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Cardiac comorbidities place a significant burden on the German population. Every third adult is diagnosed with arterial hypertension (AHT). In 2017 congestive heart failure (CHF) pertained approximately 2,5 million of mandatory health-insured patients. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is diagnosed in 28,3% of men and 19,1% of women older than 65 years.For optimal perioperative care it is important to have a sound knowledge of current treatment strategies of cardiac comorbidities. This helps in gaining an optimal risk stratification of the individual patient. It also ensures an optimal anesthesiological perioperative care for the patient at hand. Recommendations for the perioperative discontinuation or continuation of cardiac active drugs vary between countries and responsible medical societies.This article provides an in-depth review of the current medical therapies for cardiac conditions like AHT, CHF or CAD. The varying recommendations for the perioperative discontinuation/continuation of these therapies are also reviewed.

Levosimendan steigert die myokardiale Kontraktilitat ohne relevante Erhohung des myozytaren Sauerstoffverbrauchs und besitzt kardioprotektive Eigenschaften. Es gibt Hinweise, dass diese Effekte auch durch geringere Dosierungen als durch die Standarddosis von 12,5 mg erreicht werden. Daher wurde herzchirurgischen Patienten mit einer praoperativen linksventrikularen Ejektionsfraktion (LVEF) ≤40 % nach Narkoseinduktion 1,25 mg Levosimendan zur pharmakologischen Prakonditionierung verabreicht. Eine individuelle weiterfuhrende Therapie mit Repetitionsdosen von Levosimendan erfolgte postoperativ auf der Intensivstation. In der vorliegenden Auswertung sollte untersucht werden, ob die Prakonditionierung mit 1,25 mg Levosimendan postoperativ den Bedarf an weiteren Inotropika, die Inzidenz von neu auftretendem Vorhofflimmern, mechanischer Kreislaufunterstutzung oder Nierenersatzverfahren, die Aufenthaltsdauer auf der Intensivstation sowie die 30-Tage-Letalitat beeinflusste. Weiterhin sollte erfasst werden, welche kumulative Levosimendandosis durch das Konzept der individualisierten Dosierung benotigt wurde. Diese retrospektive Untersuchung umfasst Patienten mit einer LVEF ≤40 %, die sich an unserer Einrichtung im Zeitraum vom Januar 2015 bis Dezember 2018 einem herzchirurgischen Eingriff unterzogen und zur Prophylaxe eines postoperativen myokardialen Pumpversagens nach Narkoseeinleitung 1,25 mg Levosimendan erhalten hatten. Basierend auf Echokardiographiebefunden, erweitertem hamodynamischem Monitoring sowie zentral- bzw. gemischt-venoser Sauerstoffsattigung und Lactat-Clearance konnten postoperativ weitere Gaben von Levosimendan verabreicht werden, bis die fur den jeweiligen Patienten benotigte Dosis zur kardiovaskularen Stabilisierung erreicht wurde. Die Ergebnisse wurden der aktuellen Literatur gegenubergestellt. Wir konnten 183 Patienten mit einer LVEF ≤40 % identifizieren, die eine pharmakologische Prakonditionierung mit 1,25 mg Levosimendan erhalten hatten. Postoperativ lagen die Maximaldosis von Adrenalin, die Inzidenz von Vorhofflimmern, die Notwendigkeit von Nierenersatzverfahren sowie die 30-Tage-Letalitat unter den publizierten Werten entsprechender Vergleichskollektive. Bei 73,2 % der Patienten war eine kumulative Levosimendandosis von 5 mg oder weniger als ausreichend erachtet worden. Das hier vorgestellte Konzept der pharmakologischen Prakonditionierung mit 1,25 mg Levosimendan, gefolgt von individualisierter Repetitionsdosierung, weist darauf hin, dass bei herzchirurgischen Patienten mit praoperativer LVEF ≤40 % die Verabreichung von Levosimendan im Vergleich zu aktueller Literatur mit moglichen Vorteilen bezuglich des postoperativen Inotropikabedarfs, des Auftretens von Vorhofflimmern, des Bedarfs an Nierenersatzverfahren und der 30-Tage-Letalitat einhergehen kann. Diese individualisierte Gabe von Levosimendan zur Unterstutzung der Hamodynamik und zur zugigen Dekatecholaminisierung sollte in randomisierten Studien uberpruft werden.

The Canadian Critical Care Society performed a meta- analysis to assess the benefits and risks of the application of vasopressin and vasopressin- analogues in distributive shock. Their results were formulated as a Guideline in 2019. In the meta- analysis mainly included were studies with patients suffering from sepsis causing the distributive shock. The recommendations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2016 concerning catecholamine therapy clearly prefer norepinephrin as the first- choice vasopressor, the use of vasopressin as an additionally administered drug is rated more tentative. Also the Canadian guideline now, implicating recently published studies, argues for the use of vasopressin or vasopressin- analogues in addition to an existing norepinephrine therapy, even though the level of evidence remains still low and there's no simple therapeutic algorithm formulated. This is based on a lowered incidence of newly- diagnosed atrial fibrillation and decreased mortality rate while administration remains safe.

Background Cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery is associated with metabolic changes after operation and results inter alia in increased levels of lactate and bilirubin. Since prediction of the course after operation has become very important for the management of an ICU and the patients themselves, we evaluated easily assessable markers (lactate and bilirubin), regarding their potential to predict mortality 90 days after surgery and the length of stay in ICU. Methods All patients within a period of five years undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled in the study. Among others peak levels of lactate and bilirubin within 48 hours after operation were recorded. A Cox proportional hazard model as well as a logistic regression model were used to predict mortality or rather length of stay in ICU. Results Increased levels of bilirubin and lactate were associated with a significantly increase in mortality and length of stay in ICU (in a concentration-related manner). Interestingly, creatinine serum levels before operation showed a similar performance. Conclusions Three easily assessable and cheap laboratory parameters (bilirubin, lactate, and creatinine) are useful to predict 90-day mortality and length of stay in ICU. These findings might be helpful to give patients a reliable prediction about short and mid-term-survival and to improve the management of an ICU.

