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Background The management of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in neonates and infants is resource-intensive. We describe early and follow-up outcomes after surgical repair of isolated TAPVC at a single institution in a resource-limited setting. Methods The data of 316 consecutive patients with isolated TAPVC undergoing repair (January 2010-September 2020) were reviewed. The study setting was a tertiary hospital in southern India that provides subsidized or charitable care. Standard surgical technique was used for repair, circulatory arrest was avoided, and suture-less anastomosis was reserved for small or stenotic pulmonary veins. Surgical and postoperative strategies were directed toward minimizing intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Results 302 (95.6%) patients were infants and 128 patients (40.5%) were neonates; median weight was 3.3 kg (IQR 2.8-4.0 kg). Obstruction of the TAPVC was seen in 176 patients (56%) and pulmonary hypertension in 278 patients (88%). Seventeen (5.4%) underwent delayed sternal closure. The median postoperative ICU stay was 120 h (IQR 96-192 h), mechanical ventilation was 45 h (IQR 24-82 h), and hospital stay was 13 days (IQR 9-17 days). There were three in-hospital deaths (0.9%). Over a median follow-up period of 53.3 months (IQR 22.9-90.4), pulmonary vein restenosis was seen in 32 patients (10.1%) after a mean of 2.2 months (1-6 months). No perioperative risk factors for restenosis were identified. Conclusions Using specific perioperative strategies, it is possible to correct TAPVC with excellent surgical outcomes in low-resource environments. Late pulmonary vein restenosis remains an important complication.

One of the major risks of cardiac surgery is the occurrence of infection at the sternal wound site. Sternal wound infections are primarily classified into superficial infection and deep sternal wound infection or mediastinitis. A patient is diagnosed with mediastinitis if microorganisms are present in their mediastinal tissue/fluid or with the observation of sternal wound infection during operation and with characteristic symptoms including chest pain, fever, and purulent drainage from the mediastinum. It is usually caused by Staphylococcal organisms in 75.8% of cases and the rest is caused by gram-negative bacteria. Currently, in cardiac surgery, hemostasis is achieved using electrocautery and bone wax, and the sternum is closed using wire cerclage. Several studies show that bone wax can act as a nidus for initiation of infection and the oozing blood and hematoma at the site can promote the growth of infectious organisms. Many research groups have developed different types of biomaterials and reported on the prevention of infection and healing of the sternum. These materials are reported to have both positive and negative effects. In this review, we highlight the current clinical practices undertaken to prevent infection and bleeding as well as research progress in this field and their outcomes in controlling bleeding, infection, and enhancing sternal healing.

Globally, millions of patients are affected by myocardial infarction or lower limb gangrene/amputation due to atherosclerosis. Available surgical treatment based on vein and synthetic grafts provides sub-optimal benefits. We engineered a highly flexible and mechanically robust nanotextile-based vascular graft (NanoGraft) by interweaving nanofibrous threads of poly-L-lactic acid to address the unmet need. The NanoGrafts were rendered impervious with selective fibrin deposition in the micropores by pre-clotting. The pre-clotted NanoGrafts (4 mm diameter) and ePTFE were implanted in a porcine carotid artery replacement model. The fibrin-laden porous milieu facilitated rapid endothelization by the transmural angiogenesis in the NanoGraft. In-vivo patency of NanoGrafts was 100% at 2- and 4-weeks, with no changes over time in lumen size, flow velocities, and minimal foreign-body inflammatory reaction. However, the patency of ePTFE at 2-week was 66% and showed marked infiltration, neointimal thickening, and poor host tissue integration. The study demonstrates the in-vivo feasibility and safety of a thin-layered vascular prosthesis, viz., NanoGraft, and its potential superiority over the commercial ePTFE. Graphical Abstract

The indications for mitral valve repair extend across the entire spectrum of degenerative mitral valve disease, ranging from fibroelastic degeneration to Barlow’s disease. Collaboration between the surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential for ensuring optimal results. Echocardiographic assessment of the repair can be challenging but is essential to the success of the procedure, as even mild residual mitral regurgitation can portend poor patient outcomes. In addition to determining the severity of residual regurgitation, the anesthesiologist must elucidate the mechanism of disease in order to inform appropriate re-intervention measures. Finally, there are unique complications of mitral valve surgery for the anesthesiologist to understand and assess by echocardiography. This review describes a systematic pathway for a comprehensive intraoperative assessment of the mitral valve following surgical repair.

