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Objectives Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is often required for patients undergoing repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm via left thoracotomy when proximal crossclamping is not feasible or when aneurysmal disease extends into the transverse aortic arch. Historical literature suggests higher complications rates due to the technical complexity of this approach; we examined outcomes with this approach at our center. Methods Between January 2008 and May 2018, 84 patients with DTAA or Crawford extent I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm underwent open repair. DHCA was employed in 46 of 84 (55%) patients, of which 33 (72%) required repair of distal arch and DTAA, and 13 (28%) required repair of the distal arch and extent I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients who underwent DHCA had more chronic dissections than those in the non-DHCA group (70% vs 34%; P ≤ .05). Results Major adverse outcomes for the DHCA group versus non-DHCA group were as follows: early mortality 3 out of 46 (7%) versus 4 out of 38 (11%) (P = .70), stroke 3 out of 46 (7%) versus 1 out of 38 (3%) (P = .62), permanent spinal cord deficit 2 out of 46 (4%) versus 3 out of 38 (8%) (P = .65), permanent renal failure necessitating dialysis 1 out of 46 (2%) versus 2 out of 38 (5%) (P = .59). Freedom from major adverse outcomes was 38 out of 46 (83%) versus 31 out of 38 (82%) for DHCA versus non-DHCA (P = 1). Conclusions DHCA can be employed via left thoracotomy for combined arch and DTAA or extent I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair.

Introduction: The Activated Clotting Time (ACT) is commonly used to manage anticoagulation during cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the older manually operated Hemochron® Response and the automated Hemochron® Signature Elite. Methods: In this observational study the clinically relevant differences of both devices were investigated simultaneously, using duplicate measurements, in 29 patients who underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) or Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) in order to determine reliability, bias, and to detect which method has the lowest variation. Blood samples were obtained from the arterial line prior to surgery, after administration of 300 IU/kg heparin, 5 minutes after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and successively every 30 minutes, and after protamine administration. Results: A total of 202 measurements were performed. Of these 10 measurements were out of range in the Response and 9 in the Elite. About 27 single unstable magnet errors were seen in the Response versus no measurement errors in the Elite. No statistically significant differences between the Response (p = 0.22, Wilcoxon rank) and Elite (p = 0.064) duplicates were observed. The Response values were consistently higher during heparinization than the Elite measurements (p = 0.002, repeated measurements) with an average positive bias of around 56 seconds during heparinization (Bland-Altman). Overall, the coefficient of variation (CoV) increased during heparinization. Conclusion: The Elite was more reliable, but the variation was higher for the Elite than the Response. The observed positive bias in the Response compared to the Elite could affect heparin administration during surgery making the two systems not interchangeable.

Objective The study objective was to investigate the impact of multiple arterial grafting on long-term all-cause mortality in women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods A comprehensive search was performed to identify observational studies reporting outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting reported by sex and stratified into multiple arterial grafting versus single arterial grafting strategies. Articles were considered for inclusion if they were written in English and were propensity-matched observational studies. Included studies were then pooled in a meta-analysis performed using the generic inverse variance method. The primary outcome was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were operative mortality and spontaneous myocardial infarction. Meta-regression was used to explore the effects of preoperative and intraoperative variables on the primary outcome. Results A total of 6 studies with 32,793 women (25,714 single arterial grafting and 7079 multiple arterial grafting) were included. Women who received multiple arterial grafting had lower long-term mortality (incidence rate ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.96; P = .007) and spontaneous myocardial infarction (incidence rate ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.93; P = .003) compared with women who received single arterial grafting, but the difference in mortality disappeared when including only the 3 largest studies. There was no difference between groups in operative mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.17; P = .91). Meta-regression did not identify any associations with the incidence rate ratio for long-term mortality. Conclusions The use of multiple arterial grafting in women undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with lower long-term mortality, although the difference is mostly driven by small series. Further studies, including randomized trials, are needed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple arterial grafting in women undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

To investigate mortality and reoperation rates following limited distal repair after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) at a single medium volume institution. We analyzed all patients that underwent limited distal repair (ascending aortic or hemiarch replacement) following ATAAD between January 1998 and April 2020 at our institution. During the study period, 489 patients underwent ATAAD surgery, of which 457 (94%) underwent limited distal repair with a 30-day mortality of 12.9%. Among 30-day survivors, late follow-up was 97.7% complete with a mean follow-up of 6.0 ± 5.5 years. years. In all, 50 patients (11%) required a reoperation during the study period at a mean of 3.4 ± 3.4 years after initial repair, with a 30-day mortality of 12%. An aortic reoperation was required in 4.1 (2.0-6.1)%, 10.3 (7.1-13.6)%, 15.1 (10.9-19.4)% and 18.0 (13.0-22.9)% of patients at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years. A distal reoperation was required in 3.0 (1.2-4.7)%, 8.0 (5.1-10.9)%, 10.3 (6.8-13.8)% and 12.4 (8.2-16.5)% of patients and 4.4 (2.3-6.4)%, 10.4 (7.1-13.7)%, 13.9 (9.8-18.0)% and 16.9 (12.0-21.9)% of patents had a distal event at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Limited distal repair with an ascending aortic or hemiarch replacement was associated with acceptable survival and rates of reoperations and distal events. Limited distal repair is a safe and feasible standard approach to ATAAD surgery at a medium-volume center.

We examined the safety and efficacy of del Nido cardioplegic solution compared with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegic solution in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.Patients who underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery using del Nido or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate from 2015 to 2019 were enrolled. Various clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Postoperative laboratory findings including the levels of electrolytes, cardiac enzymes (creatine kinase-MB and troponin I), and serial blood lactate were also measured and compared. Based on 28 baseline covariates, propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias.Among 766 patients, del Nido and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate were used in 330 patients (43.1%) and 436 patients (56.9%), respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative clinical outcomes and early adverse outcomes among 228 pairs of propensity score-matched patients. Immediate postoperative sodium levels were within the normal range in both groups without a significant difference (P = .50). However, peak creatine kinase-MB (median, 31.9 vs 37.7 ng/mL, P = .026) and troponin I (6.9 vs 9.1 ng/mL, P = .014) levels were significantly lower in the del Nido group. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between the peak cardiac enzyme levels and the cardiac ischemic time depending on the cardioplegia type, with lower cardiac isoenzymes for del Nido over histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (P .001) until the crossover point at the cardiac ischemic time over 100 minutes.In comparison with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution, del Nido solution seems to have acceptable safety and efficacy with good myocardial protection in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Further studies focusing on complex surgeries requiring longer cardiac ischemic time are needed.

Background This study aimed to compare high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation vs nasal intermittent ventilation (NIV) oxygenation for respiratory care after extubation in postoperative paediatric cardiac patients. Methods This study was a randomised controlled trial. One hundred twenty-one paediatric patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease undergoing corrective cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Patients were randomised to receive either HFNC (AIRVO) or NIV (RAM Cannula) postextubation. Arterial blood gas was analysed at different time points perioperatively. Results Patients in both the groups were matched with respect to diagnosis and demographic profiles. Baseline hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were also similar in both the groups. Patients in HFNC/AIRVO group did not show improved carbon dioxide (CO2) washout but showed improved pO2 and pO2/FiO2 ratio immediate postextubation. Reintubation rate and other intensive care unit (ICU) complications were similar in both the groups. Conclusion Postcardiopulmonary bypass respiratory complications in paediatric patients with congenital acyanotic heart disease can be minimised with newer oxygen therapy devices such as AIRVO (HFNC) or RAM cannula (NIV). In comparison between these two, AIRVO did not show improved CO2 washout over RAM cannula; however, it did provide better oxygenation as measured by pO2 in arterial blood and pO2/FiO2 ratio immediate postextubation. Also, long-term results such as duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay were not affected by the choice of device.

