Ventilation Time Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defects in children

Abstract Objectives To evaluate safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure techniques for the closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in children in United Arab Emirates. Methods In the year 2023-24, 13 children underwent per-ventricular device closures of VSD under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography without cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). The mean age at operation was 3.76 years (range 3 months-14 years). The ventricular septal defect sizes ranged from 2.7-6 mm. The device sizes ranged from 5-12mm. All patients except two required symmetrical device. Eight defects were peri membranous, 3 were sub-aortic and 2 were muscular. Ventricular septal defect occlusion device (Memoport, Beijing, China) were used through a 3-cm skin incision in the lower third of the sternum. Results All patients underwent VSD device closure successfully. The mean procedural duration was 42 minutes. None of the patients required CPB. The mean ventilation time and ICU stay was 3 hrs. and 24 hrs. respectively. None of the patients required inotropic support or blood transfusions. There were no residual shunt (except small shunt through the device), arrhythmias including heart block post operatively. At follow up, (3 months-7 months) there were no residual shunts, conduction disturbances, device dislodgement or major aortic or tricuspid valve complications. There was no mortality. Conclusions Perventricular device closure of VSD is highly successful, less invasive, safe and effective. It is associated with quick recovery, short length of stay and better cosmetic incision. Moreover, it avoids CPB.

Right anterior thoracotomy vs. upper hemisternotomy for aortic valve replacement with Perceval S: is there a difference?

BackgroundOur study aimed to evaluate the early outcomes of aortic valve replacement with Perceval S sutureless valve through the right anterior thoracotomy and upper hemisternotomy approaches, and to determine if there are any differences between these two approaches.MethodsWe carried out a study using data from 174 patients who underwent minimally invasive Perceval S valve implantation for aortic valve stenosis between January 2018 and August 2023. This was a retrospective, single-center observational study. The patients were divided into two groups: the hemisternotomy group (n = 100) and the right anterior thoracotomy group (n = 74).ResultsThe overall in-hospital mortality was 1,7%. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were longer in the right anterior thoracotomy group (p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of stroke, paravalvular leak, mechanical ventilation time, blood transfusion requirements, pacemaker implantation, reexploration for bleeding, conversion, wound infection, or in-hospital stay. Postoperative chest drainage was lower (p < .001) and postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred less frequently (p = .044) in the right anterior thoracotomy group. The median intensive care unit stay was shorter in the right anterior thoracotomy group (p = .018).ConclusionAortic valve replacement with the Perceval S valve through either an upper hemisternotomy or a right anterior thoracotomy is a procedure associated with low perioperative complication rates. Right anterior thoracotomy for an aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S valve was associated with lower postoperative bleeding, a lower postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and a shorter intensive care unit stay compared to upper hemistornotomy.

The impact of viral respiratory infection on surgical outcome of cavopulmonary shunt.

Undetected respiratory infections may adversely affect the intrapulmonary resistance after Stage 2 or Stage 3 Fontan palliation. A few studies describe a higher risk for viral pneumonia during respiratory virus season, but none of them have focused on the effect of symptomatic viral pneumonia on in-hospital clinical course after bidirectional Glenn shunt. We analysed 77 patients who underwent bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery. Six patients were detected with pneumonia and proof of viral ribonucleic acid in tracheal mucus in the very early postoperative time. We compared them retrospectively to the remaining 71 patients regarding preoperative inflammatory signs, mortality, paediatric ICU length of stay, and ventilation time. The infection rate was not seasonal dependent. Ventilation time was significantly elongated in the pneumonia group (558 h ± 634 vs. 8.7 h ± 1.9; p < 0.0001) and so was the paediatric ICU length of stay (29 days ± 26 vs. 3 days±1; p = 0.007). Significantly more patients in the pneumonia group required extracorporeal cardiac life support postoperatively. The mortality was significantly increased in patients with pneumonia. Even subclinical viral pneumonia may cause ventilation-to-perfusion mismatch by raising intrapulmonary resistance. Recorded parameters of postoperative paediatric ICU therapy showed a significant impact of a viral pneumonia on patients after bidirectional Glenn shunt. The respiratory syncytial virus vaccination does not protect these patients from infection with other respiratory viruses. The focus should be put on preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary infections in the vulnerable group of patients with univentricular hearts.

