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OBJECTIVES To report the 3-year follow-up of a Phase I study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) in 30 men with localised prostate cancer. Favourable 12-month safety and ablation precision were previously described. PATIENTS AND METHODS As a mandated safety criterion, TULSA was delivered as near whole-gland ablation, applying 3-mm margins sparing 10% of peripheral prostate tissue in 30 men. After 12-month biopsy and MRI, biannual follow-up included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), adverse events (AEs), and functional quality-of-life assessment, with repeat systematic biopsy at 3 years. RESULTS A 3-year follow-up was completed by 22 patients. Between 1 and 3 years, there were no new serious or severe AEs. Urinary and bowel function remained stable. Erectile function recovered by 1 year and was stable at 3 years. The PSA level decreased 95% to a median (interquartile range) nadir of 0.33 (0.1-0.4) ng/mL, stable to 0.8 (0.4-1.6) ng/mL at 3 years. Serial biopsies identified clinically significant disease in 10/29 men (34%) and any cancer in 17/29 (59%). By 3 years, seven men had recurrence (four histological, three biochemical) and had undergone salvage therapy without complications (including six prostatectomies). At 3 years, three of 22 men refused biopsy, and two of the 22 (9%) had clinically significant disease (one new, one persistent). Predictors of salvage therapy requirement included less extensive ablation coverage and higher PSA nadir. CONCLUSION With 3-year Phase I follow-up, TULSA demonstrates safe and precise ablation for men with localised prostate cancer, providing predictable PSA and biopsy outcomes, without affecting functional abilities or precluding salvage therapy.

Coagulopathy in cardiac surgery is frequently associated with acquired hypofibrinogenaemia, which can be treated with either purified fibrinogen concentrate (FC) or cryoprecipitate. Because the latter is not purified and therefore contains additional coagulation factors, it is thought to be more effective for treatment of coagulopathy that occurs after prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We examined the impact of CPB duration on the efficacy of the two therapies in cardiac surgery.This was a post hoc analysis of the Fibrinogen Replenishment in Surgery (FIBRES) RCT comparing FC (4 g) to cryoprecipitate (10 U) in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery and experiencing bleeding with acquired hypofibrinogenaemia (n=735). The primary outcome was allogeneic blood products transfused within 24 h after CPB. Subjects were stratified by CPB duration (≤120, 121-180, and180 min). The interaction of treatment assignment with CPB duration was tested.Subjects with longer CPB duration experienced more bleeding and transfusion. With CPB time ≤120 min (FC, n=134; cryoprecipitate, n=146), the ratio of least-squares means between the FC and cryoprecipitate groups for total allogeneic blood products at 24 h was 0.90 (one-sided 97.5% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-1.12); P=0.004. For subjects with CPB time 121-180 min, it was 1.00 ([one-sided 97.5% CI: 0.00-1.22]; P=0.03], and for CPB time180 min it was 0.91 ([one-sided 97.5% CI: 0.00-1.12]; P=0.005). Results were similar for all secondary outcomes, with no interaction between treatment and CPB duration for all outcomes.The haemostatic efficacy of FC was non-inferior to cryoprecipitate irrespective of CPB duration in cardiac surgery.NCT03037424.

Severe mitral annular calcification poses a significant challenge, particularly in higher risk, frail, elderly patients with multivalvular disease. Both surgical and transcatheter options exist but remain fraught with risks of paravalvular leak, atrioventricular groove disruption, patient prosthesis mismatch, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We present an innovative hybrid surgical approach to manage severe aortic and mitral valve disease in a Jehovah’s Witness patient with severe circumferential mitral annular calcification.

BACKGROUNDThe authors present a case of selective hypothermia used for neuroprotection during clipping of a giant partially thrombosed middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Although these cases have traditionally required deep hypothermic cardiac arrest, this case illustrates a novel and entirely endovascular solution that avoids cardiac standstill and whole-body cooling.OBSERVATIONSThis is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first case in human surgery of a catheter-based selective hypothermic circuit used to facilitate MCA trapping for almost 30 minutes. Core temperatures never dropped below 34°C, and the patient recovered uneventfully and has been well for over 5 years.LESSONSThe technical nuances and physiological changes unique to selective hypothermia are discussed.