Trans-aortic septal myectomy is the gold standard for septal reduction therapy. This technique has low peri-procedural mortality and excellent long-term survival. Moreover, it relieves the heart failure symptoms and improves the quality of life. Secondary chordal cutting along with septal myectomy has shown to improve the outcome but can potentially cause deterioration of left ventricular function. In patients with relatively thin inter-ventricular septum, abnormalities of mitral valve apparatus may be the main reason for systolic anterior motion and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. These patients may require additional procedures on the mitral valve to shift the coaptation plane away from outflow tract. Mitral valve replacement should be performed only in patients with intrinsic mitral valve abnormalities that are not suitable for repair and its routine use along with limited septal myectomy should be discouraged. Minimal access surgery although attractive in concept requires more robust data before universal application.

Background Sepsis is caused by a dysregulation of immune response to infection that results in very high mortality. Current laboratory tests and clinical criteria are inadequate to diagnose sepsis due to limited sensitivity and specificity. Circulating monocytes are important players in immune homeostasis and their altered HLA-DR expression indicate immune dysregulation. HLA-DR is an MHC Class II cell-surface receptor that can present foreign antigens to helper T cells and mount an inflammatory response. Therefore, we analyzed the variations in HLA-DR expression and the concentration of monocyte subsets for diagnosing post-surgical sepsis. Methods In this double-blinded prospective cohort study, we adopted immunophenotyping and quantification of antigen expression by flowcytometry to detect the changes in circulating monocyte subsets in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant changes and based on the predictive potential of measured variables ROC curve analysis was done. ROC curve permitted the choice of appropriate cut-off values using which a diagnostic protocol was developed. Results We observed that the monocyte subset concentrations in circulation varied differently after surgery. There was a significant downregulation of monocytic HLA-DR on both intermediate (p = 0.0477) and non-classical monocytes (p = 0.0333) at 48 h post-surgery. The monocyte subset analysis clearly showed that the patients with reduced pre-surgical non-classical monocyte count (p = 0.0430) coupled with post-surgical down-regulation of HLA-DR expression on the same subset had a higher incidence of developing sepsis after cardiac surgery. Conclusions Here we are reporting for the first time, the significant influence of non-classical monocytes in inducing dysregulated host response and sepsis after cardiac surgery. Using multiple biomarkers associated with this monocyte subset, we established an algorithm for the diagnosis of sepsis at 48 h post cardiac surgery with 100% sensitivity and 69.23% specificity.

Embolization of a transcatheter aortic valve is a rare complication. Surgery is required if percutaneous retrieval is not possible. We present a case of embolization of an Evolut R device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) into the ascending aorta. This device, owing to its taller profile, presents unique surgical challenges in retrieval with respect to arterial access and cross clamping of the aorta. Prior knowledge of the profile of the various devices is critical to ensure a safe retrieval and smooth conduct of the operation.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery (CS) is not uncommon and has serious effects on mortality and morbidity. A majority of patients suffer mild forms of AKI. There is a paucity of Indian data regarding this important complication after CS. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective was to study the incidence of AKI associated with CS in an Indian study population. Secondary objectives were to describe the risk factors associated with AKI-CS in our population and to generate outcome data in patients who suffer this complication. Methods: Serial patients (n = 400) presenting for adult CS (emergency/elective) at a tertiary referral care hospital in South India from August 2016 to November 2017 were included as the study individuals. The incidence of AKI-CS AKI network (AKIN criteria), risk factors associated with this condition and the outcomes following AKI-CS are described. Results: Out of 400, 37 (9.25%) patients developed AKI after CS. AKI associated with CS was associated with a mortality of 13.5% (no AKI group mortality 2.8%, P = 0.001 [P < 0.05]). When AKI was severe enough to need renal replacement therapy, the mortality increased to 75%. Patients with AKI had a mean hospital stay 16.92 ± 12.75 days which was comparatively longer than patients without AKI (14 ± 7.98 days). Recent acute coronary syndrome, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and systemic hypertension significantly predicted the onset of AKI-CS in our population. Conclusions: The overall incidence of AKI-CS was 9.25%. The incidence of AKI-CS requiring dialysis (Stage 3 AKIN) AKI-CS was lower (2%). However, mortality risks were disproportionately high in patients with AKIN Stage 3 AKI-CS (75%). There is a need for quality improvement in the care of patients with AKI-CS in its most severe forms since mortality risks posed by the development of Stage 3 AKIN AKI is higher than reported in other index populations from high resource settings.