Does patient-ventilator asynchrony really matter?

Past observational studies have reported the association between patient-ventilator asynchronies and poor clinical outcomes, namely longer duration of mechanical ventilation and higher mortality. But causality has remained undetermined. During the era of lung and diaphragm protective ventilation, should we revolutionize our clinical practice to detect and treat dyssynchrony? Clinicians' ability to recognize asynchronies is typically low. Automatized softwares based on artificial intelligence have been trained to largely outperform human eyesight and are close to be implemented at the bedside. There is growing evidence that in susceptible patients, dyssynchrony may lead to ventilation-induced lung injury (or patient self-inflicted lung injury) and that clusters of such dyssynchronous events have the highest association with poor outcomes. Dyssynchrony may also be associated with harm indirectly when it reflects over-assistance or over-sedation. However, the occurrence of reverse triggering by means of low inspiratory efforts during passive ventilation may prevent diaphragm dysfunction and atrophy and be beneficial. Most recent evidence on the topic suggests that synchrony between the patient and the mechanical ventilator is a critical element for protecting lung and diaphragm during the time of invasive mechanical ventilation or may reflect inadequate settings or sedation. Therefore, it is a complex situation, and clinical trials are still needed to test the effectiveness of keeping patient-ventilator interaction synchronous on clinical outcomes.

A comprehensive organ protection strategy in total arch replacement: a propensity-weighted analysis.

To report the outcomes and determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive organ protection strategy in total arch replacement. A total of 350 patients who underwent total arch replacement were enrolled. 54 patients underwent the comprehensive organ protection strategy with bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bACP) and aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) technique (comprehensive strategy group) and 296 patients underwent the standard strategy with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (standard strategy group). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the baseline characteristics. After IPTW, the comprehensive strategy group had lower incidences of 30-day mortality (0.9% vs 4.9%, P = 0.002), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (0.6% vs 10.3%, P < 0.001), renal failure (4.6% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001), hepatic dysfunction (11.6% vs 21.1%, P = 0.001), and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation [16 (13, 31) vs 20 (14, 48) hours, P = 0.011]. Multivariable logistic analysis showed the comprehensive strategy was an independent protective factor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR): 0.242, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.068-0.867, P = 0.029), CRRT (OR: 0.045, 95% CI: 0.008-0.264, P = 0.001), renal failure (OR: 0.351, 95% CI: 0.156-0.788, P = 0.011), and mechanical ventilation >20 hours (OR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.319-0.883, P = 0.015). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed mid-term survival was comparable. The comprehensive organ protection strategy might improve early survival, reduce the use of CRRT, have protective effects on the kidney, and shorten mechanical ventilation time in total arch replacement. This strategy might be considered a viable alternative in total arch replacement.

Lower Levels of Vitamin D Are Associated with Higher Vasoactive–Inotropic Scores in Major Cardiac Surgery

Background: The vasoactive–inotropic score (VIS) predicts unfavorable outcomes after cardiac surgery in both children and adults. In our adult population, we investigated whether preoperative levels of vitamin D can predict the VIS and whether both vitamin D and the VIS can predict adverse outcomes following major heart surgery. Methods: Between 1 October 2021 and 28 February 2022, 300 patients underwent major cardiac surgery at our institution. Eighty-three of them had their 25-OH vitamin D levels measured before surgery. For this cohort, we calculated the VIS based on doses of vasoactive and inotropic medications administered post-surgery. Utilizing receiver operating curves, the predictive accuracy of vitamin D levels and the VIS in predicting acute kidney injury was assessed. Results: The median age of the cohort was 66 (IQR 61–71) years, with 59% being male and a median BMI of 28.4 (IQR 25.2–31.6). The most common procedures were aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve and ascending aorta repair, and ASD correction. There was a significant difference in the postoperative VIS between patients with vitamin D deficiency, i.e., &lt;20 ng/mL, and patients with vitamin D values &gt; 20 ng/mL (3.5 vs. 1.3 p &lt; 0.04). We also found a significant correlation between the VIS and the days of hospitalization (r = 0.335; p = 0.002), the days of stay in the intensive care unit (r = 0.547; p &lt; 0.00001), and the mechanical ventilation time (r = 0.327; p = 0.025). Both vitamin D levels and the VIS predicted postoperative acute kidney injury (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is correlated with the VIS in adults undergoing major cardiac surgery. Both vitamin D levels and the VIS can predict unfavorable postoperative outcomes.

