoperative right atrial pressure > 20 mmHg, postoperative recovery for haemorrhage. In adult patients who have not undergone surgery, the literature data show that the intervention is feasible with acceptable short- and long-term results.

Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a time-trend analysis from the Japanese nationwide registry

BackgroundBalloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), a novel technique initially introduced as a treatment for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, is now increasingly being performed in a broader spectrum of patients. Here,...

Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement.

To compare the results of sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the conventional method. A case-control study. Cardiovascular Surgery Unit, Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University, Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Turkey, from December 2014 to December 2019. Patients undergoing AVR were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were severe symptomatic aortic valve disease, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or higher, and age >55 years. Perioperative clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were assessed in all patients. Ninety-one patients (45 women, 46 men) underwent AVR (49 sutureless, 42 conventional). The average age was 73.08 ± 7.54 years in the sutureless group and 66.26±8.63 years in the conventional group. The mean cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times were 72.86 ± 34.09 and 91.88 ± 36.98 minutes, respectively, in the former; and 104.96 ± 41.64 and 119.81 ± 40.45 minutes, respectively, in the latter. In the sutureless group, 30 (61.2%) patients underwent additional procedures such as CABG, mitral interventions, tricuspid repair, ascending aortic surgery, and myxoma removal. Preoperative peak and mean pressure gradients decreased from 76 and 48 mmHg to 16 and 9 mmHg postoperatively in the sutureless group; and from 70.9 and 44 mmHg to 24 and 12 mmHg in the conventional group. Paravalvular leak and permanent pacemaker requirement due to AV-block rates were 6.1%. The mean ICU stay was 3.69±6.75 and 2.31±1.80 days, the mean hospital stay was 10.08±6.56 and 8.62±3.28 days, and the 30-day overall mortality rates were 8.2% and 4.8% in the sutureless and conventional groups, respectively. Conclusion: Sutureless AVR has advantages of shorter cross-clamp time, reduced CPB duration, and postoperative aortic gradients. However, there was no advantage in terms of mortality or hospital stay. Its benefits could be more prominent in complex cases or minimally invasive surgery. Key Words: Sutureless valves, Aortic valve stenosis, Valve replacement.

Predictive urodynamic factors for de novo stress urinary incontinence after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is often performed to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can improve after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. In contrast, some patients without incontinence preoperatively develop SUI after pelvic organ prolapse repair (ie, de novo SUI). This study aimed to identify the preoperative predictive factors of de novo SUI after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. A total of 858 patients underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between January 2013 and November 2017 at Kameda Medical Center. Urodynamic studies were performed pre- and postoperatively on 75 patients. This retrospective study included 43 of 75 patients who did not have SUI preoperatively. We assessed urethral function according to functional profile length and maximum urethral closure pressure. We evaluated voiding function in terms of maximum flow rate, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual volume. Furthermore, each factor was compared between de novo SUI-positive and SUI-negative groups. After laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, 30 (69.8%) patients presented with SUI. The preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly lower in the de novo SUI-positive group (36.0 cmH2 O) than in the de novo SUI-negative group (50.5 cmH2 O, P= .020). More patients with maximum urethral closure pressure <40 cmH2 O had de novo SUI than patients with maximum urethral closure pressure ≥40 cmH2 O (P= .004). There were no significant differences between preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure and postoperative maximum urethral closure pressure in either group. Low preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure, particularly maximum urethral closure pressure <40 cmH2 O, is a predictor of de novo SUI after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.