Background: The female gender is considered as a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim: In this analysis, we assessed the impact of female gender on early outcome after CABG. Study Design: This is a retrospective analysis of data from our center situated in South India. Statistical Analysis: Patients were categorized according to gender and potential differences in pre-operative and post-operative factors were explored. Significant risk factors were then built in a multivariate model to account for differences in predicting gender influence on surgical outcome. Methods: 773 consecutive patients underwent first time CABG between January 2015 and December 2016. 96.77% of cases were performed using off-pump technique. 132 (17.07%) patients were females. These patients formed the study group. Results: The in-house/ 30-day mortality in females was similar to that of males (3.03% vs. 3.12%, p value 0.957). Mediastinitis developed more commonly in females (5.35% vs. 1.30%; p value 0.004) compared to males. There were more re-admissions to hospital for female patients (21.37% in females vs. 10.14% in males, p value

Chitosan (Cs) as a hemostatic agent has been in use to control hemorrage. Composite hydrogel formed by entrapment of vasoconstrictor-potassium aluminium sulfate (0.25 %PA) and coagulation activator-calcium chloride (0.25 %Ca) into Cs (2 %) hydrogel would enhance the hemostatic property of Cs. In this work, the prepared composite hydrogel was injectable, shear thinning, cyto and hemocompatible. The 2 %Cs-0.25 %PA-0.25 %Ca composite hydrogel caused rapid blood clotting by accelerating RBC/platelet aggregation and activation of the coagulation cascade. Further, in vivo studies on rat liver and femoral artery hemorrage model showed the efficiency of 2 %Cs-0.25 %PA-0.25 %Ca composite hydrogel to achieve hemostasis in a shorter time (20 ± 10 s, 105 ± 31 s) than commercial hemostatic agents-Fibrin sealant (77 ± 26 s, 204 ± 58 s) and Floseal (76 ± 15 s, 218 ± 46 s). In in vivo toxicological study, composite hydrogel showed material retention even after 8 weeks post-surgery, therefore excess hydrogel should be irrigated from site of application. This prepared composite hydrogel based hemostatic agent has potential application in low pressure bleeding sites.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a frequent complication of left ventricular (LV) global or regional pathological remodeling due to chronic coronary artery disease. It is not a valve disease but represents the valvular consequences of increased tethering forces and reduced closing forces. IMR is defined as mitral regurgitation caused by chronic changes of LV structure and function due to ischemic heart disease and it worsens the prognosis. In this review, we discuss on etiology, pathophysiology, and mechanisms of IMR, its classification, evaluation, and therapeutic corrective methods of IMR.