With the advent of interoperability standards such as FHIR, SMART, CDS Hooks, and CQL, interoperable clinical decision support (CDS) holds great promise for improving healthcare. In 2018, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)-sponsored Patient-Centered CDS Learning Network (PCCDS LN) chartered a Technical Framework Working Group (TechFWG) to identify barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions for interoperable CDS, with a specific focus on addressing the opioid epidemic. Through an open, multi-stakeholder process that engaged 54 representatives from healthcare, industry, and academia, the TechFWG identified barriers in 6 categories: regulatory environment, data integration, scalability, business case, effective and useful CDS, and care planning and coordination. Facilitators and key recommendations were also identified for overcoming these barriers. The key insights were also extrapolated to CDS-facilitated care improvement outside of the specific opioid use case. If applied broadly, the recommendations should help advance the availability and impact of interoperable CDS delivered at scale.

Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New Background Research into major bleeding during cardiac surgery is challenging due to variability in how it is scored. Two consensus-based clinical scores for major bleeding: the Universal definition of perioperative bleeding and the European Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (E-CABG) bleeding severity grade, were compared in this substudy of the Transfusion Avoidance in Cardiac Surgery (TACS) trial. Methods As part of TACS, 7,402 patients underwent cardiac surgery at 12 hospitals from 2014 to 2015. We examined content validity by comparing scored items, construct validity by examining associations with redo and complex procedures, and criterion validity by examining 28-day in-hospital mortality risk across bleeding severity categories. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed that incorporated important predictors and categories of bleeding. Results E-CABG and Universal scores were correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.78, P < 0.0001), but E-CABG classified 910 (12.4%) patients as having more severe bleeding, whereas the Universal score classified 1,729 (23.8%) as more severe. Higher E-CABG and Universal scores were observed in redo and complex procedures. Increasing E-CABG and Universal scores were associated with increased mortality in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Regression model discrimination based on predictors of perioperative mortality increased with additional inclusion of the Universal score (c-statistic increase from 0.83 to 0.91) or E-CABG (c-statistic increase from 0.83 to 0.92). When other major postoperative complications were added to these models, the association between Universal or E-CABG bleeding with mortality remained. Conclusions Although each offers different advantages, both the Universal score and E-CABG performed well in the validity assessments, supporting their use as outcome measures in clinical trials.

How are the myriad stimuli arriving at our senses transformed into conscious thought? To address this question, in a series of studies, we asked whether a common mechanism underlies loss of information processing in unconscious states across different conditions, which could shed light on the brain mechanisms of conscious cognition. With a novel approach, we brought together for the first time, data from the same paradigm—a highly engaging auditory-only narrative—in three independent domains: anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, unconsciousness after brain injury, and individual differences in intellectual abilities during conscious cognition. During external stimulation in the unconscious state, the functional differentiation between the auditory and fronto-parietal systems decreased significantly relatively to the conscious state. Conversely, we found that stronger functional differentiation between these systems in response to external stimulation predicted higher intellectual abilities during conscious cognition, in particular higher verbal acuity scores in independent cognitive testing battery. These convergent findings suggest that the responsivity of sensory and higher-order brain systems to external stimulation, especially through the diversification of their functional responses is an essential feature of conscious cognition and verbal intelligence.

Resumen Introduccion El sindrome carcinoide es una condicion relativamente rara que puede afectar el higado y el corazon derecho. En algunos pacientes se requiere tratamiento quirurgico y un manejo multidisciplinario. Presentacion del caso Presentamos una paciente con diagnostico de sindrome carcinoide con compromiso hepatico y cardiaco, quien inicio con disnea progresiva hasta el reposo, hipotension arterial y rubor facial. La paciente fue llevada a cirugia en dos tiempos: la reseccion de las metastasis hepaticas inicialmente y, en un segundo tiempo, cirugia cardiaca para el cambio de la valvula tricuspide. Ambas intervenciones se realizaron con exito y sin complicaciones. Conclusion Presentamos aqui una revision del caso, la evolucion y el manejo intraoperatorio y la informacion disponible en la literatura para decidir que procedimiento se debe realizar en primera instancia, ya que estos casos no son frecuentes en la practica clinica.

Introduction Carcinoid syndrome is a relatively rare condition that may affect the liver and the right heart. Some of these cases may require surgical treatment with a multidisciplinary approach. Case report We report the case of a patient with progressive dyspnoea, arterial hypotension and facial flushing, diagnosed with liver and cardiac involvement from carcinoid syndrome. The patient was taken to surgery in two different occasions, first for metastatic liver resection, and then to subsequent cardiac surgery for tricuspid valve replacement. Conclusions We report here a case review, including the clinical course, the intra-operative management, and the information available in the literature regarding which procedure to perform initially in these types of cases which are not very common in clinical practice.

