Ultra-fast Track Research Articles

Effect of Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Fentanyl Infusion on Postoperative Recovery in Cardiac Surgeries via Median Sternotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe effect of ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane block (ESPB) on the time to extubation is unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB on the time to extubation in patients who had cardiac surgery through midline sternotomy. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingCairo university hospital and national heart institute, Egypt. ParticipantsPatients aged from 18-70 years old who underwent cardiac surgery procedure through midline sternotomy. InterventionsRecruited patients were randomized to receive either preoperative single shot ultrasound guided bilateral ESPB or fentanyl infusion. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the time to extubation. other outcomes included: total perioperative fentanyl consumption, pain score using the numerical rating score (NRS), length of ICU stay and incidence of perioperative complications. Main resultsTwo hundred and nineteen patients were available for final analysis. In the ESPB group, the mean time of extubation was significantly shorter (159.5 ± 109.5) minutes, compared to the control group (303.2 ± 95.9) minutes, mean difference (95% CI): -143.7(-171.1, -116.3) minutes, p= 0.0001. Ultrafast track (immediate postoperative) extubation was achieved in 23 (21.1%) patients in ESPB group compared to one patient (0.9%) in the control group. The ICU stay was significantly reduced in the ESPB group (47.2 2 ± 13.3) hours compared to the control group (78.9 ± 25.2) hours, p= 0.0001. There was significant reduction in NRS in ESPB group than control group for up to 24 hours postoperatively, p =0.001. ConclusionAmong adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery through medline sternotomy, the extubation time was halved in patients who received single shot bilateral erector spinae plane block compared to patients who received fentanyl infusion. Clinical trial identifierNCT05356715. Registration URLhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05356715

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of ultra-fast track anesthesia for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy of palmar hyperhidrosis.

In this study, we investigated the safety and practicability of ultra-fast track anesthesia (UFTA) for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). A total of 72 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis undergoing ETS were randomly divided into three groups: the UFTA group (group I), the group undergoing single-lumen tracheal intubation with local infiltration anesthesia technique (group II), and the group undergoing single-lumen tracheal intubation with routine anesthesia (group III). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for all three groups at the following six time points: Before anesthetics administration (T0), the time of intubating or inserting laryngeal mask airway (T1), the time of incising skin (T2), the time of disconnecting of the right sympathetic nerve (T3), the time of disconnecting of the left sympathetic nerve (T4), the time of withdrawing the tracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway (T5), and the time of transferring the patient to a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (T6). The three groups were compared from the following perspectives: surgery duration; anesthesia recovery duration, that is, the duration from discontinuation of anesthesia to extubating the tracheal tube; the dose of propofol and remifentanil per kilogram body mass per unit time interval (the time at the end of the procedure, which lasted from anesthesia induction to incision suturing); and the visual analog scale (VAS) in the resting state in the PACU. Based on pairwise comparisons, the average HR and average MAP values of the three groups differed significantly from T2 to T6 (p < 0.05). As demonstrated by the correlation analysis between remifentanil and propofol with HR and MAP, the doses of the total amount of remifentanil and propofol were lower, and group I used less remifentanil and propofol than group II. No patient in group I experienced throat discomfort following surgery. Patients in groups II and III experienced a range of postoperative discomfort. The VAS scores of groups I and II were significantly lower than those of group III, with group I lower than group II. When utilized in ETS, UFTA can provide effective anesthesia for minor traumas. It is safe, effective, and consistent with the enhanced recovery philosophy of fast-track surgery departments.

Analgesic Effect and Sleep Quality of Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine in Cardiac Surgical Patients After Ultrafast-Track Extubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To compare the analgesic and sleep quality effects of dexmedetomidine infusion versus placebo in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with ultra-fast track extubation. The randomized, double-blind clinical trial study. At a single academic center hospital. We included patients aged 25 to 65 scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under general anesthesia with cardiopulmonary bypass from October 2021 to December 2022. After immediate extubation in the operating room, the patients who were allocated at first after providing their consent to either the dexmedetomidine group (Dex) or the placebo group (Placebo) received continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.2 μg/kg/h) or saline for 12 hours postoperatively. The groups' demographic and perioperative variables were not statistically significant. Total morphine consumption in milligrams at 12 and 24 hours after administered study drug, total sleep time in hours by BIS value ≤85, and sleep quality with the Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire were compared. The analysis included 22 Dex and 23 Placebo patients. The consumption of morphine was not statistically different between the Dex and Placebo groups at 12 and 24 hours (p = 0.707 and p = 0.502, respectively). The Dex group had significantly longer sleep time (8.7 h [7.8, 9.5]) than the Placebo group (5.8 h [2.9, 8.5]; p = 0.007). The Dex group also exhibited better sleep quality (7.9 [6.7, 8.7] vs 6.6 [5.2, 8.0]; p = 0.038). Sedation with low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion for ultra-fast track extubation following cardiac surgery enhances sleep duration and quality.