Sex Differences in Outcomes After Elective and Acute Aortic Surgery—A Single-Centre Experience over the Last Two Decades

Background/Objectives: Recent studies show conflicting results regarding sex-related differences in outcomes following aortic surgery. This study primarily evaluated 20-year mortality rates, along with 30-day and one- and five-year rates, and postoperative complications in female and male patients who underwent elective and acute ascending aortic surgery at a tertiary care centre. Methods: This retrospective observational study analysed data from 676 adult patients who underwent ascending aortic surgery in Amsterdam UMC, between January 2001 and December 2020. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact test, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and logistic regression were used to assess differences in mortality rates. Results: Patient characteristics for elective and acute procedures were different. Females were generally older (elective: 69 vs. 62 years, p &lt; 0.001, acute: 70 vs. 62 years, p = 0.002), with smaller body surface area (elective/acute: 1.8 vs. 2.1 m2, p &lt; 0.001), lower preoperative haemoglobin (elective: 8.3 vs. 8.9 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.001, acute: 7.8 vs. 8.4 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (elective: 64 vs. 91 mL/min, p &lt; 0.001; acute: 67 vs. 83 mL/min, p = 0.004). Females undergoing elective procedures had a lower body mass index (25.0 vs. 26.6 kg/m2, p = 0.006), better left ventricle function (p = 0.048) and higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15 vs. 8%, p = 0.032). In elective procedures, the 20-year mortality rate (49% vs. 30%, p &lt; 0.001) was significantly higher in females, especially those under 60 years (OR of 3.158 [1.2–8.6], p = 0.024). Mortality rates up to one year were comparable. Five-year mortality rate (26% vs. 16%, p = 0.027) was higher. Females had longer ventilation times (32% vs. 15%, p &lt; 0.001) and intensive care unit stays (2 vs. 1 days, p = 0.005). For acute procedures, morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between sexes. Conclusions: Females under 60, undergoing elective ascending aortic surgery showed higher long-term all-cause mortality rates. Implementing sex-specific management strategies and extended follow-up could be essential for improving outcomes in this group.

Airway management algorithm during circular tracheal resection in adult patients with cicatricial stenosis (a single-center study)

The objective was to present the experience of airway management algorithm in patients with different localization of stenosis during circular tracheal resection.Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis included 84 patients with grade II cicatricial stenosis who underwent circular tracheal resection at the period from 2018 to 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with long-segment tracheal stenosis and group 2 with short-segment tracheal stenosis (39 and 45 patients, respectively). The age of patients in group 1 was 43 years [28–55] versus 48 [35–61] years in group 2 (p = 0.19). The patients in the groups were comparable in terms of the main parameters: gender, the ratio of women to men, BMI, class of cardiological risk, degree of risk of respiratory complications and pneumonia, degree of disability. Airway management control during surgery was provided by tracheal intubation with the installation of an endotracheal tube (ETT) proximal to tracheal stenosis or with a supraglottic airway device (laryngeal mask) i-gel (LM) before the main stage, followed by the application of the «apnea-ventilation-apnea» technique at the main stage. In patients with tracheostomy, airway management was performed by inserting endotracheal tube (ETT) into the tracheostomy opening using the «apnea-ventilation-apnea» technique until the completion of the main stage, followed by tracheal intubation through the mouth using a bronchoscope. All patients included in this study underwent tracheoplasty; patients with preserved tracheostomy were not included in the study. The choice of the method of airway management was determined after a joint discussion of the patient with the operating surgeon, endoscopists, as well as after evaluating the predictors of difficult airways and the presence of a tracheostomy in the patient.Results. The incidence of patients with tracheostomy in group 1 – 23 (59%) was higher than in group 2 – 9 (16%) (OR 5.75, 95% CI 2.18–15.17; p &lt; 0.0001), which influenced the choice of tactics for airway management, since LM tracheostomy was not used in this group of patients. The choice of tactics for airway management algorithm also depended on the extent of stenosis, so LM was used more often in group 2 – 28 (62.2%) than in group 1 – 12 (30.8%) (p = 0.004). We associate such differences with the presence of a large number of patients with tracheostomy in group 1. For airway management during surgery, LM was used in 90% of cases with cervical localization of stenosis. In group 1, the time of anesthesia and mechanical ventilation increases compared to group 2: 245 [210–275] versus 215 [180–240] min (p = 0.022) and 265 [220–400] versus 210 [180–320] min (p = 0.015), respectively. The frequency of waking up in the operating room and regaining the ability to breathe independently was higher in patients in group 2: 35 (77.8%) than in group 1 22 (56.4%) (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.05–6.97; p = 0.036). No difference in length of hospital stay was observed in the extent of stenosis and the chosen airway management algorithm.Conclusion. The choice of airway management algorithm during circular tracheal resection in patients with grade II cicatricial stenosis is depended on the localization and extent of tracheal stenosis. The choice of laryngeal mask i-gel as the airway management algorithm is safe and alternative algorithm with tracheal intubation with short-segment cervical stenosis and absence of tracheostomy.