Background The relationship between low oxygen delivery (DO2) on cardiopulmonary bypass and morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery remains unexamined. Methods We reviewed patients undergoing Society of Thoracic Surgeons index procedures from March 2019 to July 2020, coincident with implementation of a new electronic perfusion record that provides for continuous recording of DO2 and flow parameters. Continuous perfusion variables were analyzed using area-over-the-curve (AOC) calculations below predefined thresholds (DO2 24 hours, stroke, sternal wound infection, and reoperation). Results Eight hundred thirty-four patients were included; 42.7% (356) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), whereas 57.3% underwent nonisolated CABG (eg, valvular or combined CABG/valvular operations). DO2 24 hours (P = .04), an effect again most pronounced in nonisolated-CABG cases (P = .002), as well as acute kidney injury Conclusions Low DO2 on bypass may be associated with morbidity/mortality following cardiac surgery, particularly in patients undergoing nonisolated CABG. These results underscore the importance of goal-directed perfusion strategies.

Background Mortality for infants on the heart transplant wait list remains unacceptably high, and available mechanical circulatory support is suboptimal. Our goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing genetically engineered pig (GEP) heart as a bridge to allotransplantation by transplantation of a GEP heart in a baboon. Methods Four baboons underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation from GEP donors. All donor pigs had galactosyl-1,3-galactose knocked out. Two donor pigs had human complement regulatory CD55 transgene and the other 2 had human complement regulatory CD46 and thrombomodulin. Induction immunosuppression included thymoglobulin, and Anti-CD20. Maintenance immunosuppression was Rapamycin, AntiCD-40 and methylprednisolone. One donor heart was preserved with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and the other three with del Nido solution. Results All baboons weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. B217 received a donor heart preserved with UW. Ventricular arrhythmias and depressed cardiac function resulted in early death. All recipients of del Nido preserved hearts easily weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass with minimal inotropic support. B15416 and B1917 survived for 90 days and 241 days respectively. Histopathology in B15416 revealed no significant myocardial rejection but cellular infiltrate around Purkinje fibers. Histopathology in B1917 was consistent with severe rejection. B37367 had uneventful transplant but developed significant respiratory distress with a cardiac arrest. Conclusions Survival of B15416 and B1917 demonstrates the feasibility of pursuing additional research to document the ability to bridge an infant to cardiac allotransplant with a GEP heart.

BACKGROUND Postoperative bronchial anastomotic complications are not uncommon in lung transplant recipients. We investigated 2 surgical techniques (continuous and interrupted sutures) during bronchial anastomosis, comparing survival and postoperative bronchial complications. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 421 patients who were transplanted in our center (February 2012 to March 2018). Patients were divided according to bronchial anastomotic technique (continuous or interrupted). Demographics and clinical parameters were compared for significance (P < .05). Comparison of postoperative morbidity included bronchial complications, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and intervention requirements. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank tests (P < .05). RESULTS Of the 421 patients, 290 underwent bronchial anastomoses with continuous suture; 44 of these patients had postoperative bronchial complications (15.2%). Contrarily, 131 patients underwent the interrupted suture technique; 9 patients in this group had postoperative bronchial complications (6.9%). Demographics and clinical parameters included age, sex, ethnicity, etiology, lung allocation score, body mass index, donor age, lung transplant type, cardiopulmonary bypass usage, surgical approaches, and median length of stay. Postoperative complications (continuous vs interrupted) were bronchial complications (P = .017), venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (P = .41), venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (P = .38), and complications requiring dilatation with stent placement (P = .09). Kaplan-Meier curve showed better survival in the interrupted group (P = .0002). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the comparable postoperative results between the continuous and interrupted technique.

We report a simplified Zone 2 arch repair using a trifurcated graft for acute type A aortic dissection. The right axillary artery is cannulated. After completion of proximal aortic repair using a one-branched graft, a trifurcated graft is anastomosed to the ascending graft just above the proximal suture line or coronary buttons in case of Bentall procedure. Distal aortic anastomosis is performed at the Zone 2 level under unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion. Full cardiopulmonary bypass flow is resumed via the right axillary and ascending graft using both Y-shaped arterial limbs. The left common carotid and innominate artery are sequentially anastomosed.

Cardiac surgery increasingly is being performed in patients with a history of or with active cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between a history of cancer and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).An observational monocentric study, with data collected from a prospective institutional database was conducted.A single academic center.All consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB between 2005 and 2017.None.A history of cancer was preoperatively identified. Mortality rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The 1-year mortality risk of patients with and without cancer was compared using a multivariate Cox model.During the study period, 12,143 patients underwent cardiac surgery with CPB, including 4,681 (39%) isolated coronary artery bypass surgeries. Their median EuroSCORE II was 3.1, interquartile range 1.5-to-6.4. Nine hundred thirty patients (8%) had a diagnosis of cancer, out of whom 469 (50%) were diagnosed ≤5 years before the index surgery; 103 (11%) patients had hemopathy, and 825 (89%) had solid cancers. The estimated unadjusted 1-year mortality was significantly higher among patients with cancer, 11% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10-14) versus 8% (95%CI 7-9) p0.01. After adjustment, a diagnosis of cancer was not associated with the risk of 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.17 [95%CI 0.96-1.43]; p = 0.13).In a large cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB, cancer was not independently associated with 1-year mortality. An isolated cancer history should not lead to denial of cardiac surgery. The impact of cancer on complications and long-term survival after cardiac surgery requires further research.

We report the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated respiratory failure requiring urgent living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLTx). A 57-year-old woman with a positive viral status developed severe hypoxia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Her respiratory function deteriorated, with almost totally collapsed lungs. All of her other organs functioned well. After 104 days on ECMO, she received urgent LDLLTx under cardiopulmonary bypass. The grafts worked well, and she was weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass after reperfusion. LDLLTx is an option for selected patients with post-COVID-19 end-stage respiratory failure. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide since December 2019 due to the unprecedented pandemic.1 Patients with end-stage COVID-19-related respiratory failure require mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In some countries, lung transplantation (LTx) has become a treatment option for irreversible lung function deterioration.2,3 We report the first successful case of severe respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 treated with urgent living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLTx).

Objectives Rapid deployment valves have been developed as a means to adjust for limitations in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement for the management of aortic valve disease. To date, many studies have shown that although rapid deployment valves facilitate a shorter surgical aortic valve replacement, they offer no clinical benefit. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of rapid deployment valves with conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods This study was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing tissue aortic valve replacement at a single center. The majority of patients were men and aged more than 60 years. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: (1) rapid deployment valves and (2) conventional sutured valve. Inverse probability treatment weighting method was used to create a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in outcomes. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years. Results A total of 2237 patients made up the study population from 2013 to 2019. After inverse probability treatment weighting, there were 295 patients in each group. Shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times were found with the rapid deployment valves. No statistically significant difference was found in the primary and secondary outcomes. There was a significant difference in the rate of permanent pacemaker insertion with a 7% pacemaker rate in the rapid deployment valve group (P Conclusions The data suggest that rapid deployment valves offer no benefit in straightforward aortic valve replacement, and further study will help identify which patient population the valve is suited for.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication in patients exposed to heparin, leading to thrombocytopenia and, potentially, thrombosis. This disorder is challenging in cardiac surgery when anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass is required. Herein a patient with HIT who had active thrombosis and successfully underwent urgent left ventricular assist device implantation managed with plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and protamine infusion is described. These therapies reduce the immune response to heparin and minimize thrombosis when heparin reexposure is planned. These approaches to perioperative management of HIT represent an attractive alternative to the use of non-heparin anticoagulants in the cardiac and vascular surgical population.

Background While several randomized trials have shown conflicting results regarding the comparative effectiveness of on- and off-pump coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG), research on long-term outcomes in large-scale, real-world clinical settings are limited. We sought to examine the comparative effectiveness of on- and off-pump CABG in a real-world clinical setting. Methods Using the nationwide claims database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we identified patients who underwent isolated CABG from 2004 to 2013. Propensity-score matching with multivariable adjustment was used to assemble a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics. Results Among 23,828 patients, 12,639 in the off-pump (53.0%) and 11,189 in the on-pump (47.0%) groups were enrolled. After matching, 6,483 pairs were included in the final analysis. At 30 days, there was no significant difference in adjusted mortality between the off- and on-pump groups (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-1.16). During long-term follow-up (100% complete; median 5.3yrs, maximum 13.2yrs), however, off-pump CABG was associated with a higher risk of mortality than on-pump CABG (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.15). The risks of myocardial infarction (MI) (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.16-1.45) and repeat revascularization (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.37-1.63) were also significantly higher in the off-pump CABG group than in the on-pump CABG group, while the stroke risk was similar inter-groups (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.87-1.13). Conclusions In this contemporary, nationwide, clinical practice claim registry, off-pump CABG was associated with higher long-term risks of mortality, MI, and repeat revascularization than on-pump CABG.