Hemodynamic conditions with reduced systemic vascular resistance commonly are observed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and may range from moderate reductions in vascular tone, as a side effect of general anesthetics, to a profound vasodilatory syndrome, often referred to as vasoplegic shock. Therapy with vasopressors is an important pillar in the treatment of these conditions. There is limited guidance on the appropriate choice of vasopressors to restore and optimize systemic vascular tone in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A panel of experts in the field convened to develop statements and evidence-based recommendations on clinically relevant questions on the use of vasopressors in cardiac surgical patients, using a critical appraisal of the literature following the GRADE system and a modified Delphi process. The authors unanimously and strongly recommend the use of norepinephrine and/or vasopressin for restoration and maintenance of systemic perfusion pressure in cardiac surgical patients; despite that, the authors cannot recommend either of these drugs with respect to the risk of ischemic complications. The authors unanimously and strongly recommend against using dopamine for treating post-cardiac surgery vasoplegic shock and against using methylene blue for purposes other than a rescue therapy. The authors unanimously and weakly recommend that clinicians consider early addition of a second vasopressor (norepinephrine or vasopressin) if adequate vascular tone cannot be restored by a monotherapy with either norepinephrine or vasopressin and to consider using vasopressin as a first-line vasopressor or to add vasopressin to norepinephrine in cardiac surgical patients with pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart dysfunction.

Purpose To evaluate the role of plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green (PDR-ICG) as an outcome prediction tool in cardiac surgery. Patients and Methods One hundred ninety patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery or combined procedures were enrolled. PDR-ICG measurements along with standard lab values were performed preoperative and on postoperative days 1, 2, and on discharge from the intensive care unit. Adverse outcomes were defined as prolonged length of stay in the intensive care unit and/or mortality. Two groups were defined according to length of stay in the intensive care unit (≤ 3 days vs > 3 days). Results PDR-ICG values differed significantly for all time points between the groups. In a multivariate model, in patients over 65 years with a EuroSCORE below 8.5, a preoperative PDR-ICG value below 12.85%/min was the strongest independent predictor for prolonged intensive care unit stay (> 3 days). A preoperative PDR-ICG value below 8.2%/min was the strongest independent predictor for mortality in a multivariate analysis including age, cardiac function, and EuroSCORE. Conclusions In addition to the established scores, PDR-ICG may provide valuable information for the assessment of perioperative morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. Pre- and early postoperative measurements may help to identify patients at risk for developing perioperative complications.

Background Thromboembolism is a major complication in patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs). Drug anticoagulation and the use of biocompatible surfaces, such as coating with heparin, aim to reduce thromboembolism in these patients. Administration of heparin can lead to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II, mainly through heparin/platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies. We assessed the presence of PF4 antibodies in VAD thrombi of patients with heparin-coated VADs and HIT II. Methods Thrombi (n = 6) were obtained from the replaced Excor ventricles of patients with HIT II after biventricular VAD implantation (Excor Adult; Berlin Heart, Germany). Excor ventricles were changed after clinical examination and suspicion of thrombi in the polyurethane valves. Expression of PF4- antibodies was assessed with the use of a polyclonal rabbit antibody (anti-PF4 antibody; Abcam, USA). Expression was assessed by 2 independent observers. Results Biopsies of all thrombi showed an extreme positive immunoreaction for PF4. No differences between the different thrombi and localization (left/right Excor ventricle) were observed. The thrombi were organized, without lamination of fibrin and cellular layers. Conclusions Platelet surface expression of PF4 in the thrombi reflects HIT antigen presentation. The physical relationship between the PF4-positive thrombi and the heparin-coated surface suggests that onset of HIT II could be influenced by the immobilized heparin coating.

Plasma clearance of indocyanine green has recently been established as a tool to monitor hepatic function and perfusion non-invasively. Reduced indocyanine green clearance has been associated with adverse outcome in cardiac surgery patients, and cardiopulmonary bypass has been hypothesized to be one important triggering factor. We performed a prospective observational study comparing the influence of off-pump and on-pump coronary surgery on perioperative indocyanine green clearance. Twenty-five consecutive adult patients without known pre-existing hepatic diseases scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were evaluated for hepatic dysfunction pre- and postoperatively with serial measurements of indocyanine green plasma clearance, specific laboratory values and liver function scores. Twenty-five matched patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in the same period served as controls. Parameters of postoperative hepatic function, including measurements of indocyanine green plasma clearance and specific laboratory values and scores, did not differ significantly between patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation. In patients without pre-existing hepatic diseases, a significant influence of cardiopulmonary bypass on perioperative indocyanine green plasma clearance as well as on liver specific laboratory parameters and scores cannot be proven.

Peri-operative acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy is common (5-30%) after cardiac surgery and associated with a mortality of approximately 50%. Pre-operative renal impairment seems to be the most important risk factor for frank postoperative renal failure. To help evaluate the risk factors, we conducted a prospective observational trial of 1574 consecutive patients with normal pre-operative renal function (creatinine110 micromol.l(-1)). Renal failure was defined as the need for renal replacement therapy. After univariate analysis of previously described risk factors, those who differed significantly between patients with or without renal failure were enrolled into a multivariate classification and regression tree (CART) statistical model that identifies the most 'predictive' risk factors and creates a ranked list of these. In patients with pre-operatively normal renal function, a serum level of lactate1.1 mmol.l(-1) in the first 24 h after the operation was the strongest predictor for the development of renal failure.