Clinical investigation into risk factors for delirium post-cardiac surgery and its implications for nursing intervention guided by behavior change theory

BackgroundThis study explores the factors contributing to the occurrence of delirium following cardiac surgery and devises nursing strategies rooted in behavior change theory.MethodsA cohort of 320 cardiac surgery patients was selected, categorized into two groups: 93 cases where postoperative delirium (POD) was anticipated, and 227 cases where it was not. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors of POD were scrutinized using single-factor analysis, while binary logistic regression analysis was employed to pinpoint risk factors.ResultsAmong the 320 patients, 93 displayed POD symptoms post-surgery, yielding an incidence of 29.06%. Preoperative univariate analysis disclosed significant differences in gender, age, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes (P < 0.05). Intraoperatively, significant differences were noted in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) anesthesia grade (II, III, and IV), surgery time, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and aortic occlusion duration (P < 0.05). Post-surgery, significant differences were observed in the duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, mechanical ventilation time, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression identified surgery time (OR = 2.334, P < 0.001), ICU admission duration (OR = 1.457, P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.235, P = 0.004), and VAS scores (OR = 2.986, P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for POD. ROC curve analysis indicated higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting POD with surgery time, ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and VAS scores.ConclusionIrrespective of the surgical intervention type, surgery time, ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and VAS scores are recognized as risk factors for POD in cardiac surgery patients. Hence, continuous patient monitoring and early intervention tailored to specific risk factors are essential in clinical practice to mitigate POD incidence.

Outcomes of the Modified Warden Procedure for Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Drainage to a High Location in the Superior Vena Cava

To report the safety and effectiveness of a modified Warden procedure. Twenty-six (26) patients underwent modified Warden surgery at our centre from September 2017 to September 2021. In all patients, the superior vena cava (SVC) was reconstructed by turning the atrial wall in the main body of the right atrium upwards and applying fresh autologous pericardial patches. There were 13 male patients and 13 female patients, and the median age of the patients was 7.0 (range, 0.3-47.0) years. The median follow-up time after surgery was 47.0 (range, 32.0-80.0) months. The aortic cross-clamp time was 108.50±34.72 minutes, the cardiopulmonary bypass time was 154.81±41.65 minutes, the median postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 8.5 (range, 0.0-91.0) hours, the median intensive care unit stay was 43.5 (range, 15.0-352.0) hours, and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 7.0 (range, 6.0-19.0) days. All patients were safely and successfully discharged from the hospital. No deaths or sinus node dysfunction occurred during the follow-up period. The mean gradient of the reconstructed SVC and/or the right pulmonary vein (PV) increased in eight patients and decreased to less than 1 mmHg in six patients. One (1) adult patient had already undergone two vascular interventions, and one child had persistent stenosis but did not undergo reoperation at the time of the study. In addition, two patients were subjected to pericardial windowing. A modified Warden technique using a right atrial flap and autologous pericardium effectively corrected the high-plane connection between the PVs and SVC. This technique effectively avoids sinus node dysfunction; however, a short-term increase in the differential pressure of the re-established SVC or PV after the procedure is acceptable, and reintervention is required only in rare cases.