Fast-track paediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits and predictors of success of fast-track and ultra-fast track paediatric and congenital cardiac surgery. Methods: Retrospective observational study of paediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgical patients presented for surgery in period between October 2023 and April 2024 at Queen Alia heart institute (QAHI). Patients’ demographic, clinical and perioperative date were collected and analysed. Patients were divided into groups according to their extubation time: UFTE (Ultra-fast track extubation group, FTE (Fast-track extubation) group, CE (Conventional extubation) group and DE (Delayed extubation) group. All groups were compared in reference to their age, weight, CPB time, AXC time, length of ICU stay and hospitalisation time. Statistical analysis was done to determine the benefits of early extubation after paediatric and congenital cardiac surgery. Predictors of early and DE were studied. Results: Data of 73 paediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgical patients was reviewed and analysed. Patients were 37 males and 36 females. Average age of patients was 11.1 years (ranged from 5 days to 57 years). Average weight of patients was 29.3 kg (ranged from 2.4 to 109 kg) and average height was 104.8 cm. Average time of tracheal extubation was 13.1 hours (ranged from 0 to 168 hours). UFTE was accomplished in 11 patients (15.1%). FTE was done in 19 patients (26%). CE (between was 6 and 24 hours) was carried out in 38 patients (52.1%) and DE (after more than 24 hours) was noted in 5 patients (6.8%). The average ICU stay was 3 days (ranged from 1 to 15 days). Patients from the UFTE group had the shortest average ICU stay of 1.2 days, while patients from the FTE group had an average ICU stay of 1.9 days. Patients from the CE and the DE groups had an average ICU stay of 4 days and 9.4 days, respectively. Length of hospitalisation was shortest in the UFTE group with an average of 6 days. The hospitalisation time doubled in the DE group to 12 days. The shorter the CPB and AXC times the more likely patients were to have UFTE and FTE. Neonates were less likely to have UFTE and FTE. Conclusions: UFTE and FTE were associated with shorter ICU stay and hospitalisation time. Predictors of UFTE and FTE were simple cardiac procedures, shorter CPB and AXC durations. Neonatal age and low body weight paediatric cardiac surgical patients were predictors for conventional or DE.

Optimization of lung ultrasound in ultrafast-track anesthesia for non-cyanotic congenital heart disease surgery

ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the feasibility of lung ultrasound for perioperative assessment and the optimal effect of lung ultrasound in reducing lung complications during non-cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery using ultrafast-track anesthesia. MethodsSixty patients were treated at Shenzhen Children's Hospital between 2019 and 2020. Of these, 30 patients in group N had an indication for extubation and ultrafast-track anesthesia after congenital heart surgery; the tracheal catheter was removed, and the patients were sent to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for further monitoring and treatment. Another 30 patients were in group L and also had an indication for extubation and ultrafast-track anesthesia; in addition we compared lung ultrasound score (LUS) before and after surgery, when we found the cases that LUS ≥ 15, for whom targeted optimization treatment would be carried out. The tracheal catheter was removed after LUS <15 days before the patients were sent to the CICU. In all cases, the LUS and PaO2/FiO2 ratios (P/F) of both groups were recorded at the time of anesthesia induction (T0), before extubation (T1), and 5 min (T2), 1 h (T3), and 24 h (T4) after extubation. The incidence of pulmonary complications, LUS, and P/F were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was great consistency between LUS and radiographic findings. Comparing the data of the two groups at T2, T3 and T4, the P/F was higher and the LUS was lower in group L than in group N. The incidence of lung complications in group L (18 cases, 60 %) was lower than that in group N (26 cases, 86.7 %, χ2 = 5.46, P = 0.02); comparing LUS between T0 and T3, LUS decreased in a greater number of cases in group L (15, 50 %) than in group N (7 cases, 23.3 %, χ2 = 4.59, P = 0.032). ConclusionLung ultrasonography can effectively help assess lung conditions. Optimization guided by lung ultrasound in ultrafast track anesthesia can significantly reduce postoperative lung complications.