Anomalies of the mitral valve apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are an important cause of systolic anterior motion. Patients with significant residual obstruction due to systolic anterior motion after myectomy and anterior mitral leaflet plication may end up having mitral valve replacement. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man who underwent posterior mitral leaflet plication to correct residual systolic anterior motion after anterior mitral leaflet plication.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease with many genotype and phenotype variations. Earlier terminologies, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and idiopathic hypertrophic sub-aortic stenosis are no longer used to describe this entity. Patients present with or without left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Resting or provocative LVOT obstruction occurs in 70% of patients and is the most common cause of heart failure. The pathology and pathophysiology of HCM includes hypertrophy of the left ventricle with or without right ventricular hypertrophy, systolic anterior motion of mitral valve, dynamic and mechanical LVOT obstruction, mitral regurgitation, diastolic dysfunction, myocardial ischemia, and fibrosis. Thorough understanding of pathology and pathophysiology is important for anesthetic and surgical management.

Modified Bentall's procedure done as part of the primary repair in Laubry-Pezzi syndrome is very rarely described in the literature. We present a case of a 33-year-old man with a subpulmonic venticular septal defect, aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta, with an associated patent ductus arteriosus, corrected by the incorporation of Yacoub's techique for ventricular septal defect closure with a modified Bentall's procedure and transpulmonary patent ductus arteriosus ligation. The postoperative course was unremarkable. Early follow-up reports show good biventricular function without residual ventricular septal defect or iatrogenic ventricular outflow tract obstructions.

Superior vena cava syndrome is one of the rare adverse events associated with pacemaker leads. We describe a 47-year-old woman with a pacemaker implanted 10 years earlier who presented to us with superior vena cava syndrome managed surgically. We report the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this patient and the causes and management options of superior vena cava obstruction associated with pacemaker leads.

Background This retrospective study was designed to study the clinical profile, indications, postoperative complications and long-term outcome of pulmonary aspergilloma operated in our institute. Methods From 1985 to 2003, 60 patients underwent surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. Results The group consisted of 36 male patients and 24 female patients with a mean age of 42.7 ± 11.8 years. The most common indication for surgery was hemoptysis (93.3%). The common underlying lung diseases were tuberculosis (45%), bronchiectasis (28.3%), and lung abscess (11.6%). Fourteen patients (23%) had simple aspergilloma (SA) and 46 (77%) had complex aspergilloma (CA). The procedures performed were lobectomy (n = 55), pneumonectomy (n = 2), segmental resection (n = 2), and cavernoplasty (n = 2). One patient underwent bilateral lobectomy at 14 months interval. The operative mortality was 4.3% and 0% in CA and SA, respectively ( p = 1.0). Major complications occurred in 26.1% patients of CA, whereas none occurred in SA ( p = 0.052). The complications included bleeding (n = 2), prolonged air leak (n = 4), empyema (n = 4), repeated pneumothorax (n = 1), and wound dehiscence (n = 1). Three patients needed thoracoplasty. The mean follow-up period was 40 ± 24 months. The actuarial survival at 10 years was 78% and 92% for CA and SA, respectively. There was no recurrence of disease or hemoptysis. Conclusions Surgical resection of pulmonary aspergilloma prevents recurrence of hemoptysis. Complex aspergilloma resection was associated with low mortality but significant morbidity, whereas SA had no associated early mortality and morbidity. Long-term outcome is good for SA and satisfactory for CA.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine the clinical profile of patients undergoing emergency surgery after balloon mitral valvotomy, to note operative findings and compare them with those of transthoracic echocardiography, to describe the mechanisms of complications, and to describe outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of patients requiring emergency surgery after percutaneous mitral valvotomy with an Inoue balloon from January 1990 to December 2003. The data analyzed included demographic variables, causes and clinical presentations of complications, and outcome. In 14 consecutive cases of mitral regurgitation, an observational study comparing the operative findings with echocardiography was also undertaken. Results In 1388 cases of valvotomy, complications necessitating urgent surgery occurred in 31 cases (2.2%). Acute mitral regurgitation occurred in 23 cases (74.2 %), and cardiac tamponade occurred in 8 cases (25.8%). Mitral regurgitation was due to leaflet tearing in all cases: anterior leaflet in 20 cases and posterior leaflet in 3 cases. Hypotension, orthopnea, and pulmonary edema were the clinical presentation for mitral regurgitation. Transthoracic echocardiography underestimated the severity of mitral valve pathology. Bilateral severe commissural fusion and pliable leaflet with paracommissural calcium was seen in anterior leaflet tearing. Cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic compromise occurred as a result of left atrial perforation in 6 cases, right atrial perforation in 1 case, and left ventricular perforation in 1 case. High septal puncture led to atrial perforation. Operative mortality was 9.6%, and low cardiac output developed in 29%. Conclusion Acute mitral regurgitation and cardiac tamponade were the causes of emergency surgery after balloon valvotomy. Transthoracic echocardiography underestimated the severity of valve pathology.