Early diaphragm dysfunction assessed by ultrasonography after cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

Approximately 10%-70% of patients may develop diaphragmatic dysfunction after cardiac surgery, which may lead to delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation, increased ICU stays, postoperative hospitalization stays, and respiratory complications. However, its impact on prognosis and risk factors remain controversy. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in which we evaluated diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients who underwent cardiac surgery via bedside diaphragm ultrasound to investigate its prognosis and possible risk factors. Data from the electronic medical records system included case records and ultrasound images of the diaphragm for 177 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU following cardiac thoracotomy surgeries performed between June and September 2020. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was defined as a diaphragmatic excursion of less than 9 mm in women and less than 10 mm in men at rest, with an average thickening fraction of less than 20%. SPSS 25.0 software was used to analyse the relationships between patients' general information, intraoperative and postoperative factors and diaphragmatic dysfunction, as well as the impact on patients' hospitalization days, mechanical ventilation time and respiratory system complications. The incidence of early postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction after cardiac surgery was 40.7%. Patients with diaphragmatic insufficiency were more likely to sequentially use noninvasive ventilation within 24 h after weaning off mechanical ventilation (3.8% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.029) and to require more oxygen support (23.8% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.019). Although there was no significant difference, the diaphragmatic dysfunction group tended to have longer ICU stays and postoperative hospital stays than did the normal diaphragmatic function group (P = 0.119, P = 0.073). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses both revealed that chest tube drainage placed during surgery accompanied by bloody drainage fluid was an independent risk factor for diaphragmatic dysfunction (univariate analysis: 95% CI: 1.126-4.137, P = 0.021; multivariate analysis: 95% CI: 1.036-3.897, P = 0.039). Eearly diaphragmatic dysfunction after cardiac surgery increased the proportion of patients who underwent sequential noninvasive ventilation after weaning from mechanical ventilation and who required more oxygen. Chest tube drainage placed during surgery accompanied by bloody drainage fluid was an independent risk factor for diaphragmatic dysfunction, providing evidence-based guidance for respiratory rehabilitation after cardiac surgery.

Relationship between platelet count and severity of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundNeonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Platelets have a unique role in lung repair and remodeling. This study aimed to determine the relationship between platelet count and NRDS severity.MethodsThe study included 234 newborns diagnosed with NRDS from January 2019 to August 2023. This study employed two methods of grouping: the first based on platelet count, dividing participants into thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150 × 109/L, n = 50) and non-thrombocytopenia groups (platelet count ≥ 150 × 109/L, n = 184), and the second based on the severity of NRDS, categorizing them into severe (n = 24) and mild-moderate (n = 210) groups. Within the first grouping method, the thrombocytopenia group was further subdivided into moderate-severe group (platelet count < 100 × 109/L, n = 4) and mild group (platelet count was between 100.0 × 109/L and 150.0 × 109/L, n = 46). This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of NRDS with thrombocytopenia, explore the correlation between platelet count and clinical indicators of NRDS. Binary Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors for thrombocytopenia in NRDS.ResultsA higher proportion of newborns in the severe group exhibited thrombocytopenia (severe group = 41.7%, mild-moderate group = 19.0%). Hospital stay, ventilation time, oxygen therapy duration were longer in the thrombocytopenia group compared to the non-thrombocytopenia group. Hospital stay, ventilation time, oxygen therapy duration, chest radiography score, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were inversely associated with platelet count. Conversely, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, gestational age, and birth weight showed positive correlations with platelet count. Point-biserail correlation showed that thrombocytopenia was more likely to occur in newborns whose mothers had gestational hypertension, and the lower platelet count, the more severe NRDS. Oxygen therapy duration, birth weight < 1500 g, gestational hypertension and CRP levels emerged as independent risk factors for thrombocytopenia in NRDS. All differences were statistically significant (p all < 0.05).ConclusionNRDS accompanied by thrombocytopenia indicates a more severe condition and poorer clinical outcomes. It is hypothesized that NRDS with thrombocytopenia involves a complex multifactorial etiology, including severe lung inflammation.