Comparison of ultrafast and fast track extubation after secundum atrial septal defect surgery in pediatric age group

Bacground Patients who underwent ultrafast track on the operating table and fast track extubation in the pediatric intensive care unit for 2 to 6 h after secundum atrial septal defect surgery in the pediatric age group were compared. Methods Between January 2013 and February 2017, 60 pediatric patients (24 boys, 36 girls; Mean age 7.5 ± 4.6 years) whose secundum atrial defect was closed were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were separated as those who were extubated on the operating table (Group1,n = 28) and those extubated in the pediatric intensive care unit within 2-6 h postoperatively (Group2,n = 32). Results No difference was found in demographic data and preoperative catheter information between the groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 20(18–25)/27.5(20–30)minutes (p:0.001), the cross-clamp time was 10(10–15)/15(11–20)minutes(p:0.004), the postoperative drainage amount was 50(25-50)/60(32.5–100)ml(p:0.013), the length of stay in the intensive care unit was 1(1-–1)/1(1–2)day(p:0.025), the length of stay after intensive care was 3(2–3)/3(3–4)days(p:0.001) and the total hospital stay was 4(3–4)/5(4–5.5) days (p < 0.001), which were respectively shorter for the group 1 compared to 2. Postoperative blood product replacement, positive inotrope support, pericardial effusion, mortality, and morbidity were not detected in either groups. Conclusion In this study, it was observed that the UFT extubation was safe for the patients who were operated for secundum ASD, in the pediatric age group, and had a cross-clamp time not exceeding 15 min. It was found that the amount of drainage, length of stay in the intensive care unit, post-intensive care unit, and the total hospital stay of patients extubated on the operating table were shorter.

Ultra Fast-Track Vs Conventional Fast-Track in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

We aimed at comparing the risk of major adverse events and length of stay between patients undergoing ultrafast-track and conventional fast-track. Retrospective cohorts study adjusted by propensity score matching, including patients operated on between March-2020 and December-2022 of any of the following: coronary, valve surgery or ascending aorta surgery. Patients were divided in two groups: ultrafast-track: extubation in the operating room and fast-track: extubation attempted in the first 6 postoperative hours. The primary objective was to compare the risk of the combined event death, lung respiratory outcomes (reintubation, mechanical ventilation longer than 24hh or pneumonia), or acute renal failure. 1126 patients were included. 579(51.4%) were extubated in the operating room. 331 pairs were available after matching by propensity score. The risk of the primary outcome was 11.8%(n = 39) in the fast-track group and 6.3%(n = 21) in the ultrafast-track group(p = 0.013), mostly driven by lung adverse events (6.9% Vs 2.4%,p = 0.011) while no significant differences were detected in the risk of death (2.4% Vs 1.8%,p = 0.77) or acute renal failure (8% Vs 6.3%,p = 0.56). The risk of myocardial infarction was higher in the fast-track group (2.7% Vs 0%,p = 0.039). The median length of stay in the postoperative intensive care unit was longer in the fast-track group (24.7hh(IQR 21.5; 62.9) Vs 23.5hh(IQR 22; 46),p = 0.015). In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, extubation in the operating room is associated to a lower risk of postoperative complications (mostly driven by lung adverse events) and length of stay in intensive care unit as compared to fast-track.

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.

Feasibility and safety of ultra-fast track anesthesia for totally thoracoscopic closure of ventricular septal defect: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveUltra-fast channel anesthesia (UFTA) can reduce the dosage of opioid narcotic drugs, allow for a rapid postoperative extubation and reduce the harmful stress response during perioperative period. However, there has been limited information about the application of UFTA during thoracoscopic closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of UFTA technique in patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic closure of VSD. MethodsSeventy-eight patients were randomly divided into study (UFTA) and control (standard general anesthesia) group. Totally thoracoscopic closure of VSD was performed in all patients. Extubation in the study and control group was attempted in the operating room and the intensive care unit, respectively. ResultsAll patients in the study group were extubated in the operating room immediately after surgery, but 2 (6.1%) required reintubation. All the control group patients were extubated after a period of mechanical ventilation (3.0 ± 3.7 h vs 0 h in the study group, p = 0.001) in the intensive care unit. The intensive care and hospital stays in the study group were shorter than in the control group (4.3 ± 2.5 vs 13.4 ± 4.4 h, p = 0.003, and 5.8 ± 0.8 vs 6.5 ± 1.2 d, p = 0.047). The total costs for the treatment in the study group was lower than in the control group (5264 ± 514 vs 4662 ± 461 US dollars, p = 0.02). ConclusionsUFTA and operating room extubation was feasible and safe in the majority of patients following totally thoracoscopic closure of VSD. This technique was associated with a shorter intensive care stay and lower overall costs for the surgical treatment.