Objective: Post-operative ductal aneurysm is a rare but fatal condition. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical profile of post-operative ductal aneurysm and outcome of their repair with different surgical approaches. Methods: From January 1976 to December 2002, 13 patients underwent repair of post-operative ductal aneurysm. The case data of the patients operated were analyzed and survivors were followed-up. Three patients underwent repair through left thoracotomy, femoro-femoral bypass and 10 patients underwent patch aortoplasty through sternotomy using total circulatory arrest with minimal dissection. Among the sternotomy group, nine patients had midline sternotomy and one patient had transverse sternotomy with the patient in semi-right-lateral position. Hemoptysis (69%) was the commonest presenting symptom. Ten patients had ligation and three patients had division of ductus. Mean age at ductus interruption was 13.7G8.2 years; mean time interval for development of aneurysm was 3.6G4.2 years; mean age at aneurysm surgery was 16.9G8.8 years. Residual left to right shunt was detected in 6 (46%) patients. Results: Three patients repaired through left thoracotomy with femoro-femoral bypass died during surgery due to rupture of aneurysm during dissection and profuse bleeding. Thirty-day survival in patients operated through sternotomy using circulatory arrest was 90% (9/10). Two patients required additional incision in second left intercostal space along with midline sternotomy, for access to descending thoracic aorta. Of these two patients, one patient had bleeding from friable aorta and died; another patient developed left hemiplegia; circulatory arrest time was prolonged in this patient. Mean follow-up period was 9.6G5.3 years. Persistent left vocal cord palsy was seen in one patient. One patient was lost to follow-up after 3-years. Remaining eight patients were asymptomatic at follow-up. Conclusion: Repair of postoperative ductal aneurysm through left thoracotomy is difficult due to extreme fragility of aneurysm and because of reoperative difficulties. The immediate and long-term outcome of the cases operated through sternotomy using total circulatory arrest with minimal dissection is good. Midline sternotomy limits approach to descending thoracic aorta that can be circumvented by using transverse sternotomy with semi-rightlateral positioning of the patient. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A 32-year-old female underwent mitral valve replacement with total chordal preservation (Miki's technique) using 26mm (1M) Starr-Edward prosthesis (SEP) in 1988. The patient was in NYHA class-I until 2001. She progressed to NYHA class-III with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed increased prosthetic valve gradient, and cardiac catheterization confirmed the findings. Intraoperatively, the poppet movement in the cage was found to be restricted due to the preserved subvalvular apparatus entrapping the poppet inside the prosthetic valve cage.

Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) needing emergent mitral valve replacement is a rare complication. The unrelieved mitral stenosis is compounded by severe MR leading to acute rise in pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular afterload, decreased coronary perfusion, ischemia and right ventricular failure. Associated septal shift and falling left ventricular preload leads to a vicious cycle of myocardial ischemia and hemodynamic collapse and needs to be addressed emergently before the onset of end organ damage. In this report, we describe the pathophysiology of hemodynamic collapse and peri-operative management issues in a case of mitral valve replacement for acute severe MR following BMV.