We examined whether guiding therapy by an algorithm based on optimizing the global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) reduces the need for vasopressor and inotropic support and helps to shorten ICU stay in cardiac surgery patients. Single-center clinical study with a historical control group at an university hospital. Forty cardiac bypass surgery patients were included prospectively and compared with a control group. In the goal-directed therapy (GDT) group hemodynamic management was guided by an algorithm based on GEDVI. Hemodynamic goals were: GEDVI above 640 ml/m2, cardiac index above 2.5 l/min/m2, and mean arterial pressure above 70 mmHg. The control group was treated at the discretion of the attending physician based on central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, and clinical evaluation. In the GDT group duration of catecholamine and vasopressor dependence was shorter (187 ± 70 vs. 1458 ± 197 min), and fewer vasopressors (0.73 ± 0.32 vs. 6.67 ± 1.21 mg) and catecholamines (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. 0.83 ± 0.27 mg) were administered. They received more colloids (6918 ± 242 vs. 5514 ± 171 ml). Duration of mechanical ventilation (12.6 ± 3.6 vs. 15.4 ± 4.3 h) and time until achieving status of fit for ICU discharge (25 ± 13 vs. 33 ± 17 h) was shorter in the GDT group. Guiding therapy by an algorithm based on GEDVI leads to a shortened and reduced need for vasopressors, catecholamines, mechanical ventilation, and ICU therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The efficacy of the Trendelenburg position, a common first step to treat suspected hypovolaemia, remains controversial. We evaluated its haemodynamic effects on cardiac preload and performance in patients after cardiac surgery.Twelve patients undergoing mechanical ventilation of the lungs who demonstrated left ventricular 'kissing papillary muscles' by transoesophageal echocardiography, thus suggesting hypovolaemia, were positioned 30 degrees head down for 15 min immediately after cardiac surgery. Cardiac output by thermodilution, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic area by transoesophageal echocardiography and intrathoracic blood volume by thermo- and dye dilution were determined before, during and after this Trendelenburg manoeuvre.Trendelenburg's manoeuvre was associated with increases in central venous pressure (9 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 3 mmHg) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (8 +/- 2 to 11 +/- 3 mmHg). The intrathoracic blood volume index increased slightly (dye dilution from 836 +/- 129 to 872 +/- 112 mL m(-2); thermodilution from 823 +/- 129 to 850 +/- 131 mL m(-2)) as did the left ventricular end-diastolic area index (7.5 +/- 2.1 to 8.1 +/- 1.7 cm2 m(-2)), whereas mean arterial pressure and the cardiac index did not change significantly. After supine repositioning, the cardiac index decreased significantly below baseline (3.0 +/- 0.6 versus 3.5 +/- 0.8 L min(-1) m(-2)) as did mean arterial pressure (76 +/- 12 versus 85 +/- 11 mmHg), central venous pressure (8 +/- 2 mmHg) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (6 +/- 4 mmHg). The intrathoracic blood volume index and left ventricular end-diastolic area index did not differ significantly from baseline.Trendelenburg's manoeuvre caused only a slight increase of preload volume, despite marked increases in cardiac-filling pressures, without significantly improving cardiac performance.

Mid-line thoracotomy is a standard approach for cardiac surgery. However, little is known how this surgical approach affects the interaction between the circulation and mechanical ventilation. We studied how mid-line thoracotomy affects cardiac filling volumes and cardiovascular haemodynamics, particularly variations in stroke volume and pulse pressure caused by mechanical ventilation.We studied 19 patients during elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Before and after mid-line thoracotomy, we measured arterial pressure, cardiac index (CI) and global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) by thermodilution, left ventricular end-diastolic area index (LVEDAI) by transoesophageal echocardiography and the variations in left ventricular stroke volume and pulse pressure during ventilation by arterial pulse contour analysis.After thoracotomy, CI increased from 2.3 (0.4) to 2.9 (0.6) litre min(-1) m(-2), GEDVI increased from 605 (110) to 640 (94) litre min(-1) m(-2), and LVEDAI increased from 9.2 (3.7) to 11.2 (4.1) cm(2) m(-2). All these changes were significant. In contrast, stroke volume variation (SVV) decreased from 10 (3) to 6 (2)% and pulse pressure variation (PPV) decreased from 11 (3) to 5 (3)%. Before thoracotomy, SVV and PPV significantly correlated with GEDVI (both P0.01). When the chest was open, similar significant correlations of SVV (P0.001) and PPV (P0.01) were found with GEDVI.Thoracotomy increases cardiac filling and preload. Further, thoracotomy reduces the effect of mechanical ventilation on left ventricular stroke volume. However, also under open chest conditions, SVV and PPV are preload-dependent.

Real-time measurement of stroke volume variation by arterial pulse contour analysis (SVV) is useful in predicting volume responsiveness and monitoring volume therapy in mechanically ventilated patients. This study investigated the influence of the depth of tidal volume (V(t)) on SVV both during the state of fluid responsiveness and after fluid loading in mechanically ventilated patients.Prospective study in a university hospital, adult cardiac surgery intensive care unit.20 hemodynamically stable patients immediately after cardiac surgery.Stepwise fluid loading using colloids until stroke volume index (SVI) did not increase by more than 10%. Before and after fluid loading V(t) was varied (5, 10, and 15 ml/kg body weight) in random order.Pulse contour SVV was measured before and after volume loading at the respective V(t) values. Thirteen patients responded to fluid loading with an increase in SVI greater than 10%, which confirmed volume responsiveness at baseline measurements. These were included in further analysis. During volume responsiveness SVV at V(t) of 5 ml/kg (7+/-0.7%) and SVV at V(t) of 15 ml/kg (21+/-2.5%) differed significantly from that at V(t) of 10 ml/kg (15+/-2.1%). SVV was correlated significantly with the magnitude of V(t). After volume resuscitation SVV at the respective V(t) was significantly reduced; further, SVV at V(t) of 5 ml/kg(-1) (5.3+/-0.6%) and 15 ml/kg (16.2+/-2.0%) differed significantly from that at V(t) of 10 ml/kg (10.2+/-1.0%). SVV and depth of V(t) were significantly related.In addition to intravascular volume status SVV is affected by the depth of tidal volume under mechanical ventilation. This influence must be regarded when using SVV for functional preload monitoring.