Comparison of Transversus Thoracis Muscle Plane Block and Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Plane Block for enhanced recovery after pediatric open-heart surgery

BackgroundEffective analgesia after cardiac surgery contributes to enhanced recovery. AimTo compare the perioperative analgesic effectiveness of Transversus Thoracis Muscle Plane Block (TTPB) and Pecto-Intercostal-Fascial Plane Block (PIFB) for controlling post-sternotomy pain in the pediatric population for ultrafast track cardiac surgery. MethodsDouble-blind randomized study of 60 children, 2–12 years old, undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy in whom a bilateral ultrasound-guided TTPB or TIBP block was performed preemptively. ResultsEpidemiologic data of both groups were comparable. TTPB group had a lower median Modified Objective Pain Score (MOPS) all over the time postoperatively. Fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in TTBP group compared with PIFB group, only 4/30 received supplemental fentanyl during surgery in the TTPB group vs. 11/30 in the PIFB group (p = 0.033). The median [interquartile] values of postoperative fentanyl consumption were significantly lower in the TTBP compared with PIFB group: 12.0 [10.0–12.0] vs. 15.0 [15.0–16.0] µg/kg (p < 0.001), respectively. First rescue analgesia was later in the TTPB group compared to the PIFB group with median times of 7.25 and 5.0 h, respectively (p < 0.001). Both groups had a comparable ICU length of stay (p = 0.919), with a median of 3 days. Furthermore, in the PIFB group, the incidence of non-sternal wound chest pain (53.3%) was significantly higher than in the TTPB group (3.3%) (p < 0.05). ConclusionTTPB and PIFB are safe regional blocks that could enhance recovery after pediatric cardiac surgery. In our series, TTPB provided better and longer-lasting postoperative analgesia with less incidence of non-sternal wound pain than PIFB.

Perioperative Factors Related To Ultra-Fast Track Extubation After Fontan Completion: Is There A Difference?

Perioperative Factors Related To Ultra-Fast Track Extubation After Fontan Completion: Is There A Difference?

Effects of Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Infants and Small Children undergoing Ultra-Fast Track Cardiac Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To assess whether a preoperative bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) would improve postoperative analgesia in infants and small children undergoing open cardiac surgery in the protocol of an ultra-fast track cardiac anesthesia (UFTCA). A single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled study. At a tertiary children's medical center. A total of 180 children undergoing cardiac surgery, aged 1 month to 3 years. Patients are allocated randomly to TPVB and parent- and/or nurse-controlled intravenous analgesia (PNCA) group (Group T) or PNCA group (Group P). The primary outcome is the postoperative pain scores. The secondary outcome are intraoperative consumption of sufentanil, time to extubation, using of neostigmine, cumulative total and invalid PCA attempts in 24 and 48 hours after surgery, hospitalization characteristics, perioperative blood glucose, postoperative arterial oxygen partial pressure, arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The postoperative pain scores within 24 hours, intraoperative consumption of sufentanil, total, and invalid PCA attempts in 24 and 48 hours, perioperative blood glucose and BNP on the seventh day in Group T were all significantly lower than those in Group P (p < 0.001). The time to extubation, the use of neostigmine, and PaCO2 on the sixth hour, postoperatively, were significantly smaller in Group T than those in Group P (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the hospitalizations between the 2 groups. A combination of bilateral single dose TPVB and PNCA pain management is superior to a PNCA pain management alone in infants and small children undergoing open cardiac surgery and contributes to a rapid recovery with preferable perioperative outcomes in the protocol of UFTCA.

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.