Adults with congenital cardiac abnormalities surpass the number of children because of better assessment of cardiac anatomy and function, monitoring, operative options, patient outcomes, and increased survival into adulthood.1 Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return may present in adulthood, particularly if asymptomatic with small shunt fraction. One or more pulmonary veins, most commonly an anomalous right upper pulmonary vein, connect to a systemic vein or the right atrium; this accounts for 0.5% of congenital cardiac defects. Cardiovascular imaging continues to evolve rapidly for accurate preoperative evaluation and operative planning. Although transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line tool for diagnosis, suboptimal acoustic windows may preclude adequate inspection of pulmonary veins or atrial septal defect to assess for appropriate baffling. Disadvantages of computed tomography include an inability to calculate shunt fraction, ionizing radiation, and a greater risk of nephrotoxicity than with gadolinium with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).2 Anatomically, MRI provides noninvasive volumetric anatomic data and enables evaluation of systemic veins, as well as the number, origin, course, and drainage of all pulmonary veins, including anomalous connections or obstruction. Detection rate for each pulmonary vein is 57% for the right superior pulmonary vein, 62% in the left superior pulmonary vein, 76% in the right inferior pulmonary vein, and 86% in the left inferior pulmonary vein. MRI …

Primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with the insertion of a stent is a well-established procedure for management of coronary artery disease. Infected pseudoaneurysms following PTCA and stenting are very rare and have poor outcomes if not managed properly. We are presenting a case of a man aged 50 years with infected pseudoaneurysm of the left anterior descending artery following multiple percutaneous interventions for coronary artery disease. In this paper, we have described the presentation, diagnosis and management of this patient and have discussed the aetiology and management options of infected pseudoaneurysm affecting coronary arteries.

A rare and previously unreported combination of Holt-Oram syndrome, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, isolated left atrial isomerism and inferior vena caval interruption with hemiazygous continuation to the left superior vena cava is described.

Objective: This study was designed to assess the use of 100% oxygen or 50% oxygen in air or nitrous oxide after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on atelectasis, as evidenced by the oxygenation index (PaO 2 /F I O 2 ), after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Design: Prospective, randomized clinical study. Setting: University teaching hospital. Participant: Thirty-six adult patients undergoing CABG surgery. Interventions: Patients either received 50% O 2 in air (50% O 2 group), 50% O 2 in N 2 O (50% N 2 O group), or 100% O 2 (100% O 2 group) after CPB. Measurements and Main Results: Apart from demographic and perioperative clinical data, extubation time, mediastinal drainage, and pulmonary complications were also recorded. After CPB, arterial blood gases done at various time points until 3 hours postextubation and oxygenation index were calculated. No significant differences were noted in demographic and perioperative data except preoperative hemoglobin and fluid use. Significant deterioration in arterial oxygenation was noted in the 100% O 2 group from the baseline value, whereas significant improvement was seen in the 50% O 2 group at 4 time points from baseline value and at all time points from the 100% O 2 group. After initial deterioration in oxygenation, no further change was evident in the 50% N 2 O group. Furthermore, there was a greater increase in the oxygenation index as compared with the 100% O 2 group. Time to extubation was also longer in the 100% O 2 group than the 50% O 2 group. Conclusion: Significant deterioration in arterial oxygenation and an increase in the extubation time occurred with the use of 100% O 2 after CPB, whereas better oxygenation was evident with the use of 50% O 2 in air.

m s t p a i i v t a t t m i t g a t 1 c o t 1 N ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT (ASD) is usually repaired through a midline sternotomy under general anesthesia nd cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Device closure of ASDs in he catheterization laboratory is another alternative; however, here are limitations.1 Presence of bilateral multiple emphyseatous bullae and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD) in a patient with an ASD can pose various problems in he perioperative period including perioperative hypoxemia; ypercarbia; bronchospasm2; spontaneous rupture of bulla; neumothorax3; difficulties in separation from CPB because of ulmonary vascular disease; cor pulmonale; unfavorable pulonary mechanics; and the likelihood of postoperative respiatory failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation.2 The isues of concern to the anesthesiologist are secondary to the ecision whether to operate on the emphysematous bullae, the SD, or both lesions and whether to operate on them simultaeously or separately and in what order. A search in the iterature did not reveal any report that addresses these issues. n this report, the anesthetic management of a patient who resented for simultaneous surgical treatment of multiple emhysematous bullae and an ASD is discussed.