Adenosine triphosphate potassium sensitive channels provide endogenous myocardial protection via coupling of cell membrane potential to myocardial metabolism. Adenosine triphosphate potassium sensitive channel openers, such as diazoxide, mimic ischemic preconditioning, prevent cardiomyocyte swelling, preserve myocyte contractility after stress, and provide diastolic protection. We hypothesize that diazoxide combined with hyperkalemic cardioplegia provides superior myocardial protection compared with cardioplegia alone during prolonged global ischemia in a large animal model.Twelve pigs were randomized to global ischemia for 2 hours with a single dose of cold blood (4:1) hyperkalemic cardioplegia alone (n = 6) or with diazoxide (500 μmol/L) (n = 6) and reperfused for 1 hour. Cardiac output, myocardial oxygen consumption, left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function, myocardial troponin, myoglobin, markers of apoptosis, and left ventricular infarct size were compared.Four pigs in the cardioplegia alone group could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. There were no differences in myoglobin, troponin, or apoptosis between groups. Diazoxide preserved cardiac output versus control (74.5 vs 18.4 mL/kg/min, P = .01). Linear mixed regression modeling demonstrated that the addition of diazoxide to cardioplegia preserved left ventricular developed pressure by 36% (95% confidence interval, 9.9-61.5; P .01), dP/dt max by 41% (95% confidence interval, 14.5-67.5; P .01), and dP/dt min by 33% (95% confidence interval, 8.9-57.5; P = .01). It was also associated with higher (but not significant) myocardial oxygen consumption (3.7 vs 1.4 mL ODiazoxide preserves systolic and diastolic ventricular function in a large animal model of prolonged global myocardial ischemia. Diazoxide as an adjunct to hyperkalemic cardioplegia may allow safer prolonged ischemic times during increasingly complicated cardiac procedures.

Background We present here a case series of patients who underwent resection for Masaoka Stage III and IVa Thymic Epithelial Tumors (TETs) with invasion into the superior vena cava. Methods 29 patients with Stage III and IVa TETs were treated surgically in three institutions. Operative resections involved replacing the superior vena cava from one of the innominate veins (n=18) or via reconstruction by truncal replacement (n=2) or patchplasty (n=9). Results Fifteen patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment. Thirty and 90-day mortality rate were 3.4% and 10.3%, respectively. For Stage III patients, the median overall survival and DFS were 39 and 30 months, respectively. The median overall survival and DFS in patients with Masaoka Stage IVa disease were 67 and 21 months, respectively. Undergoing only preoperative chemotherapy (p=0.007) or receiving no chemotherapy (p=0.009) had a disease-free survival that was significantly higher than receiving both pre- and postoperative chemotherapy. Conclusions SVC resection and reconstruction in Masoaka Stage III and IVa TETs can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Stage IVa patients with SVC involvement can be treated with similar results as Stage III patients with multimodality treatment.

STRUCTURED ABSTRACT Background Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (PA/VSD/MAPCAs) is a relatively rare and complex form of congenital heart disease. Unifocalization of MAPCAs has been advocated by some groups for the treatment of this condition. The purpose of this study was to assess the mid-term fate of unifocalized MAPCAs in a cohort of patients with retro-esophageal MAPCAs. Methods This was a retrospective review of 37 patients who underwent a unifocalization procedure. All patients in this study had one or more retro-esophageal MAPCAs, and detailed mapping of the MAPCAs was made based on a combination of the cardiac catheterization and surgical findings. Results The 37 patients had a total of 166 MAPCAs, or 4.5 MAPCAs per patient. One hundred twenty nine (78%) MAPCAs were unifocalized, while 37 (22%) were ligated as they were dual supply. Median follow-up was 69 months. At follow-up cardiac catheterization, evaluation of the 129 unifocalized MAPCAs demonstrated that 123 (95%) had antegrade flow while six were occluded. For the 123 MAPCAs with antegrade flow, 97 (80%) were widely patent while 26 were stenotic. Thirteen of the 37 patients have subsequently undergone re-intervention on MAPCAs that were determined to be stenotic following unifocalization. Seven of these patients had mild disease and had complete resolution with balloon (n=5) or surgical revision (n=2). Six patients with moderate or severe disease underwent surgical revision with confirmed resolution in four of six. Conclusions The data demonstrate that the majority of unifocalized MAPCAs remain widely patent following unifocalization. However, one-quarter of unifocalized MAPCAs develop stenoses or occlusion. These results suggest the fate for most unifocalized MAPCAs is favorable but highlight the need for close vigilance.

Background: Hypophosphataemia is well-known in the intensive care units (ICU), for example, in refeeding syndrome. There is limited research available for hypophosphataemia in the ‘post-cardiac surgery’ population. Objectives: Defining the incidence of hypophosphataemia after cardiopulmonary bypass, in a South African population. Secondary objectives include the clinical implication of hypophosphataemia on duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and cardioactive drug support; and possible associations between demographic variables, intraoperative variables (including cardioplegic solution), and the postoperative phosphate levels. Methods: This was a single-centre, non-blinded, prospective cohort analytical study at an academic hospital, in patients presenting for open cardiac surgery. Over a one-year period, 101 patients were included. Preoperative variables included all the factors of the EuroSCORE II risk evaluation score. Intraoperative variables recorded were drug and blood product administration, cardioplegic solution and cardiopulmonary bypass-related variables. Postoperatively, serum phosphate levels were taken daily and postoperative care measures, such as duration of cardioactive drug support, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay, were recorded. Results: The incidence of hypophosphataemia, immediately postoperative, was 12.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7–21.0%) and peaked on Day 3 at 29.0% (95% CI 20.1–39.4%). New onset hypophosphataemia at any stage during the ICU stay was 52.6% (95% CI 42.1–63.0%). No significant associations between hypophosphataemia and secondary objectives were found. Conclusion: Hypophosphataemia was common with an incidence higher than expected. This did not translate into a clinical effect, as the degree was usually mild (0.66–0.79 mmol/L). The full article is available at https://doi.org/10.36303/SAJAA.2020.26.1.2247

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) formation is a rare but formidable complication after catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation. We present four patients who underwent urgent primary intracardiac repair of the left atrium via sternotomy with central cardiopulmonary bypass and early aortic cross-clamp, followed by repair of the esophagus. We believe that this approach represents the safest strategy for addressing this morbid and often fatal complication.

Repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) is achieved with low mortality. However, there is a high rate of reoperation on the left atrioventricular valve (LAVV), which is often attributed to nonclosure of the cleft. Although nonclosure of the cleft has been reported to be a risk factor for reoperation, no randomized controlled or propensity-matched trials have ever been performed. We investigated the effect of cleft closure on outcomes after cAVSD repair.We reviewed 455 patients who underwent cAVSD repair between 1990 and 2019. To determine the effect of cleft closure, propensity score matching was performed on risk factors for reoperation after cAVSD repair.Median age was 3.6 months (mean, 9.6 ± 20.4 months), median weight was 4.3 kg (mean, 4.7 ± 4.3 kg) and 41.9% (191 of 455) were male. Early mortality was 2.9% (13 of 455), and survival was 89.8% ± 1.9% at 20 years. Early reoperation was a risk factor for mortality (P = .004). Freedom from reoperation was 72.5% ± 4.0% at 20 years. Freedom from LAVV reoperation was 74.1% ± 4.0% at 20 years. Preoperative severe LAVV regurgitation (P.001) and early postoperative moderate or greater LAVV regurgitation (P = .007) were risk factors for reoperation, while trisomy 21 (P = .03) and recent era of surgery (P = .02) were protective. Propensity score matching yielded 106 pairs. There were no differences in long-term survival (P = .71) or reoperation (P = .26) between the 2 groups.Repair of cAVSD can be achieved with low mortality and good long-term survival, although the reoperation rate remains high. Similar freedom from reoperation can be achieved with or without closure of the LAVV cleft.