Perioperative assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction in cardiac surgery patients and its effect on outcome; a prospective observational study

Objectives: While the assessment of the diaphragm in different clinical scenarios is quite frequent, there remains a scarcity of studies focused on assessing diaphragm dysfunction using ultrasound in cardiac surgery patients. We investigated the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery on diaphragm function and evaluated its effects on mechanical ventilation. Methodology: A prospective cohort study, on 100 consecutive adult cardiac surgery patients, was conducted at National Heart Institute. Diaphragmatic displacement (DD) or excursion and diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) were measured using motion-mode ultrasound during quite normal breathing pre-operatively (the day before surgery) and post-operatively on mechanical ventilation, while the patient was fully conscious and spontaneously breathing on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode + pressure support 10 cmH2O. Then, the results were correlated to CBP time and important patient outcomes. Results: Post-operative DD was significantly less as compared to the pre-operative reading; (1.39 ± 0.42 cm vs. 2.3 ± 0.52 cm; P &lt; 0.001), as was DTF (23% ± 10% vs. 40% ± 13%; P &lt; 0.001). The incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction post-cardiac surgery was 17% by the definition of DD &lt; 1 cm, and 49% by the definition of DTF ≤ 20%. DD was positively correlated with CBP time, as well as total ventilation time and ICU stay, indicating a negative impact on overall patient outcomes. Conclusion: The results suggest that diaphragmatic dysfunction is positively correlated with CPB time, total ventilation time and ICU stay, underscoring the importance of monitoring diaphragmatic function in post-operative patients, who are difficult to wean from mechanical ventilation with apparently normal chest X-ray, particularly those with prolonged CPB time. Keywords: cardiac surgery; cardiopulmonary bypass; diaphragm dysfunction; diaphragmatic displacement; diaphragm ultrasound; mechanical ventilation. Citation: Omara ISM, Nagi HK, Mohamed KAA, Abd El Haq HH, Awdallah FF. Perioperative assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction in cardiac surgery patients and its effect on outcome; a prospective observational study. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):816−823; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2555 Received: June 28, 2024; Reviewed: September 04, 2024; Accepted: September 06, 2024

Right subaxillary small incision on low-age and low-weight infants with congenital heart disease.

As a minimally invasive approach to treating congenital heart disease (CHD), the application of the right subaxillary small incision (RSSI) has been developing fast in its indication spectrum. However, RSSI's use is still quite challenging for the surgical treatment of the low-age and low-weight infant patient group. To investigate the safety and efficacy of performing RSSI surgery, treating CHD for infants with low-age and low-weight. Between March 2010 and April 2023, Low-age (≤6 months) and low-weight (≤5 kg) infants with ventricular or atrial septal defect (ASD) as the main diagnosis were retrospectively included in this study. The infants were divided into the RSSI group and the median sternotomy (MS) group. Preoperative conditions, general surgical conditions, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, and long-term follow-up results were compared between the 2 groups. The study included 783 cases. Of these, 434 were operated with MS, and 349 were operated with RSSI. A1:1 matched MS group (282 cases) and RSSI group (282 cases) were obtained after performing propensity score matching (PSM). Analysis of the 2 groups after PSM showed the differences in residual ASD/VSD, peak airway pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen/partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) before return to the intensive care unit (ICU) and extubation were not statistically significant between groups, whereas mechanical ventilation time (P < 0.001), ICU stay (P < 0.001), and hospitalization time (P < 0.001) were lower in RSSI group; and the differences in perioperative complication outcomes were not statistically significant. Long-term outcomes revealed the rate of thoracic deformity was higher in the MS group. Based on the appropriate selection of patients, compared with MS, RSSI surgery for the treatment of low-age (≤6 months) and low-weight (≤5 kg) infants with CHD yields favorable therapeutic results without increasing surgical risks and causes less trauma, which deserves to be further promoted and applied.