P50 IMPLEMENTATION OF PROTOCOLS FOR “ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY” IN AORTIC VALVE SURGERY

Abstract Objective Although, the use of protocols for “enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS) have been associated with improved results in different surgical disciplines, no data are available for EARS in cardiac surgery, thus far. In the late 2016 a mutlidisciplinary ERAS program to treat patients who require AVR was implemented in our institution. The aim of this study was to assess safety and 30 day outcomes in patients receiving ERAS management. Methods To improve multidisciplinary ERAS program, our mini–invasive approach (Fig. 1), that goes beyond a small incision, includes: (i) mini–surgical access (ministernotomy–minithoracotomy), to reduce the traumatic impact, postoperative pain and to increase patient’s satisfaction; (ii) minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation system, to improve end–organ protection and decrease systemic inflammatory response; (iii) ultra fast–track anaesthesia, to decrease the rate of postoperative complications and assure better and earlier recovery (Fig. 2). Results Between September 2016 and December 2021, 600 consecutive patients (mean age 72 years, Euroscore II 1,62%) underwent isolated mini–AVR in our institution. UFT anaesthesia was used in 195 patients (32.5%) and MiECC in 173 (28.8%). All patients received a timely rehabilitation therapy (3–6 hours after surgery) and an early family contact in ICU. At 30 days, the overall mortality and stroke rates were 0,3% (n = 2) and 0,5% (n = 3), respectively. Respiratory insufficiency occurred in 16 pts (2,5%). Median blood loss at 12 hours was 174,5 cc; blood transfusions were reduced to minimum intraoperatively and avoided in 66% of patients. Twenty three patients (3,8%) received definitive pacemaker implantation. The median ICU and in–hospital lengths of stay were 1 and 6 days, respectively. Conclusions Findings from our study confirms that mini–AVR yields excellent clinical outcomes with very low mortality and morbidity rates. The implementation of ERAS protocol in patients undergoing mini–AVR demonstrated to be safe and was associated with promising results. Thus, by reducing surgical injury and promoting faster recovery, ERAS management may further enhance minimally invasive interventions.

Efficacy of bilateral PECS II block in postoperative analgesia for ultrafast track pediatric cardiac anesthesia

ABSTRACT Background Effective analgesia after cardiac surgery contributes to fast recovery, and discharge from the critical care unit. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate PECS II block for controlling post-sternotomy pain in pediatric population in ultrafast track cardiac surgery. Methods In this double-blind, randomized control trial, 40 children, 1–5 years old, underwent cardiac surgery via median sternotomy, Group (A) control: Analgesics were administered intravenously. Group (B): received 0.25% bupivacaine at 0.5 ml/kg divided equally to both sides for PECS block. Results PECS group had lower median Modified Objective Pain Score (MOPS) immediately, two, four, and 6 h postoperatively. PECS group had lower median fentanyl utilization by 35% than the control group with median utilization of 2.72 (95% CI 2.490–2.960) mic/kg/in the first 24 hours in contrast to 4.17 (95% CI 3.834–4.516) mic/kg/in the first 24 hours in the control group (P < 0.001). First rescue analgesia was later in PECS group compared to the control group with median time (7 hours) and (2 hours), respectively. Furthermore, Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Agitation (PAED) score was lower in the intervention group with median 9.5 and 12 in the control group (P < 0.001). PECS group had shorter ICU stay than the control group (P < 0.05), with mean ICU stay 52 hours (95% CI 43.522–62.378) compared to 80.40 hours (95% CI 64.310–96.490). Conclusion PECS block is an efficient technique that can be implemented as an integral part of fast-track cardiac surgery.

Paediatric cardiac anaesthesia perspective in komfo anokye teaching hospital kumasi: A 10-year review

Background: Infant mortality due to congenital malformations has an incident rate of 8 cases per 1000 live births. Due to Africa's inadequate health-care systems, congenital cardiac disease (CCD) remains a paediatric health-care issue. CCD patients undergo an open-heart operation (OHO) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi. Aim: This study aimed to compare trends of cardiac anaesthesia protocols before and after 2014 and to assess the efficiency and quality of surgical care provided to children with CCD following the implementation of new cardiac anaesthesia protocols in 2014. Materials and Methods: Groups A and B were represented by the years before and after 2014. This was a retrospective study involving 118 patients who underwent OHO under general anaesthesia from 2007 to 2016 after obtaining Institutional ethical approval. Results: In Groups A and B, the mean length of hospitalization in days and cardiac care unit stay in days were (6.87 ± 3.51 and 4.20 ± 3.66) (P = 0.046) and (3.14 ± 2.37 and 1.96 ± 2.85) (P = 0.382), respectively. In Group B, ultrafast track extubations increased from 7.25% to 39.71% (P = 0.021), while patients mean mechanically ventilation time decreased by 82.34 ± 11.70–23.48 ± 7.94 h (P = 0.018). In the first 48 h, the chest tube's postoperative drainage reduced by 133 ± 28.46–95 ± 20.38 ml (P = 0.018) and haemorrhage leading to re-exploration decreased 11.77%–1.50% (P = 0.019). After 2014, postoperative haemorrhage, the chest tube's drainage, and re-exploration were statistically significantly reduced by tranexamic acid. Conclusions: This ten-year program primarily focused on selecting simple cases and simplifying anaesthesia protocols after 2014. Given the success of our OHO program at KATH Kumasi, there is a need for a paradigm shift to sustain OHO programs in other parts of Africa.