BACKGROUND The present study compared redo coronary artery bypass grafting (Re-OPCAB) techniques with conventional redo coronary artery bypass grafting (Re-CABG) with particular focus on myocardial damage and clinical outcome parameters. METHODS Redo OPCAB (Re-OPCAB) was performed on 20 consecutive patients (15 males, mean age 63.2 +/- 9.3 years) using either the anterolateral approach for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (n = 4) or the Octopus technique with regular sternotomy (n = 16). The Re-CABG group consisted of 20 consecutive patients (18 males, mean age 67.1 +/- 6.6 years). Groups did not differ in the number of atherosclerotic risk factors, or left ventricular, renal or liver function. RESULTS Duration of surgery, number of bypass grafts and amount of transfused red blood cells did not differ significantly between both groups. Requirement of epinephrine (mg/h) within the first 24 h was lower in the Re-OPCAB group (Re-OPCAB: 0.14 +/- 0.22 vs. CABG: 0.88 +/- 0.97; p

Background . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the course of serum markers of myocardial tissue damage after two different types of minimally invasive coronary surgical procedures (MICS) as compared with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods . We enrolled 87 patients with one- or two- vessel disease scheduled for one of the three procedures: minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCABG) by lateral thoracotomy (n = 29), the OCTOPUS method by median sternotomy (n = 27), and CABG (n = 31). Creatine kinase activity (CK), creatine kinase MB activity (CK-MB act), creatine kinase MB mass concentration (CK-MB mass), myoglobin concentration (MG), and cardiac troponin I concentration (cTnI) were measured perioperatively until the second postoperative day. Results . Creatine kinase-MB, CK-MB mass, and cTnI were significantly higher after CABG and were nearly maintained within the normal range in MICS. Creatine kinase and MG were significantly lower in the OCTOPUS group than in the MIDCABG or CABG groups. Conclusions . Minimally invasive coronary surgical procedures cause less myocardial injury than CABG as indicated by specific serum markers. However, higher CK and MG reflect more substantial skeletal muscle trauma during MIDCABG operation compared with Octopus procedures.

Objectives: Health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction have become important end points in cardiac surgery. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been described in patients with life-threatening heart disease. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder in a sample of patients after cardiac surgery and compared health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction between patients with and without evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods: We studied 80 patients serially admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery (bypass grafting, n = 51; aortic valve replacement, n = 29). Health-related quality of life was assessed with the use of the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire. Post-traumatic stress disorder was measured with a previously validated instrument (the Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome 10-Questions Inventory), and 20 different aspects of life satisfaction were quantified on a scale ranging from 0 to 10. For measurements of health-related quality of life and post-traumatic stress disorder, age- and gender-comparable healthy individuals, as well as patients with cardiovascular diseases, served as control groups. Results: Patients who had cardiac surgery described high life satisfaction summary scores (156 of a maximum of 200 points) and only small impairments in physical and mental SF-36 summary scores when compared with healthy control groups (median reduction 7.15, P

Objectives: To shorten hospital stay after cardiac surgery, several risk factors have been defined to identify patients who can be discharged early. These risk factors are dependant on the patient; no studies exist on the influence of the treating physician himself on postoperative patient stay. Methods: In a university affiliated cardiac surgical clinic we investigated patients who were postoperatively treated either on medical wards with no cardiac surgeon’s presence or on a cardiac surgical ward; at both types of wards physicians had several years experience with cardiac surgical patients. Taking several risk factors for postoperative morbidity into account, postoperative length of stay and incidence of wound healing complications have been compared. Results: Within a 3-month period, 84 patients were treated at the cardiac surgical ward, 102 patients at the medical wards. Risk factors for postoperative morbidity were present in 87% of patients, statistically independent of postoperative wards. Although demographic data and median ICU-stay of both patient groups was comparable, the median post-ICU stay was 9 days at the surgical and 13 days at the medical wards (P , 0:0001). Incidence of wound healing complication was higher (19.6%) at the medical wards than at the surgical ward (10.7%), without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: As patients at the respective wards were statistically not different, the difference in post-ICU stay, infection and costs must depend on the treating physicians. As a consequence, postoperative care for cardiac surgical patients in all cases should include direct cardiac surgical participation. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

To evaluate the accuracy of a new continuous cardiac output monitor in critically ill patients.Criterion standard study.Cardiac surgery intensive care unit in a university hospital.Twenty cardiac surgical patients requiring intensive care treatment with pulmonary artery catheters after surgery.None.Cardiac output was monitored continuously with a modified pulmonary artery catheter that has a heating filament on the outside of the catheter. Four modes of data processing with different response times ("Normal," "Fast," "FastFilter," and "Urgent" modes) used by the monitoring system. A total of 240 determinations of cardiac output were performed using conventional bolus thermodilution technique; these results were compared with those obtained using three of the four continuous measuring modes available ("Normal," "FastFilter," and "Urgent"). Cardiac output ranged from 3.47 to 15.77 L/min (bolus thermodilution). The mean (bias) +/- SD of differences (precision) for all measurements was 0.40+/-1.26 L/min in the Normal mode (cardiac output10 L/min: 0.34+/-0.66 L/min), 0.53+/-1.27 L/min in the FastFilter-mode (cardiac output10 L/min: 0.60+/-0.75 L/min), and 0.63+/-1.34 L/min in the Urgent mode (cardiac output10 L/min: 0.57+/-0.82 L/min).Continuous cardiac output measurement using the thermodilution technique is reasonably accurate, reliable, and applicable in routine clinical practice. The values obtained using the Normal mode of the monitor agreed significantly better with the conventional thermodilution method than the results of the two other modes studied (FastFilter and Urgent). In addition, measurements in two patients with cardiac output values of10 L/min did not agree with the results of the bolus thermodilution method.