Objective The leadless cardiac pacemaker is typically implanted percutaneously and has been widely used for patients who have already undergone valve surgery. We sought to determine the feasibility and safety of implanting the leadless pacemaker under direct visualization during valve surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients (n = 15) who underwent implantation of a leadless pacemaker under direct visualization at the time of valve surgery. Indications for single-chamber pacing were sick sinus syndrome with pauses (53.3%), atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular rates (13.3%) or complete heart block (6.6%), and elevated risk for postoperative heart block (26.6%). Leadless pacemaker performance and pacing percentage were assessed. Results Patients' age was 67.5 ± 17 years, 6 patients (40%) were male, and 14 patients (93%) had atrial fibrillation. Isolated tricuspid valve replacement was performed in 5 patients (33.3%), and the remainder underwent multivalve surgery that included concomitant tricuspid valve repair/replacement. In 93% of the patients (n = 14), the immediate post–cardiopulmonary bypass pacing thresholds were normal (≤2.0 V at 0.24 ms) and normalized in the remaining patient by the next morning. The impedance/sensing values were normal and stable through follow-up (151 ± 119 days) in all patients. Reliable leadless pacemaker performance allowed for deferral of temporary epicardial wires in 11 patients (73%). There were no procedural complications or device malfunction. Conclusions Leadless cardiac pacemaker implantation during valve surgery is feasible and safe. This hybrid approach to pacing may simplify the perioperative management of patients undergoing valve surgery who have an indication for single-chamber pacing.

Background:Surgical repair for postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) was still a challenging operation, especially when required in the acute phase or posterior VSR. The extended sandwich patch technique is characterized by large double patches fixed by circumferential transmural large mattress sutures via right ventricle incision. In the present study, we report early and midterm clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of this technique., Methods:Of 33 consecutive patients undergoing VSR repair using the extended sandwich patch technique between 2008 and 2018, 25 received surgery within 1 week from the onset of myocardial infarction (early group) and 8 received surgery after 1 week (late group), including 12 patients with posterior VSR. All patients underwent surgery within 24 hours of VSR diagnosis., Results:Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identified no residual shunt, but 2 patients received reoperative VSR repair at 9 days and 2 months after the first VSR repair. The 30-day mortality and 1-year survival in the early and late groups were 20% and 12.5%, and 58% and 88%, respectively. After VSR repair, right and left heart chamber sizes were significantly decreased, and these improvements were stable throughout the subsequent follow-up period (median 4.0 years). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricular fractional area change remained constant throughout the observation period without changing after VSR repair., Conclusions:The extended sandwich patch technique through a right ventriculotomy offered safe and simple, leak-free repair even in technically demanding acute phase or posterior VSR. No significant decline was found in the right heart function after surgery.

Thromboelastography (TEG) predicts bleeding in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedure. We hypothesize that TEG indicators at rewarming correlate with postprotamine values and that rewarming TEG is associated with surrogate end points for postoperative bleeding in pediatric patients undergoing complex cardiac surgical procedure.In a retrospective study of 703 pediatric (≤18 years) patients undergoing complex cardiac surgical procedures, TEG results obtained during rewarming and after protamine administration were compared using linear regression. A composite end point of extended blood product transfusion or surgical reexploration for bleeding was used as a surrogate for postoperative bleeding.By multivariable analysis, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and lower TEG maximal amplitude (MA) during rewarming were independently associated with the risk of the composite end point in the operating room or in the intensive care unit (P.05). Among patients with an MA of less than 45 mm during rewarming, those who received a platelet transfusion in the operating room compared with those who did not were less likely to reach the composite end point within the subsequent 24 hours (8% vs 32%, respectively; P.01). Good correlation was observed between TEG variables at rewarming vs after protamine administration (Pearson r ≥ 0.7). The relationship between platelet transfusion volume (mL/kg) and the percentage change in the MA was determined using linear regression, and a platelet transfusion calculator was generated.A lower MA during rewarming is associated with an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. In patients with a rewarming MA of less than 45 mm, an intraoperative platelet transfusion may reduce the risk of subsequent bleeding. Individualized platelet transfusion therapy based on rewarming TEG may reduce the risk of bleeding while minimizing unnecessary platelet transfusion.

To evaluate whether there is a relationship between preoperative anemia and domain-specific cognitive performance in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Retrospective analysis of data collected from a randomized study.Tertiary care university hospital.A total of 436 patients age ≥55 years undergoing cardiac surgery.None.Neuropsychological testing was performed before and one month after surgery, using a standard battery. Individual Z-scores calculated from the mean and standard deviation of tests at baseline were combined into domain-specific scores. Anemia (hemoglobin130 g/L for men,120 g/L for women) was present in 41% of patients. Preoperative anemia had little impact on preoperative cognition. There were no differences in the change in cognitive performance one month after surgery from baseline between patients with and without preoperative anemia. However, in a sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation for missing cognitive test scores, significant associations were observed between preoperative anemia and change in postoperative processing speed (p = 0.016), change in executive function (p = 0.049), and change in fine motor speed (p = 0.016). Nadir hemoglobin during cardiopulmonary bypass, which was lower in anemic than nonanemic patients, was associated with decrements in performance on tests of verbal fluency (p = 0.007), processing speed (p = 0.042), and executive function (p = 0.10) one month after surgery but not delayed neurocognitive recovery (p = 0.06).Preoperative anemia may be associated with impairment of selective cognitive domains after surgery. Any effect of preoperative anemia may have on cognition after surgery might be related to lower nadir hemoglobin during cardiopulmonary bypass.

In the present study, we analyzed the advantages and feasibility of non-open-heart surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass for intracardiac intravenous leiomyomatosis.We retrospectively reviewed 23 cases of intracardiac intravenous leiomyomatosis and divided them into a noncardiopulmonary bypass (NCPB) group (9 cases) and a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) group (14 cases) according to the surgical treatment received. The clinical characteristics and anatomic features, including the diameter of the tumor, right atrium, and inferior vena cava, were recorded, and the perioperative data, including the operation time, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin change, and follow-up results, were analyzed and compared between the two groups.The NCPB group had required a shorter operation time (321.9 ± 104.2 minutes vs 526.3 ± 95.6 minutes; P .001) and had experienced less blood loss (456.3 ± 249.9 mL vs 815.4 ± 435.6 mL; P = .048) compared with the CPB group. The NCPB group had a small maximum cross-sectional area of the tumor inside the right atrium (475.5 ± 509.6 mmFor intravenous leiomyomatosis with a smaller cross-sectional area in the right atrium that can be mobilized, surgery without CBP is feasible and should be considered.

Objectives Perioperative hyperglycemia is associated with poor postoperative recovery, including compromised immune function and increased risk of infection. A closed-loop glycemic control system (artificial pancreas) has demonstrated strict safe perioperative glycemic control without hypoglycemia risk. The authors hypothesized that the artificial pancreas would reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative inflammatory reactions. This study aimed to assess the effect of the artificial pancreas on SSIs and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after cardiac surgery. Design A single-center retrospective, propensity score–matched analysis. Setting A university hospital. Participants In total, 295 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Interventions Patients were divided into two groups: artificial pancreas (target blood glucose: 120-150 mg/dL) and intravenous insulin infusion (conventional insulin therapy, target blood glucose: Measurements and Main Results The differences in the incidence of SSIs and CRP levels between the two groups were assessed. After 1:1 propensity score matching based on their covariates, 101 matched patients were selected from each group. The incidence of SSIs was reduced by 3%, 5% (conventional insulin therapy), and 2% (artificial pancreas), but the reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.45). The postoperative maximum CRP level was significantly lower in the artificial pancreas group than in the conventional insulin therapy group, mean (standard deviation)14.53 (5.64) mg/dL v 16.57 (5.58) mg/dL; p = 0.01. Conclusions The artificial pancreas did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the incidence of SSIs. However, the artificial pancreas was safe and suppressed postoperative inflammation compared with conventional insulin therapy.