Ultra Fast-Track Extubation Experience in Padiatric Cardiac Surgery

Ultra Fast-Track Extubation Experience in Padiatric Cardiac Surgery

The effect of ultra-fast track cardiac anaesthesia in infants and toddlers: a randomised trial.

The usefulness of ultra-fast track cardiac anaesthesia may give great benefits to patients; however, its usefulness has not been completely evaluated in infants and toddlers, who are generally considered the most difficult group for ultra-fast track cardiac anaesthesia. A total of 130 children were allocated randomly into to a ultra-fast track cardiac anaesthesia group (Group D) or a conventional anaesthesia group (Group C) (each n = 65). In Group D, dexmedetomidine was administrated at a dosage of 1 µg/kg/hour after induction. The patient- controlled intravenous analgesia was dexmedetomidine and sufentanil. In Group C, patients were infused with of the same volume of normal saline, and sufentanil alone for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. The dosages of sufentanil, extubation time, haemodynamic parameters, postoperative hospitalisation conditions, pain and sedation scores, blood gas analysis, and inotropic scores were all recorded. The dosage of sufentanil (1.49 ± 0.05 vs. 3.81 ± 0.04 µg, p < 0.001) and extubation time (2.63 ± 0.52 vs. 436.60 ± 22.19 minutes, p < 0.001) in Group D were all significantly lower than those in Group C. Moreover, cardiac intensive care unit stay time, total hospital stay, hospitalisation costs, postoperative lactate levels, and inotropic scores were also significantly lower in Group D. Using of ultra-fast track cardiac anaesthesia in infants and toddlers is effective, it not only reduce the perioperative requirement for opioids and shorten the extubation time but also decreases the inotrope requirement and provide a better postoperative condition for young children.

Clinical effect of dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil on postoperative analgesia for transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects in children with ultrafast track anesthesia

BackgroundTo observe the effect of combining dexmedetomidine with sufentanil on postoperative analgesia in children who underwent transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) with ultrafast track anesthesia.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Eighty-seven children who underwent transthoracic device closure of VSDs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on the different drugs used for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia.ResultsNo statistically significant differences in hemodynamic parameters were noted among the three groups after surgery (p > 0.05). The FLACC score in the SD2 group was significantly greater than those in the S groups and SD1 groups after surgery (p < 0.001). The Ramsay score in the S group was significantly lower than that of the SD1 and SD2 groups at 6 h (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), 12 h (p = 0.002 and p = 0.012), and 24 h (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) after surgery. The pressing frequency of the analgesic pump 48 h after the operation in the SD2 group was significantly greater than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The incidences of respiratory depression, nausea, and vomiting in the S group were significantly greater than those in the SD1 and SD2 groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe combination of 0.04 μg/kg/h dexmedetomidine and 0.04 μg/kg/h sufentanil intravenous analgesia was more effective than the other two analgesic strategies in children who underwent transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) with ultrafast track anesthesia.

Fast Tracking in Off Pump CABG with Supraglottic Airway and TIVA

AbstractThe standard goals of anesthetic management for an off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery are that it should be safe, provide cardiac and other organ protection and stability, preserve neurocognitive integrity, maintain hemodynamics, allow early emergence and ambulation, and offer pain relief in the postoperative period. The cardiac surgical team should collaborate and plan the best preoperative strategy, so as to provide optimal care and a rapid and expeditious recovery of these patients. Scientific evidence and practical experience make total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) the recommended choice for cardiac surgery. Use of endotracheal tube (ETT) is associated with certain drawbacks which can be overcome with judicious use of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) for cardiac surgeries too. The core principles of ultrafast track anesthetic (UFTA) technique are choice and titration of short-acting anesthetic drugs, postoperative normothermia, multimodal analgesia, early extubation, ambulation, and discharge. Fast tracking with use of TIVA and PLMA in patients undergoing OPCAB at our center offers certain advantages over other techniques in terms of reduced airway and lung trauma, improved cardiac output and renal perfusion with spontaneous respiration, decreased stress and discomfort of ETT suctioning and weaning from ventilation, substantially reduced requirement of dosages of analgesics, anesthetics and opioids, resulting in better patient hemodynamics, alert and pain-free patient that are more amenable and cooperative for early feeds, postoperative chest physiotherapy and lung recruitment strategies, and early ambulation and discharge.