Echocardiography is a noninvasive method for cardiac evaluation. A review of the current literature shows that the routine use of echocardiography for assessing perioperative cardiac risk in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery can not be supported. Only patients with suspected relevant heart valve diseases, acute heart failure, cardiomyopathy or condition after heart or heart-lung transplantation may benefit from preoperative echocardiography. In patients with suspected or proven coronary artery disease stress echocardiography offers the most relevant additional information for the anaesthesiologist. However, because of the high financial and personal implications it should be reserved to those patients who are not able to perform a normal stress test. Besides in patients in whom transthoracic echocardiography doesn't offer sufficient information or is not possible transesophageal echocardiography plays only a minor role in preoperative cardiac evaluation.

Fragestellung: Die transpulmonale Indikatordilutionstechnik (TPID) erlaubt die Bestimmung des Herzzeitvolumens ohne Pulmonalarterienkatheter. Wir untersuchten die Ubereinstimmung der TPID mit der etablierten pulmonalarteriellen Thermodilutionsmessung (PAID). Methodik: Bei 18 Patienten mit akuter respiratorischer Insuffizienz wurden simultan pulmonalarterielle und transpulmonale Herzzeitvolumenmessungen durchgefuhrt (160 Meswertpaare). Auserdem wurde mittels Doppelindikatortechnik (Kalte und Indozyaningrun) das extravaskulare Lungenwasser (EVLW) bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Die mittlere Differenz (±Standardabweichung) zwischen TPID und PAID lag bei 0,03 l/min (±1,04 l/min), die Regressionsanalyse ergab TPID=0,87 PAID+1,16 (r=0,91). Das EVLW war im Mittel mit 1625 ml (Min–Max: 403–3266 ml) in unserem Patientenkollektiv entsprechend der Grundkrankheit deutlich erhoht. Die mittlere Differenz der beiden gemessenen Herzzeitvolumina (PAID-TPID) zeigte keine Abhangigkeit vom EVLW des Patienten. Schlusfolgerungen: Die gute Ubereinstimmung der TPID mit der etablierten pulmonalarteriellen Thermodilutionstechnik uber einen grosen Herzzeitvolumenbereich deutet darauf hin, das ein alternativer Einsatz beider Methoden moglich erscheint. Daruber hinaus konnte erstmals an Patienten gezeigt werden, das die TPID unabhangig vom EVLW des Patienten eine valide Herzzeitvolumenmessung ermoglicht.

Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) often induces a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The concept of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) eliminates cardiopulmonary bypass. We evaluated the perioperative time course of procalcitonin (PCT) to compare the inflammatory response due to these two different surgical procedures. 57 patients were studied: CABG with CPB (n = 30), MIDCAB without CPB (n = 27). The following data were measured preoperatively, after induction of anesthesia, after separation from CPB in the CABG group or after left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-to-left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis in MIDCAB group, and every 3 hours for the first 42 hours in the ICU: PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), body temperature, hemodynamic parameters, and the need for catecholamines. Leucocyte counts were measured daily. For statistical analyses the Friedmann, Wilcoxon, or Mann-Whitney U tests were used. PCT in the CABG group rose to a maximum of 2.0 ng/ml (median) at 15 hrs postoperatively. In the MIDCAB group maximal PCT concentration was 0.7ng/ml (median) (p < 0.05). CRP was elevated to 17.1 mg/dl in the CABG and 18.5mg/dl in the MIDCAB group (n.s.). The leucocyte counts were increased on day 2 in the CABG group (p < 0.05). In the CABG group about 25% of the patients needed noradrenaline, but in the MIDCAB group none (p < 0.05). Body temperature did not differ between both groups. The increase in PCT concentration was more pronounced after CABG, indicating a reduced inflammatory response after MIDCAB. CRP was increased after both procedures. PCT reflects the inflammatory response after cardiac bypass surgery with or without CPB.

The risk factors for systemic fungal infections were analysed retrospectively in 186 orthotopic liver transplant procedures performed in 152 patients between June 1985 and January 1993. The total incidence of systemic fungal infections was 16.5% (25/152). The incidence of disseminated candidiasis, aspergillosis, and combined candidiasis and aspergillosis was 6.5% (n = 10), 7.2% (n = 11) and 2.6% (n = 4), respectively. Mortality associated with systemic fungal infections was 80% (20 of 25 patients). There were ten cases of disseminated candidiasis, with 4 patients surviving, and 11 cases of invasive aspergillosis, with 1 patient surviving. All patients with combined systemic fungal infection died. To identify perioperative risk factors, 39 variables were used to compare patients with systemic fungal infections versus those without fungal infections. Fourteen variables were significantly associated with systemic fungal infections by univariate analysis. A consecutive logistic regression analysis revealed that the amount of fresh frozen plasma transfused due to poor initial function of the allograft and acute renal failure requiring hemofiltration were independently significant risk factors for systemic fungal infections. There was no statistical correlation between systemic fungal infections and the underlying liver disease, previous long-term corticosteroids and the postoperative immunosuppressive therapy. Risk factors identified in this study should be considered in the postoperative care of the individual liver transplant recipient. In our study a poor initial function of the hepatic allograft substantially increased the risk of systemic fungal infection.