D S s HE OCCURRENCE OF malignant ventricular arrhythmias after aortic valve surgery may be a cause of failure to ean patients from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Electrical ardioversion or defibrillation and antiarrhythmic drugs may ail to treat arrhythmias and establish sinus rhythm. Controlled aortic root perfusion with infusion of warm carioplegia has been used as a strategy for intraoperative myoardial management during cardiac surgery. In 3 patients oprated on in 2001 and 2002, aortic root perfusion was useful hen refractory ventricular arrhythmias developed after reoval of the aortic cross-clamp. All of them failed to respond o conventional treatment, but controlled aortic root perfusion ed to establishment of sinus rhythm and successful weaning ff CPB.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms (LVPAs) arise from contained myocardial rupture after acute myocardial infarction. Their propensity to rapid enlargement and rupture mandates expeditious surgical management.' We report a case of LVPA repair through an endocavitary transmitral approach in a patient undergoing concomitant mitral valve surgery.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) poses many unique challenges regarding the conduct of anesthesia and surgery. Adequate preload, control of sympathetic stimulation, heart rate, and increased afterload are required to decrease the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Comprehensive intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination confirms the diagnosis, elucidates the pathophysiology, and identifies the various anomalies of mitral valve apparatus and allows assessment of the adequacy of surgery. In this review, we focus on the preoperative assessment, conduct of anesthesia and comprehensive TEE examination of patients presenting for surgery with HCM. The various surgical options are extended myectomy and resection, plication and release.

Since the initial report in 1991, the maze procedure performed surgically (cut and sew) has been widely accepted worldwide as a treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) with or without associated structural heart disease. In an effort to reduce the number of incisions, an irrigated radiofrequency (RF) device has been used to create the majority of the required lesions. We report postoperative sinus node dysfunction complicating polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 2 patients who underwent the maze procedure by means of RF ablation along with valve replacements.

Cor triatriatum is an uncommon but surgically correctable cause of pulmonary venous hypertension and congestive cardiac failure, with a reported incidence of 0.1% among children with congenital heart diseases. Association with partial atrioventricular canal defect (PAVCD) is even rarer, with only anecdotal reports appearing in the literature. In the classic form, cor triatriatum is characterized by the presence of a fibromuscular diaphragm that subdivides the left atrium into a proximal accessory chamber and a distal true chamber.

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is the most common cause of congenital tricuspid regurgitation. The associated anomalies commonly seen are atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale and accessory conduction pathways. Its association with coexisting mitral stenosis (MS) has uncommonly been described. The hemodynamic consequences and anesthetic implications, of a combination of EA and rheumatic MS, have not so far been discussed in the literature. We report successful anesthetic management of a repair of EA and mitral valve replacement in a patient with coexisting Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

Acute lung collapse during open-heart surgery may potentially lead to problems such as inadequate gas exchange, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, increased afterload to the right ventricle, and difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Therefore, expansion of the lungs is ensured prior to separation from CPB. We report the inability to manually expand a chronically collapsed lung during the repair of ascending aortic aneurysm. The collapsed lung did not pose difficulty in separation from CPB and in blood gas management during the perioperative period. We discuss perioperative management issues in such situations.

A 34-year-old man was evaluated for recent onset of bilateral lower limb claudication. On clinical evaluation, he was hypertensive [B.P. 220/140 on right arm] with feeble lower limb pulses. Radiofemoral delay and abdominal bruit were present. He was evaluated by aortogram which showed segmental occlusion below the level of superior mesenteric artery, with reformation through inferior mesenteric artery. At surgery, the periaortic tissue and the aortic wall were thickened. Aorto-renal end-arterectomy with patch aortoplasty and end-arterectomy of right common iliac artery were performed. The patient was discharged with B.P. of 150/100 mmHg on anti-hypertensive medications. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis as Aorto-arteritis (Figs. 1 and 2).