Objective Many prognostic factors of grade-3 primary graft dysfunction at post-operative day 3 (PGD3-T72) have been reported but intraoperative blood lactate level has not been studied. The present retrospective study was done to test the hypothesis that intraoperative blood lactate level (BLL) could be a predictor of PGD3-T72 after double-lung transplantation. Design Retrospective monocentric cohort study. Setting Foch University Hospital, Suresnes, France. Participants Patients having received a double-lung transplantation between 2012 and 2019. Patients transplanted twice during the study period, having undergone a multi-organ transplantation, or cardiopulmonary bypass, and those under preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were excluded. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Analysis was performed on a cohort of 449 patients. Seventy-two (16%) patients had a PGD3-T72. BLL increased throughout surgery to reach a median value of 2.2 [1.6-3.2] mmol/L in the No-PGD3-T72 group and 3.4 [2.3-5.0] mmol/L in the PGD3-T72 group after second lung implantation. The best predictive model for PGD3-T72 was obtained adding a lactate threshold of 2.6 mmol/L at the end of surgery to the clinical model, the AUC was 0.867 with a sensitivity =76.9%, specificity = 85.4%. Repeated-measures mixed-model of BLL during surgery remained significant after adjustment for covariates (F ratio= 4.22, p Conclusions Blood lactate level increases during surgery and reaches a maximum after the second lung implantation. A value below the threshold of 2.6 mmol/L at the end of surgery has a high negative predictive value for the occurrence of a grade-3 primary graft dysfunction at post-operative day 3.

Objectives The authors aimed to identify risk factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after scheduled cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design A single-center, observational study. Setting Tertiary hospital. Participants All adult patients who underwent scheduled cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass between January 2017 and December 2017. Interventions None. Measurement and Main Results Among the 568 patients included, 68 (12.0%) presented a PMV. The median ventilation time was 5.7 hours in the group without PMV and 85.2 hours in the group with PMV. A logistic regression found five variables independently associated with the occurrence of PMV: (1) prior cardiac surgery, (2) preoperative congestive heart failure, (3) preoperative creatinine clearance 4 mmol/L on admission. A predictive score to allow the authors to anticipate PMV was developed from the regression coefficient of perioperative factors independently associated with PMV. With a threshold of 2/13, the score had a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 80.5%, a positive predictive value of 37.2%, and a negative predictive value of 96.7%. The score then was validated in a distinct cohort. Conclusions The study authors have developed a simple score to predict PMV in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. This score could allow clinicians to identify a high-risk population that might benefit from specific management upon arrival in the intensive care unit.

Objectives Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rVIIa) is used off-label for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery. This study reviewed the indications, usage rates, and complications of rVIIa. Design A retrospective case-control observational study. Setting A single quaternary pediatric hospital. Participants All children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass over a three-year period. Interventions Administration of rVIIa as rescue therapy for refractory bleeding after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Measurements and Main Results Onethousand, five hundred fifteen cardiopulmonary bypass procedures were reviewed. Patients receiving rVIIa were each matched to two control patients by age, procedure type, and bypass time. Data collected included weight, crossclamp time, anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic dose, return to the operating room for bleeding, thrombotic events, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit interventions. Forty-two patients received rVIIa (2.8%). Major systemic thrombotic complications were observed in 19% (controls 12.5%) of patients; 80% of recombinant factor VIIa patients requiring postoperative ECMO had interventions for circuit thrombosis (controls 31.25%); 4.76% of rVIIa recipients required reexploration for intractable bleeding (controls 1.39%). Conclusions This study added to understanding regarding the use of recombinant factor VIIa in pediatric cardiac surgery and reported increased thrombotic complications, especially for children who progress to ECMO. Prospective studies to better understand the pathophysiology of coagulopathy and hemorrhage in pediatric cardiac surgery and the role of hemostatic agents, such as rVIIa, are required.

Ticagrelor is often administered to patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, when these patients require urgent or emergent cardiothoracic (CT) surgery the presence of ticagrelor significantly increases surgical bleeding. The goal of the current trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DrugSorb-ATR hemoadsorption device for the intraoperative removal of ticagrelor to reduce postoperative bleeding in the above patient population. The Safe and Timely Antithrombotic Removal - Ticagrelor (STAR-T) Trial is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial enrolling patients who require cardiothoracic surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) within 48 hours of last ticagrelor dose.Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to receive either the DrugSorb-ATR device or an identical sham device during CPB. The study will enroll up to 120 subjects at 20 U.S centers, and the primary outcome is the composite of fatal perioperative bleeding, moderate/severe/massive bleeding according to the Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding in Cardiac Surgery (UDPB), and 24 hours chest tube drainage. The components of the composite are hierarchically ranked according to clinical significance and the primary analysis will utilize the Win Ratio method. Percent change in ticagrelor levels before and after CPB (drug removal) will be the key secondary endpoint. An independent Clinical Events Committee will adjudicate all clinical endpoints including safety endpoints relating to postoperative thrombotic events. Subjects will be followed through 30 days after the index operation.The results from STAR-T, if positive, will potentially support FDA market approval for DrugSorb-ATR, and provide a solution to an important unmet clinical need.

Objectives Blood-processing techniques and preservation conditions cause storage lesions, possibly leading to adverse outcomes after transfusion. The authors investigated the metabolic changes and deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage and determined the effect of storage lesions on circulating RBCs during cardiac surgery. Design Prospective study. Setting Tertiary care center affiliated with a university hospital. Participants Adults who underwent elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions The authors collected aliquots of autologous and irradiated allogeneic RBCs and blood samples from seven patients who received autologous whole blood and nine patients who received irradiated allogeneic RBCs before incision (baseline), at the start and end of cardiopulmonary bypass, and at completion of surgery. Measurements and Main Results The authors analyzed RBC deformability, erythrocyte indices, and density distribution to evaluate blood banking-induced alterations of autologous and allogeneic RBCs and changes in circulating RBCs in recipients, after blood transfusion. Time-dependent biochemical changes and significant decreases in deformability during storage occurred in both groups; however, homologous RBCs had significantly lower deformability than autologous RBCs. Trends in mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration differed in both groups. In the homologous transfusion group, during cardiac surgery, RBC deformability, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration showed significant changes compared with baseline values, and a greater number of denser subpopulations was observed at surgery completion. Conclusions Blood-processing techniques contribute to storage lesions, suggesting that transfusion of autologous whole blood, rather than allogeneic RBCs, could maintain the ability of circulating RBCs to deform and lead to potentially better transfusion outcomes.

Background Cardiac surgery–associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is common in infants and is associated with negative outcomes. Nadir indexed oxygen delivery (DO2i) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with the occurrence of postoperative CS-AKI, with critical thresholds for DO2i reported to be 262 to 300 mL/min/m2 in adults. However, given that infants have a higher metabolic rate and oxygen demand, the critical DO2i in infants is not comparable with existing adult standards. This study aimed to explore the critical DO2i threshold during pediatric CPB. Methods Between March 2019 and April 2020, 106 consecutive infants undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were admitted to this prospective observational cohort study. The DO2i levels of each patient were monitored during CPB. Pre- and intraoperative factors were tested for independent association with CS-AKI. The postoperative outcomes of patients with or without CS-AKI were compared. Results In our patient population (n = 83), we identified 25 patients (38.5%) with postoperative CS-AKI. Multivariate analysis revealed 2 independent risk factors for onset of CS-AKI: CPB duration and nadir DO2i. The lowest suitable DO2i during CPB in the present population was 353 mL/min/m2 (sensitivity, 65.6%; specificity, 74.5%). CS-AKI during pediatric CPB remained significantly associated with an increased morbidity, related mainly to a postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, but not to mortality. Conclusions The lowest suitable DO2i during CPB in the infant population undergoing cardiac surgery was 353 mL/min/m2. Below this threshold, there was a high probability of inducing CS-AKI.