Cardiac surgery, especially if it involves cardiopulmonary bypass, is associated with a severe systemic inflammatory response. It is characterized by complement activation and initiation of coagulation, fibrinolysis and kallikrein cascades. Consecutive activation of immunoregulatory cells results in an extensive release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This inflammatory storm is related to organ dysfunction or failure and correlates with postoperative morbidity. In order to attenuate this deleterious inflammatory response in the perioperative period alternative surgical techniques, novel extracorporeal circulation devices and immunomodulatory pharmacological strategies are in focus of contemporary research. Since decades corticosteroids have been used and studied in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Although it could be shown that glucocorticoids seem to change the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in a favourable manner, it still remains controversial if this effect translates into a better clinical outcome. Several clinical trials have proclaimed an association between this inflammatory response and the incidence of major complications i.e, myocardial infarction and pulmonary complications, but until now they have failed to show conclusive results. This article describes the different types and recommended dose schemes of corticosteroids in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery along with the discussion of few patents. It will comment on potential side effects and review the effect on the postoperative outcome.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of protocol-driven noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) after cardiac surgery.Methods: From 2001 to 2004, a total of 2428 cardiac surgery patients admitted to our intensive care unit were observed. After exclusion of patients who received tracheostomy or were discharged while still on mechanical ventilation, 2261 patients with spontaneous breathing were further evaluated for ARF. Patients diagnosed with ARF were treated with intermittent noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) if possible. Risk factors for the development of postoperative ARF as well as outcomes in patients with and without ARF were analyzed.Results: In 2261 spontaneously breathing postoperative cardiac surgical patients after primarily successful extubation, 799 patients (35%) were diagnosed with ARF. Fifty-six patients (7%) did not tolerate NIV treatment. In 743 patients (33%) intermittent NIV was performed. In patients with ARF, ejection fraction was lower, combined cardiac surgical procedures were more frequent, postoperative mechanical ventilation time was longer, and the severity of illness score (SAPS II) was higher (P < .05). The duration of catecholamine support was longer, and the transfusion rate was higher in the NIV group (P < .05); however, mortality did not differ between patients with ARF treated by NIV and patients without ARF.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of NIV in patients after cardiac surgery. These results might suggest that NIV should be considered as first-line ventilatory support in ARF after cardiac surgery. A large randomized trial is warranted to confirm these findings.

We report a 56-year-old male patient developing hypoxemia after surgical replacement of infected valves of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD, Novacor) which had supported him during the previous 15 months. Contrast transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed an atrial septal defect with intermittent right-to-left shunt across a patent foramen ovale. We postulate that the shunt detected in this patient occurred as a consequence of reduced pulmonary vascular compliance due to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and an increase of mean intrathoracic pressure. Furthermore, we hypothesize that synchronized LVAD operation exacerbates any potential right-to-left shunt due to the profound left ventricular unloading which occurs during LVAD support. In this first report of a right-to-left shunt from a previously unrecognized patent foramen ovale in a Novacor patient, the subsequent transient hypoxemia could be managed by avoiding PEEP of more than 3 mmHg, and mean airway pressure of more than 11 mmHg and by careful volume replacement in order to prevent the pump from completely emptying the left ventricle (LV) and the left atrium (LA). Thus, prior to every LVAD implantation a transesophageal contrast echocardiography with Valsalva maneuver should be performed to identify intracardiac right-to-left shunt.

Severe systemic inflammation (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) associated with cardiac surgery often leads to a worse short-term and long-term outcome. Stress doses of hydrocortisone have been successfully used to improve outcome of CS. The interleukin (IL)-6 to IL-10 ratio is associated with outcome after trauma and major surgery.To evaluate immunologic effects (especially IL-6 to IL-10 ratio) of stress doses of hydrocortisone in a high-risk group of patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.Cardiovascular intensive care unit of a university hospital.High-risk patients (n = 36) undergoing CS.Stress doses of hydrocortisone or placebo.IL-6 to IL-10 ratio and other markers of systemic inflammation at predefined time points; short-term clinical outcome.The two study groups did not differ with regard to demographic data. The patients from the hydrocortisone group (n = 19) had significantly lower levels of IL-6 and higher levels of IL-10, resulting in an attenuated change in IL-6/IL-10 ratio (28.7 [6.4/128.7] vs. 292.8 [6.5/534.6] 4 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass; p0.001). Patients in the hydrocortisone group had a shorter duration of catecholamine support (1 [1/2] vs. 4 [2/4.5] days; p = 0.02), a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit (2 [2/3] vs. 6 [4/8] days; p = 0.001), and a lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (26% vs. 59%; p = 0.04).Stress doses of hydrocortisone attenuate the evolution of IL-6/IL-10 ratio in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome after CS, which seems to be associated with an improved outcome. The immunologic effects of hydrocortisone may thus be both, inhibitory (IL-6) and permissive (IL-10), regarding the immune response.

Purpose of reviewOngoing and severe systemic inflammation affectingcritically ill patients may cause adrenal insufficiency andsteroid resistance in target cells. As the appropriatediagnosis of this clinical entity remains a challenge,indication and practical use of corticosteroid replacementtherapy in the critically ill is generally directed by clinicalsymptoms and features.Recent findingsIn the last 2 years, a series of clinical trials have beenundertaken to investigate corticosteroid replacementtherapy in critically ill patients with severe systemicinflammation of various origin. Improvements of morbidityhave been demonstrated in some studies. The data ofrecent studies should lead to a restriction of corticosteroidreplacement therapy in critically ill patients. The purpose ofthis review is to investigate indications and the best currentpractical use of corticosteroid replacement therapy incritically ill patients in the absence of accurate laboratoryassessment of adrenal insufficiency.SummaryCorticosteroid replacement therapy may improve morbidityandmortalityinspecifictargetgroupsofcriticallyillpatients.The appropriate target groups remain to be refined. Todemonstrate this, additional studies are required onendocrine disorder in critical illness and corticosteroidreplacement therapy.Keywordsadrenal insufficiency, corticosteroid replacement, criticalillness, sepsis, shock