Acute Kidney Injury after Isolated Coronary Bypass Surgery

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is among the most serious of the common postoperative complications of cardiac surgeries, which can increase the short- and long-term morbidity and mortality of patients. This study aimed to examine possible risk factors that lead to AKI. We sought to compare our AKI rates to national averages in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) reported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). We reviewed our institution's data for renal failure in CABG procedures performed between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023. From the database, we identified 1,068 CABG patients and reviewed demographics, nonmodifiable conditions, and modifiable risk factors. The STS database uses the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal disease definition for renal failure. Of our patient sample, 14 (1.3%) experienced renal failure. The national rate for AKI after isolated CABG was 1.9% in 2023. Chronic lung disease was a risk factor for AKI development. The mean perfusion, cross-clamp, ventilator times, and hospital stay increased in AKI patients. All patients who suffered from AKI had undergone perioperative blood transfusion. Our single-center experience with renal failure is slightly better than the national average. In our population, chronic lung disease and lower preoperative ejection fractions were associated with increased rates of AKI. Modifiable risk factors in our population included perioperative blood transfusion and increased perfusion/cross-clamp times. Lastly, AKI patients spent longer time on ventilators, increased lengths of stay, and increased postoperative mortality.

Study on failure mechanism of cracked coal rock and law of gas migration

China possesses abundant coal resources and has extensive potential for exploitation. Nevertheless, the coal rock exhibits low strength, and the coal seam fractures due to mining activities, leading to an increased rate of gas emission from the coal seam. This poses significant obstacles to the exploration and development of the coal seam. This paper focuses on studying the failure mechanism of fractured coal rock by conducting uniaxial and triaxial compression experiments on the coal rock found at the Wangpo coal mine site. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the findings from the field experiment, a gas migration model of the mining fracture field is constructed to elucidate the pattern of coal seam gas distribution during mining-induced disturbances. The study structure reveals that coal rock exhibits three distinct failure modes: tensile failure, shear failure, and tension-shear failure. The intricate fissure in the rock layer will intensify the unpredictability of rock collapse patterns. The compressive strength of coal rock diminishes as the confining pressure drops. The coal rock in the working face area will collapse as a result of the lack of confining pressure. In the rock strata above the mining fracture zone, the gas pressure is first higher and then significantly falls with time. After 100 days of ventilation, the low gas pressure area changes little, so to ensure the safety of the project, the ventilation time of the fully mechanized mining surface is at least 100 days. The research results will help to establish the core technology system of coal seam development and improve the competitiveness of coal seam resources in China.

Body mass index and its impact on outcomes in CABG surgery: the paradox of obesity and underweight risks.

Objective: To explore the impact of BMI on the short-term mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing CABG. Study Design: Retrospective Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Cardiac Surgery Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan. Period: 1st June 2017 to 31st December 2022. Methods: The data was collected from the data base of the cardiac surgery department. Results: Total of 2599 isolated CABG patients were included with mean age of 57.86±9.2 years. The majority was overweight (42%). Approximately 78.1% were male. Hypertension was our dominant co-morbidity (68.7%) followed by dyslipidemia (65.4%) &amp; DM (50.1%). Majority of patients had NYHA-III symptoms (51.2%). A significant proportion of individuals who are classified as underweight are elderly. Generally, there is a significant increasing trend of DM &amp; HTN incidence with increasing BMI. In terms of intra-operative parameters there is increasing trend of intra-operative transfusions and higher rate of IABP insertion in underweight patients. Generally the underweight patients has the higher trend of adverse outcomes (e.g., prolonged mechanical ventilation, blood product requirement, reopening &amp; re-intubation), but not significant. However, they have significantly longer mechanical ventilation time compared to normal. On the other extreme, morbidly obese patients had the highest in-hospital mortality (11.3%) while overweight had the lowest (2.6%) with a P-value of 0.008. Multivariate regression analysis showed that mean age (P 0.034), cross-clamp time (P 0.018) &amp; mechanical ventilation (P &lt;0.001) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Morbidly obese patients undergoing CABG surgery face significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate, conversely overweight patients exhibits the lowest mortality rates confirming a partial obesity paradox. However, underweight patients experience the worst outcomes, including increased requirements for postoperative blood transfusions, a higher incidence of surgical reopening, and significantly extended mechanical ventilation hours, which indicates either extreme of BMI group is associated with worst outcomes.