Background Postoperative respiratory failure, defined as ventilator dependency for more than 48 hours or unplanned reintubation within 30 days, is a costly complication of cardiac surgery that increases mortality and length of stay. Stratification of patients by risk upon intensive care unit admission could identify cases requiring early measures to prevent respiratory failure. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk score for postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery. Methods This retrospective analysis of 4262 patients admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit after major cardiac surgery between January 2013 and December 2017, used The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and ventilator data from the respiratory therapy department. Patients were randomly and equally assigned to development and validation cohorts. Covariates used in the multivariable models were assigned weighted points proportional to their β regression coefficient values to create the risk score, which categorized patients into low, medium, and high risk of postoperative respiratory failure. Results In both cohorts, postoperative respiratory failure risk was significantly different between risk categories. Compared with low-risk patients, moderate-risk patients had a 2 times greater risk, and high-risk patients had a 4-7 times greater risk. Body mass index, previous cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary disease presence, baseline functional status, hemodynamic instability, and number of blood products used intraoperatively were significant predictors of respiratory failure. Conclusions This risk score can stratify patients by risk for developing postoperative respiratory failure after major cardiac surgery, which may help in the development of preventive measures.

Recurrent observation of clot in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit after the administration of a protamine test dose (PTD) prompted concern over the effects of PTDs on patient activated clotting times (ACTs).Data were prospectively collected on 120 patients who had cardiopulmonary bypass while undergoing a variety of cardiac surgical procedures from July to October 2018 at the Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada. ACTs were documented before cardiopulmonary bypass termination, after PTDs, and after protamine full doses. Statistical analysis was completed using a paired t test.The average PTD was calculated to be 36 ± 21 mg or 11% ± 7% of the full protamine dose of 367 ± 153 mg. This "test" dose ranged from 1% to 67% of full dose depending on the anesthetist. Post-PTD ACTs were widely variable. On average, there was a 40% ± 25% drop from the last ACT during cardiopulmonary bypass (650 ± 155 seconds) to the ACT after PTD (376 ± 153 seconds) (P.0001). In fact, 81% ± 5% of the patients' post-PTD ACTs were lower than the institutional ACT standard of 480 seconds for safe cardiopulmonary bypass initiation.Regardless of the PTD, there is no reliable way to predict how a patient's ACT will respond to a PTD. Clot formation is possible and circuit integrity is at risk when pump suction devices are continuously in use during PTD administration. Therefore, the study investigators strongly recommend that the direct recovery of mediastinal shed blood into the pump circuit be discontinued before any amount of protamine is administered to the patient.

Background This study reviews the outcomes of our reoperative total arch repair technique using a trifurcated graft and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Methods Fifty patients underwent reoperative total arch repair from January 2005 to September 2020, with either a one-stage repair (n = 9) or two-stage repair (n = 41). The two-stage technique includes minimal dissection of the mediastinal structures, an arch-first technique using a trifurcated graft, and construction of a classical elephant trunk through a partial transverse incision distally in the old graft or in the aorta just distal to the old graft. Results The median age was 63 years. Chronic dissection was the most frequent indication (88%), and 98% had undergone a previous proximal aortic repair at a median interval of 3 years. The median cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial ischemic, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, and lower body circulatory arrest times were 226, 103, 97, and 98 minutes, respectively. The minimum nasopharyngeal and bladder temperature were 16.5°C and 20.0°C, respectively. Operative mortality was 2%, the incidence of stroke was 2%, and the incidence of spinal cord injury was 0%. Stage II repair was performed in 37 patients (open, 33 patients; endovascular, 4 patients), with 2 mortalities and no spinal cord injury. The median duration between stage I and II was 63 days. Survival and aortic event free rates at 3 years were 88.4% ± 4.9%, and 89.8% ± 5%, respectively. Conclusions We report a reoperative total arch repair technique that minimizes dissection of the cardiac structures, simplifies the distal anastomosis, and protects vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and spinal cord.

OBJECTIVE Paediatric lung transplantation poses unique management challenges. Experience regarding indications and outcome is scarce, especially in younger children. The primary aim of this study was to investigate outcome after first lung transplantation in children

A middle aged male presented with self-inflicted penetrating cardiac injury from two crossbow bolts causing injury to multiple cardiac structures and surrounding great vessels. He was successfully treated with peripheral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, median sternotomy, hypothermic circulatory arrest, autotransplantation of the heart, and repair of all intracardiac injuries.

Мета: оцінити вплив штучного кровообігу на рівні маркерів запалення та виявити їх діагностичну значущість щодо перебігу раннього післяопераційного періоду у дорослих пацієнтів, яким проводилися кардіохірургічні операції. Матеріал та методи. У дослідження, що проводилося за відкритим дизайном, було включено 37 хворих із патологією клапанів серця, які були оперовані в умовах штучного кровообігу. На автоматичному гематологічному аналізаторі виконували кількісний підрахунок клітин крові. Лейкоцитарний індекс інтоксикації розраховували за формулою Кальф-Каліфа. Рівень цитокінів (інтерлейкін (IL) 1α, IL-6, фактор некрозу пухлини α, IL-10) у сироватці крові визначали методом імуноферментного аналізу. Точки контролю: до операції; після закінчення штучного кровообігу; 24 години після операції. Результати. Штучний кровообіг та операційна травма активують системну запальну відповідь, що проявляється у вигляді лейкоцитозу, підвищення рівнів цитокінів IL-6, IL-10 та IL-1α. Встановлено позитивний взаємозв’язок між кількістю лейкоцитів після штучного кровообігу та летальністю, концентрацією IL-6 у сироватці крові та часом перетискання аорти, індексом IL-6/IL-10 та тривалістю штучного кровообігу.