Fibrin sealants are frequently used in aortocoronary bypass operations. Although they are considered to be clinically safe, we performed a retrospective analysis of our data to examine the possible side effects of Tissucol fibrin sealant, namely the acute thrombosis of grafts and native coronary arteries resulting in severe myocardial damage and patient deaths.The data of 2716 patients (2001 male, 715 female) who received an aortocoronary bypass operation from November 1995 to December 1999 were studied retrospectively. Two groups (group 1: received Tissucol, group 2: no sealant used) were compared with respect to an a priori selected set of demographic and clinical variables and with respect to their effect on the outcome using bivariate tabulation. Multiple exploratory assessments of factors possibly related to fatal outcome were done by multiple logistic regression.Nine hundred ninety patients (group 1) received Tissucol, 1726 patients (group 2) did not receive it. Mean patient age was 64+/-9.1 years. Group 1 had a higher risk of death (7.8% vs 2.8%, p0.001). The peak values of creatine kinase500 and creatine kinase-myocardial band50 were higher in group 1 than in group 2, p0.001. Adjusted odds ratios for the risk of fatal outcome were: 2.01 for the use of Tissucol, 2.71 for patient age70 years, 2.02 for aortic cross clamp time90 min, 3.95 for postoperative ventricular fibrillation, 6.35 for postoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 4.55 for postoperative aortocoronary reoperation.In our analysis an increased risk of myocardial injury or even death was found in coronary artery bypass grafting patients when Tissucol fibrin sealant was used intraoperatively.

Arterial hypotension with vasopressor dependence is a major problem after cardiac surgery. We evaluated the early postoperative course of 1558 consecutive patients scheduled for cardiac surgery, and compared the outcome of patients with and without vasopressor dependence (defined as the need for0.1 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) noradrenaline for3 h in the face of normovolaemia). Vasopressor dependence was diagnosed in 424 patients (27%) and was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative renal failure (67 (15.7%) vs 7 (0.6%), respectively; p0.0001), a longer duration of ventilation (median IQR [range]) 14 (8-26 [6-39]) h vs 8 (5-11 [4-32]) h; p0.0001), a greater need for red cell transfusion (3 (1-5 [0-10]) units vs 1 (0-2 [0-4]) units; p0.001) and a longer length of stay in the ICU (4 (2-6 [2-9] days) vs 2 (1-3 [1-6] days; p0.001). Vasopressor dependence could be predicted from a combination of factors, including pre-operative ejection fraction37%, cardiopulmonary bypass lasting94 min, and postoperative interleukin-6837 pg x ml(-1).

Objectives Improvement in health-related quality of life is a major object of cardiac surgery. However, high stress exposure during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery can result in the formation of traumatic memories and symptoms of chronic stress or even posttraumatic stress disorder, which can have negative effects on health-related quality-of-life outcome. In this controlled study we examined whether exogenously administered stress doses of hydrocortisone during cardiac surgery reduce perioperative stress exposure and the long-term incidence of chronic stress symptoms and improve health-related quality of life after cardiac surgery. Methods Thirty-six high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either stress doses of hydrocortisone or placebo. Of 28 available patients at 6 months after cardiac surgery, 14 had received hydrocortisone, and 14 had received placebo. Traumatic memories, chronic stress symptoms (posttraumatic stress disorder scores), and health-related quality of life were measured by using validated questionnaires. Results Compared with patients from the placebo group, patients from the hydrocortisone group had a significantly shorter duration of intensive care unit treatment, required lower doses of the stress hormone norepinephrine during cardiac surgery, and had significantly fewer stress symptoms and a better health-related quality of life regarding physical function, chronic pain, general health, vitality, and mental health during follow-up. The groups did not differ with regard to the number or type of intensive care unit–related traumatic memories. Conclusions The use of stress doses of hydrocortisone in high-risk cardiac surgical patients reduces perioperative stress exposure, decreases chronic stress symptoms, and improves health-related quality of life at 6 months after cardiac surgery.

Objective: Radiofrequency or the use of microwave energy in combination with atrial size reduction during open heart surgery have been reported to be effective in up to 75% in the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation. However, no data from prospective randomized trials using microwave energy are available. Methods: Forty-three patients with permanent atrial fibrillation undergoing open-heart surgery were randomly stratified into treatment group receiving microwave ablation and atrial size reduction (n ¼ 24) or control group (n ¼ 19). Patients in either group were treated with amiodarone or sotalol for 3 months if sinus rhythm or any atrioventricular rhythm was successfully restored. Follow-up time points were at 3, 6 and 12 month after surgery. Results: In the treatment group 22 out of 24 patients (91,7%) were successfully converted to sinus rhythm by using intraoperative microwave ablation therapy whereas only six out of 19 (31.5%) patients converted to sinus rhythm directly after surgery. At 12-month follow-up there were still a significantly higher percentage of patients in the treatment group free from atrial fibrillation when compared to control (80 vs. 33.3%, P ¼ 0:036). Conclusion: The preliminary data from this first prospectively randomized trial indicate that microwave ablation combined with atrial size reduction is a safe and highly efficient treatment in permanent atrial fibrillation. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Traumatic experiences associated with cardiac surgery (CS) can result in traumatic memories and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because it is known that subjects who develop PTSD often show sustained reductions in circulating cortisol concentrations, we performed a prospective, randomized study to examine whether exogenously administered stress doses of hydrocortisone during the perioperative period of CS reduces the long-term incidence of chronic stress and PTSD symptoms.Patients (n = 91) were prospectively randomized to receive either stress doses of hydrocortisone or standard treatment during the perioperative period of CS. Of 48 available patients at 6 months after CS, 26 had received stress doses of hydrocortisone and 22 standard treatment. Traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms were diagnosed with previously validated questionnaires.As compared with patients after standard therapy, patients from the hydrocortisone group had significantly lower chronic stress symptom scores (p.05). There was no significant difference regarding the number or type of traumatic memories between the hydrocortisone and the standard treatment groups.Stress doses of hydrocortisone in patients undergoing CS are associated with a lower intensity of chronic stress and PTSD symptoms at 6 months after CS.