Influence of preoperative HbA1c levels on the occurrence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

To explore the impact of preoperative HbA1c levels on postoperative complications in coronary heart disease patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). From September 2020 to November 2022, 98 patients with coronary heart disease who were preparing to receive CABG treatment in a cardiac surgery department of a certain hospital were included in the study using the retrospective analysis. According to the preoperative serum hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test results, patients were divided into a low-level group (HbA1c < 5.7%, 20 cases), a medium level group (HbA1c: 5.7% ~ 7.0%, 59 cases), and a high level group (> 7%, 19 cases). The surgical outcomes and postoperative complications among the three groups were compared. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of bypass grafts, mechanical ventilation time, and hospitalization time among the three groups of patients (P > 0.05). The high-level group stayed in the ICU longer than the other two groups, while the middle level group had a longer stay than the low-level group (P < 0.05). Within one year of postoperative follow-up, the occurrence of postoperative complications was 20.00%, 32.20%, and 47.37%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Among them, the incidence of acute kidney injury in the high-level group was higher than that in the other groups (P < 0.05), but the correlation difference between the middle and low level groups is P > 0.05. The incidence of infection in the middle level group was higher than that in the low level group (P < 0.05), but the incidence of infection in the high and low level groups was P > 0.05 compared to the medium level group. For patients with coronary heart disease undergoing CABG, the higher the preoperative HbA1c level, the longer their postoperative stay in the ICU, and the higher the risk of acute renal function damage.

Closure of a secondary tracheoesophageal fistula in severe pneumonia using an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II during invasive mechanical ventilation: A case report.

Early and timely closure of secondary tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is crucial for critically ill patients. For those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) can be used as an emergency therapeutic option to rapidly close secondary TEF, providing opportunities for subsequent treatments. Secondary tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality, high recurrence rates, and multiple complications. Reports on the management of secondary TEF in critically ill patients are limited due to the challenges in treatment and the lack of suitable therapeutic options. We report a case of secondary TEF in a 69-year-old male diagnosed with severe pneumonia, whose condition deteriorated rapidly following the onset of TEF. Despite invasive mechanical ventilation, maintaining blood oxygen saturation above 80% was unachievable due to the TEF. Bedside bronchoscopy revealed expansion TEF expansion caused by gastrointestinal fluid reflux and respiratory machine pressure. The TEF was urgently closed using an ADO II device during invasive mechanical ventilation to prevent further deterioration. After the patient's condition stabilized, the ADO II was replaced with a Y-shaped tracheal membrane-covered stent for further TEF management. The patient's condition improved, meeting the criteria for liberation from invasive mechanical ventilation, and bedside chest X-rays revealed a gradual resolution of pulmonary inflammation. Selecting appropriate treatment modalities for early and timely closure of secondary TEF is crucial for critically ill patients. ADO II can serve as a rescue therapy to achieve rapid closure of secondary TEF in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation support, providing opportunities and time for subsequent treatment.

Prediction of feeding difficulties in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy using magnetic resonance imaging-derived radiomics features.

The mechanisms behind brain and spinal cord injuries in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and associated feeding difficulties are unclear, with previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) attempts yielding inconclusive results. We aim to evaluate an MRI radiomics model for predicting feeding difficulties in HIE infants. Additionally, we investigate changes in predictive capability after incorporating the duration of mechanical ventilation and the timing of MRI examination. Retrospective study with 151 HIE infants (January 2013 to December 2021), randomly divided into training and validation sets. Radiomics features extracted from basal ganglia-thalamus and brainstem in T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI. Established single-modality, single-site, and multimodality/multisite models. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and area under the curve evaluated models. Decision curve analysis assessed changes in predictive capability. The combined radiomics model of the basal ganglia-thalamus and brainstem regions on the T2-weighted imaging demonstrated superior performance (area under the curve: 0.958 and 0.875 for training and validation, respectively). Combining scores with duration of mechanical ventilation and MRI examination time in a calibration plot model improved and stabilized performance, showing high fitting and clinical utility. Decision curve analysis favored the combined calibration plot model. The MRI-based radiomics model predicts feeding difficulties in HIE infants, with basal ganglia-thalamus and brainstem as relevant factors. The combined calibration plot model exhibits the highest clinical predictive efficacy.