Background. Innovative advances in cardiac surgery to reduce the negative impact of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) require a comprehensive solution. The ultimate questions of present interest remain the prevention of hypoxia, the composition of the priming volume of the oxygenator, the state of erythrocytes and their energy potential, the level of hemolysis, the pathogenetic approach to the correction of electrolytes during perfusion, as well as the biocompatibility of the extracorporeal circuit. The study aimed to create the protocol for cardiopulmonary bypass, which includes the possibility of reducing the negative effects of synthetic polymers of the extracorporeal circuit; reducing the hydrodynamic load on the tissue; carrying out a more physiological correction of the acid-base state; improving the energy potential of cells; correction of electrolyte balance during cardiopulmonary bypass ta­king into account the stages of the surgical operation. Materials and methods. The study included 225 patients who underwent cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of 75 people, whose extracorporeal contour was treated with the adaptive composition by a special technique. After centrifuging the patient’s blood, serum was obtained, which was diluted in a solution of 0.9% NaCl and treated with the oxygenator circuit. The second group included patients (n = 75) in whom fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FPD) was used in the perfusion regimen. The drug was administered intravenously at a dose of 10 g at a rate of 10 ml/min in two stages: 5 g of FPD were injected immediately before the start of perfusion and 5 g before the patient was warmed up. The third group was the control group. Perfusion was performed using a membrane oxygenator in a non-pulsating blood flow mode with a prime of 1.3–1.6 L to achieve moderate hemodilution (Ht — 25 ± 2 g/L). A hyperosmolar priming volume with a total osmolarity of up to 510.6 mmol/L was used. The basic solutions were volutens, reosorbilact, mannitol 15%, Soda-buffer 4.2%. Hemogram (Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDWa, RDW%, hemolysis), oxygen transport: saturation of arterial (SaO2%) and venous blood (SvO2%), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial (PaO2) and venous blood (PvO2), oxygen delivery index (IDO2), oxygen consumption index (IVO2), oxygen extraction (O2ER), and oxygen extraction index (O2EI) were studied. The research of morphological changes in erythrocytes was carried out. Results. Our study aimed to develop and implement into practice an optimized cardiopulmonary bypass protocol based on the results obtained. The previous studies have shown that treatment of the oxy-genator circuit with the adaptive composition creates a protective layer of autoalbumin on the inner surface of the extracorporeal circuit, and the use of a drug with the active fructose-1,6-diphosphate ingredient during perfusion allows correcting hypophosphatemia, reducing the energy deficiency of the cells. In these two groups, in comparison with the control one, after CPB, there was a lower level of hemolysis, a lower number of echinocytes, and spherocytes. The three groups used the hyperosmolar priming ­volume. Before perfusion, there were the following indices: IDO2 — 332.00 ± ± 84.84 ml/(min • m2), IVO2 — 76.07 ± 28.34 ml/(min • m2), O2ЕR — 22.91 ± 6.33 %, O2EI — 22.47 ± 6.32 %, BE = –0.78 ± 2.13 mmol/L. At 10 min after CPB, there were the following indices: IDO2 — 579.7 ± 112.3 ml/(min • m2), IVO2 — 30.91 ± 13.31 ml / (min • m2), O2ER — 5.35 ± 2.07 %, O2EI — 5.26 ± ± 2.08 %, BE = 0.82 ± 2.03 mmol/L. IDO2 increased due to the oxygenator gas exchange, and the decrease in IVO2, O2ЕR, O2EI can be explained by the patient’s cooling. At the warming stage, there were the indices: IDO2 — 598.8 ± 114.9 ml/(min • m2), IVO2 — 108.10 ± 33.11 ml/(min • m2), O2ER — 18.04 ± 4.14 %, O2EI — 17.95 ± 4.15 %, BE = –0.11 ± 8.88 mmol/L. IDO2 — 305.7 ± 60.9 ml / min • m2), IVO2 — 77.15 ± 24.29 ml/(min • m2), O2ЕR — 25.36 ± 6.5 %, O2EI — 25.34 ± 6.5 %, BE = –0.36 ± 2.20 mmol/L. After CPB, the rate of diuresis was 11.88 ± 5.31 ml/kg/h, the relative hydrobalance after CPB was 9.67 ± 8.12 ml/kg. Our proposed protocol for cardiopulmonary bypass includes the basic points: 1) treatment of the oxygenator contour with the adaptive composition; 2) in patients with an initially low level of phosphorus, administration of the drug of fructose-1,6-diphosphate by the scheme; 3) the use of a hyperosmolar priming volume of the oxygenator; 4) correction of electrolytes taking into account the stages of cardiac surgery. Conclusions. The proposed procedure for the treatment of the extracorporeal oxygenator circuit is simple and affordable, improves the biocompatibility of the oxygenator. The use of a hyperosmolar priming volume avoids the volume load and provides an adequate gas transport function of the blood. The application of FPD makes it possible to reduce hemolysis and protect erythrocytes, correct electrolytes by taking into account the stages of operations and the peculiarities of CPB., Актуальність. Сучасний підхід до зменшення негативного впливу штучного кровообігу (ШК) вимагає комплексного вирішення. Найбільш актуальними питаннями залишаються профілактика й усунення гіпоксії, склад первинного об’єму заповнення оксигенатора, стан еритроцитів і їх енергетичний потенціал, рівень гемолізу, патогенетичний підхід до корекції електролітів під час перфузії, а також біосумісність екстракорпорального контура. Мета: створити протокол проведення штучного кровообігу, який включав би можливість зниження негативного впливу синтетичних полімерів екстракорпорального контура; зменшення гідродинамічного навантаження на тканини; проведення більш фізіологічної корекції кислотно-лужного стану; усунення енергетичного дефіциту клітин; проведення корекції електролітного балансу під час штучного кровообігу з урахуванням етапів операції. Матеріали та методи. У дослідження увійшло 225 хворих, яким виконані кардіохірургічні операції з використанням штучного кровообігу. Пацієнти були розподілені на 3 групи. У першу групу ввійшли пацієнти (n = 75), у яких екстракорпоральний контур оброблявся адаптуючою композицією за спеціальною методикою. У результаті центрифугування крові пацієнта отримували сироватку, яку розводили в розчині 0,9% NaCl, і обробляли контур оксигенатора. До другої групи були включені пацієнти (n = 75), у яких у схемі проведення перфузії використовувався препарат фруктозо-1,6-дифосфат (ФДФ). Препарат вводили внутрішньовенно в дозі 10 г зі швидкістю 10 мл/хв у два етапи: 5 г ФДФ вводилися безпосередньо перед початком перфузії і 5 г — перед зігріванням пацієнта. Третя група була контрольною. Перфузія проводилась за допомогою мембранного оксигенатора в режимі непульсуючого кровотоку з первинним об’ємом заповнен-ня 1,3–1,6 л для досягнення помірної гемодилюції (Ht – 25 ± 2 г/л). Використовували гіперосмолярний первинний об’єм заповнення оксигенатора із загальною осмолярністю до 510,6 ммоль/л. Базисними розчинами були волютенз, реосорбілакт, маніт 15%, сода-буфер 4,2%. Досліджували гемограму (Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDWa, RDW%, гемоліз), кисневий транспорт: сатурацію артеріальної (SaO2) і венозної крові (SvO2), парціальний тиск кисню в артеріальній (PaO2) і венозній крові (PvO2), індекс доставки кисню (IDO2), індекс споживання кисню (IVO2), екстракцію кисню (O2ER) та індекс екстракції кисню (O2EI). Відповідно до мазків крові проводили вивчення морфологічних змін еритроцитів. Результати. Наші дослідження були спрямовані на те, щоб за їх результатом розробити й увести в практику оптимізований протокол проведення штучного кровообігу. У попередніх роботах було показано, що обробка контура оксигенатора адаптуючою композицією створює захисний шар з автоальбуміну на внутрішній поверхні екстракорпорального контура, а використання під час перфузії препарату з діючою речовиною фруктозо-1,6-дифосфат дозволяє скорегувати гіпофосфатемію, усунути енергетичний дефіцит клітини. У цих двох групах порівняно з контрольною після закінчення перфузії був менший рівень гемолізу, менша кількість ехіноцитів і сфероцитів. У трьох групах використовували гіперосмолярний первинний об’єм заповнення оксигенатора. До перфузії показники були такими: IDO2 — 332,0 ± ± 84,84 мл/(хв ∙ м2), IVO2 — 76,07 ± 28,34 мл/(хв ∙ м2), O2ЕR — 22,91 ± 6,33 %, O2EI — 22,47 ± 6,32 %, BE = –0,78 ± 2,13 ммоль/л. На 10-й хвилині ШК IDO2 — 579,7 ± 112,3 мл/(хв ∙ м2), IVO2 — 30,91 ± ± 13,31мл/(хв ∙ м2), O2ЕR — 5,35 ± 2,07 %, O2EI — 5,26 ± 2,08 %, BE = 0,82 ± 2,03 ммоль/л. IDO2 виріс за рахунок роботи оксигенатора, а зниження IVO2, O2ЕR, O2EI можна пояснити охолодженням хворого. На етапі зігрівання: IDO2 — 598,8 ± 114,9 мл/(хв ∙ м2), IVO2 — 108,1 ± 33,11 мл/(хв ∙ м2), O2ЕR — 18,04 ± ± 4,14 %, O2EI — 17,95 ± 4,15 %, BE = –0,11 ± 8,88 ммоль/л. Після ШК: IDO2 — 305,7 ± ± 60,90 мл/(хв ∙ м2), IVO2 — 77,15 ± 24,29 мл/(хв ∙ м2), O2ЕR — 25,36 ± 6,5 %, O2EI — 25,34 ± 6,5 %,BE = –0,36 ± 2,20 ммоль/л. Після перфузії темп діурезу становив 11,88 ± 5,31 мл/кг/год, відносний гідробаланс — 9,67 ± 8,12 мл/кг. Запропонований нами протокол проведення штучного кровообігу включає основні ланки: 1) обробка контура оксигенатора адаптуючою композицією; 2) введення за схемою препарату фруктозо-1,6-дифосфату пацієнтам з початковим низьким рівнем фосфору; 3) використання гіпер-осмолярного первинного об’єму заповнення оксигенатора; 4) корекція електролітів з урахуванням етапів кардіохірургічної операції. Висновки. Запропонована методика обробки екстракорпорального контура оксигенатора є простою і доступною, вона покращує біосумісність оксигенатора, застосування гіперосмолярного первинного об’єму заповнення оксигенатора дозволяє уникнути волемічного навантаження й забезпечує адекватну газотранспортну функцію крові, використання фруктозо-1,6-дифосфату сприяє зменшенню гемолізу й захисту еритроцитів, корекція електролітів з урахуванням етапів операцій враховує особливості штучного кровообігу.