Objective Severe systemic inflammation with a vasodilatory syndrome occurs in about one third of all patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Hydrocortisone has been used successfully to reverse vasodilation in septic patients. We evaluated if stress doses of hydrocortisone attenuate severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome in a predefined risk group of patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Design Randomized, nonblinded, controlled trial. Setting Anesthesiologic intensive care unit for cardiac surgical patients of an university hospital. Patients After a risk analysis, we enrolled 91 patients into a prospective randomized trial. Patients were included according to the evaluated criteria (preoperative ejection fraction, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, type of surgery). Interventions The treatment group received stress doses of hydrocortisone perioperatively: 100 mg before induction of anesthesia, then 10 mg/hr for 24 hrs, 5 mg/hr for 24 hrs, 3 x 20 mg/day, and 3 x 10 mg/day. Measurements and main results We measured various laboratory (e.g., lactate) and clinical variables (e.g., duration of ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit), characterizing the patients' outcome. The two study groups did not differ regarding age, preoperative medication, duration of the cardiopulmonary bypass, and type of surgery. The patients in the treatment group had significantly lower concentrations of IL-6 and lactate, higher antithrombin III concentration, lower need for circulatory and ventilatory support and for transfusions, lower Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System values, and shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital. The mortality rate did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions Although we acknowledge the limitations of a nonblinded interventional trial, stress doses of hydrocortisone seem to attenuate systemic inflammation in a predefined risk group of patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and improve early outcome.

Die Kreislaufunterstutzung durch die intraaortale Ballongegenpulsation (auch in-traaortale Ballonpumpe, IABP) hat seit mehr als 30 Jahren einen festen Stellenwert in der Therapie des akuten kardialen Pumpversagens. Die IABP ist seit ihrer Einfuhrung in die Klinik weltweit das am haufigsten eingesetzte mechanische Herzunterstutzungsverfahren. Neben den lang etablierten Anwendungsgebieten, wie dem postoperativen Einsatz bei linksventrikularem Versagen nach Herzoperationen, wurde das Spektrum der Indikationen fur den Einsatz der IABP in den letzten Jahren zunehmend erweitert. Dies geschah auf der Basis positiver Studienergebnisse sowie aufgrund einer durch technische Verbesserungen stetig reduzierten Komplikationsrate. Der kombinierte Einsatz mit interventionellen kardiologischen Verfahren in der Behandlung des akuten Myokardinfarkts und der praoperative Einsatz der IABP in der Herzchirurgie bei Hochrisikopatienten nimmt zu. In der perioperativen Medizin, sowohl auf der Intensivstation als auch im Operationssaal, wird der Anasthesist in den kommenden Jahren zunehmend mit Patienten unter Kreislaufunterstutzung durch die IABP konfrontiert werden.

Mechanical ventilation causes changes in left ventricular preload leading to distinct variations in left ventricular stroke volume and systolic arterial pressure. Retrospective off-line quantification of systolic arterial pressure variations (SPV) has been validated as a sensitive method of predicting left ventricular response to volume administration. We report the real-time measurement of left ventricular stroke volume variations (SVV) by continuous arterial pulse contour analysis and compare it with off-line measurements of SPV in patients after cardiac surgery.SVV and SPV were determined before and after volume loading with colloids in 20 mechanically ventilated patients.SVV and SPV decreased significantly after volume loading and were correlated (r=0.89; P0.001). Changes in SVV and changes in SPV as a result of volume loading were also significantly correlated (r=0.85; P0.005). Changes in SVV correlated significantly with changes in stroke volume index (SVI) (r=0.67; P0.005) as did changes in SPV (r=0.56; P0.05). SVV determined before volume loading correlated significantly with changes in SVI (R=0.67; P0.005). Using receiver operating characteristics curves, the area under the curve was statistically greater for SVV (0.824; 95% confidence interval: [CI] 0.64-1.0) and SPV (0.81; CI: 0.62-1.0) than for central venous pressure (0.451; CI: 0.17-0.74).Monitoring of SVV enables real-time prediction and monitoring of the left ventricular response to preload enhancement in patients after cardiac surgery and is helpful for guiding volume therapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the intensive care course of patients after minimally invasive coronary surgery to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients and participants: One hundred and five patients with two-vessel disease consecutively scheduled for elective coronary bypass surgery were enrolled. Interventions: Two techniques of revascularization were performed: the Octopus procedure via median sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass (n=52) and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting CABG (n=53). Measurements and results: Three major categories describing the patients' postoperative course were defined: (1) clinical and laboratory findings, i.e., transfusion rate, catecholamine support, duration of ventilation, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), serum levels of cardiac enzymes and lactic acid; (2) postoperative complications, i.e., incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and neurological deficits; (3) this category was defined as "the extent of care" as represented by the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS), and the length of stay in the ICU and in the hospital. In the Octopus group significantly lower figures were noted for duration of ventilation [6.1(5.5/9.5) vs 10.2(8.2/11.8) h], cardiac enzymes {CK-MB-Mass [5.1(2.0/8.3) vs 31.3(21.4/39.3) ng/ml], and lactic acid [2.0(1.5/3.3) vs 3.2(2.2/6.5) mmol/l]}, incidence of AF (2/52 vs 9/53), and neurological deficits (0/52 vs 4/53), TISS score [72(44/83) vs 84(73/93)], LOS in the ICU [2(1/2) vs 2(2/2) days], and in the hospital [6(5/9) vs 9(8/12) days]. Catecholamine support, SAPS II scores, and incidence of MI of each group did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Off-pump coronary surgery via the Octopus technique was superior to conventional CABG regarding the course of patients in the early postoperative period. This implies benefits for the patients and the entire healthcare system.