Background Limited data exist on the management of complete vascular rings (CVR) in adults. We reviewed our institution's surgical experience in the management of these patients. Methods Between 2010 and 2019, all adult patients that underwent a thoracotomy for a CVR repair were identified. We performed a retrospective medical record review of these patients to characterize their demographics and outcomes. Results Among the 5 patients identified (3 females, 2 males; Mean age 50 ± 9 years), anatomic variants were right arch and Kommerell diverticulum (KD) in 3 (60%) and double aortic arch in 2 (40%) patients. Indications for operation included dysphagia in 4 (80%), respiratory symptoms in 3 (60%) and aneurysmal KD in 1 (20%) patient. Two right aortic arch exclusion, 1 ligamentum arteriosum (LA) division, 1 LA division combined with a KD resection and 2 aortic reconstructions with interposition Dacron graft under partial cardiopulmonary bypass, were performed. Two carotid-subclavian artery transpositions prior to the thoracotomy were done. The postoperative length of stay was 10.0 (IQR 7.3–14.8) days. One reoperation for chylothorax and 1 for symptoms recurrence were performed for the same patient. Over a follow-up period of 1.4 (IQR 0.4–7.0) years, no mortality or major postoperative complications occurred. At their last follow-up visit, all patients reported no related remaining symptoms, except for persisting mild asthma in 1 patient. Conclusions Open repair of CVR in adults can be performed safely with low complication rate. Symptoms improved in all patients after definitive repair.

The 4Ts and HIT-Expert Probability (HEP) scoring tools for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) have not been validated in cardiac surgery patients, and the reported sensitivity and specificity of the Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) scoring tool vary widely in the 2 available analyses. It remains unclear which of the available scoring tools most accurately predicts HIT in this population. Forty-nine HIT-positive patients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery within a 6-year period were loosely matched to 98 HIT-negative patients in a 1:2 case-control design. The 4Ts, HEP, and CPB scores were calculated for each patient. Sensitivity and specificity of each tool were calculated using standard cut-offs. The Youden method was utilized to determine optimal cut-offs within receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of each score, after which sensitivities and specificities were recalculated. Using standard cut-offs, the sensitivities for the CPB, HEP, and 4Ts scores were 100%, 93.9%, and 69.4%, respectively. Specificities were 51%, 49%, and 71.4%, respectively. The AUC of the scoring tool ROC curves were 0.961 for the CPB score, 0.773 for the HEP score, and 0.805 for the 4Ts score. Using the Youden method-derived optimal cut-off of ≥3 points on the CPB score, sensitivity remained 100% with improved specificity to 88.9%. The CPB score is the preferred HIT clinical scoring tool in adult cardiac surgery patients, whereas the 4Ts score performed less effectively. A cut-off of ≥ 3 points on the CPB score could increase specificity while preserving high sensitivity, which should be validated in a prospective evaluation.

Hemophilia is an X-linked, recessive bleeding disorder. Improvements in factor replacement therapy and overall approach to hemophilia management have increased the lifespan and quality of life for patients with hemophilia. Thus, they are presenting for cardiac surgery related to age-related atherosclerosis, vascular disorders, and degenerative valvular disease. Although challenging, cardiac surgery can be performed safely with appropriate planning, using a multidisciplinary approach. This article provides a narrative review and framework for the perioperative management of patients with hemophilia A and B undergoing cardiac surgery.

Copeptin is a cleavage product of vasopressin. This study aimed to figure out if copeptin would be a suitable biomarker in patients with congenital heart disease in the postoperative course.The primary outcome endpoint of this study was the change in copeptin concentration perioperatively in patients with congenital heart disease after surgery, with the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass. Three blood samples were taken from 81 patients up to 6 years of age in order to evaluate changes in copeptin concentration.Significant increase of copeptin concentration was shown between the first and second blood draws as well as between the first and third blood draws (Ps.001). Additionally, positive and significant correlations (r ≥ .27) between the cardiopulmonary bypass times, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery mortality category, the inotropic score, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay at the intensive care unit (ICU), the length of stay at the hospital, and the preoperative as well as the ICU copeptin levels were found.Copeptin showed a tendency to predict the clinical outcome of patients after congenital heart surgery. Patients with higher copeptin levels underwent more complex procedures, had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, required more catecholamine support, needed longer time of invasive ventilation, and had longer overall stay and ICU stay.

Objectives To assess the ability of the biomarkers neuron-specific enolase (NSE), tau, neurofilament light chain (NFL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to predict postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) at discharge in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Design Post hoc analyses (with tests being prespecified before data analyses) from a randomized clinical trial. Setting Single-center study from a primary heart center in Denmark. Participants Adult patients undergoing elective or subacute on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement. Interventions Blood was collected before induction of anesthesia, after 24 hours, after 48 hours, and at discharge from the surgical ward. The International Study of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction test battery was applied to diagnose POCD at discharge and after three months. Linear mixed models of covariance were used to assess whether repeated measurements of biomarker levels were associated with POCD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to assess the predictive value of each biomarker measurement for POCD. Measurements and Main Results A total of 168 patients had biomarkers measured at baseline, and 47 (28%) fulfilled the POCD criteria at discharge. Patients with POCD at discharge had significantly higher levels of tau (p = 0.02) and GFAP (p = 0.01) from baseline to discharge. The biomarker measurements achieving the highest area under the ROC curve for prediction of POCD at discharge were NFL measured at discharge (AUC, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.73), GFAP measured 48 hours after induction (AUC, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.55-0.73), and GFAP measured at discharge (AUC, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54-0.74), corresponding to a moderate predictive ability. Conclusions Postoperative serum levels of tau and GFAP were significantly elevated in cardiac surgery patients with POCD at discharge, however, the biomarkers achieved only modest predictive abilities for POCD at discharge. Postoperative levels of NSE were not associated with POCD at discharge.

Arterial conduits, especially internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), are rarely affected by intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis, major contributors to early and late vein graft failure. Improved survival and freedom from reintervention with multi-arterial grafting (MAG) are reported in large observational studies, particularly when more than one anatomically important coronary territory is supplied. Several grafting configurations are possible depending on conduit and target characteristics, with the left ITA to the left anterior descending (LITA-LAD) typically being the cornerstone around which the rest of the conduits are constructed. The right ITA (RITA) or radial artery (RA) is used to bypass the second most important target after the LAD. The fundamentals of MAG depend on thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative flow assessment. Pitfalls to avoid include tension in short conduits or kinks in longer ones, poor ITA inflow, competitive native and graft flow, flow imbalance between segments of a composite graft, and sequentially grafting deep intramyocardial targets. Versatility and flexibility are critical in mitigating difficulties or potential complications in MAG. Refinements in complex bilateral ITA (BITA) and RA grafting require a deliberate iterative process that ideally incorporates dedicated training and mentorship by experienced MAG surgeons.

Thrombus formation is a feared complication following bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS). We aimed to investigate the effect of thrombus formation on outcome. BCPS was performed in 525 patients at our center between 1998 and 2018. The impacts of thrombus formation on survival and probability of Fontan completion were analyzed, and risk factors for thrombus formation were examined. Thrombus formation occurred in 30 patients (5.7%). Compared with the remaining 495 patients, there was no significant difference in the median age at BCPS (4.9 vs 4.7 months; P = 0.587). However, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defects (17 vs 5%; P = 0.008) and preoperative ventricular dysfunction (23.3 vs 8%; P = 0.004) were more frequent in patients who developed a thrombus. Thrombolytic therapy was performed in all patients and surgical thrombus removal was required in 13 patients. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with thrombus (30.0 vs 2.2%; P0.001). Of 505 hospital survivors, an estimated survival at 1 year after hospital discharge following BCPS was 84.4% (95% CI, 76.1-92.7%) in patients with thrombus and 96.8% (95% CI, 96.0-97.6%) in those without (P0.001). Cumulative incidence of Fontan completion at 3 years after BCPS was 52.8% (95% CI, 30.3-75.2%) in patients with thrombus and 90.1% (95% CI, 87.2-92.9%) in those without (P = 0.004). Higher left atrial pressure (OR = 1.165; P = 0.029) and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.013, P = 0.001) at BCPS were independent risk factors for thrombus formation after BCPS. Thrombus formation after BCPS poses a significant risk for survival and Fontan completion. Preoperative higher left atrial pressure and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time are significant risk factors.