Objective Hybrid coronary revascularization offers and combines the advantages of both surgical and percutaneous revascularization and eliminates at the same time the disadvantages of both procedures. The objective of this study was to assess graft and stent patency at 6 months, rate of bleeding, intensive care unit and hospital stay, rate of reintervention, and long-term clinical follow-up. Methods From March 2004 to November 2015, a total of 203 patients underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft of the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery and PCI of a non-left anterior descending vessel in a single or two stage, at three different centers. Patients underwent 6-month angiographic follow-up. The mean ± SD clinical follow-up was 77.82 ±41.4 months. Results Successful hybrid coronary revascularization occurred in 196 of the 203 patients. One hundred forty-six patients underwent simultaneous surgical and percutaneous intervention. Nineteen patients underwent PCI before surgery, and 38 patient underwent PCI after surgery. No in-hospital mortality occurred. The mean ± SD ICU stay was 1 ± 1 days and the mean ± SD hospital stay was 5 ± 2 days. Only 13.3% of the patients required a blood transfusion. Six-month angiographic follow-up has been performed in the 95 patients, and it demonstrated a left internal thoracic artery anastomotic patency of 97.9% and stent patency of 92.6%. A total of 77.8 ± 41.4-month clinical follow-up demonstrated 95.1% survival, 92.6% freedom from angina, and 90.7% freedom from any form of coronary revascularization. Conclusions Hybrid coronary revascularization seems to be a promising and safe revascularization strategy. It provides selected patients with an alternative, functionally complete revascularization with minimal surgical trauma and good long-term clinical outcomes.

Background Hybrid coronary revascularization ( HCR ) involves the integration of coronary artery bypass grafting ( CABG ) and percutaneous coronary intervention to treat multivessel coronary artery disease. Our objective was to perform a comparative analysis with long‐term follow‐up between HCR and conventional off‐pump CABG . Methods and Results We compared all double off‐pump CABG (n=216) and HCR (n=147; robotic‐assisted minimally invasive direct CABG of the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery and percutaneous coronary intervention to one of the non–left anterior descending vessels) performed at a single institution between March 2004 and November 2015. To adjust for the selection bias of receiving either off‐pump CABG or HCR , we performed a propensity score analysis using inverse‐probability weighting. Both groups had similar results in terms of re‐exploration for bleeding, perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, blood transfusion, in‐hospital mortality, and intensive care unit length of stay. HCR was associated with a higher in‐hospital reintervention rate ( CABG 0% versus HCR 3.4%; P =0.03), lower prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) rate (4% versus 0.7%; P =0.02), and shorter hospital length of stay (8.1±5.8 versus 4.5±2.1 days; P CABG and 96 (53–115) months for HCR , the HCR group of patients had a trend toward improved survival (85% versus 96%; P =0.054). Freedom from any form of revascularization was similar between the 2 groups (92% versus 91%; P =0.80). Freedom from angina was better in the HCR group (73% versus 90%; P Conclusions HCR seems to provide, in selected patients, a shorter postoperative recovery, with similar excellent short‐ and long‐term outcomes when compared with standard off‐pump CABG .

Despite decades of investigation, the balance of clinical risks and benefits of fluid supplementation with starch remain unresolved. Patient-centered outcomes have not been well explored in a "real-world" trial in cardiac surgery.We sought to compare a starch-based fluid strategy with a saline-based fluid strategy in the cardiac surgery patient.A pragmatic blinded randomized controlled trial comparing starch-based with saline-based fluid strategy.A large tertiary academic center in London Ontario between September 2009 and February 2011.Patients undergoing planned, isolated coronary revascularization.Serum creatinine and patient weight were measured daily postoperatively.Patients were randomized to receive 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven) or saline for perioperative fluid requirements. Fluid administration was not protocolized. Co-primary outcomes were incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and maximum postoperative weight gain. Secondary outcomes included bleeding, transfusion, inotropic and ventilator support, and fluid utilization.The study was prematurely terminated due to resource limitations. A total of 69 patients (19% female, mean age = 65) were randomized. Using RIFLE criteria for AKI, "risk" occurred in 12 patients in each group (risk ratio [RR] = 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5-1.9;The study had to be prematurely terminated due to resource limitations which led to a small sample size which was not sufficiently powered to detect a difference in the primary outcomes.This pragmatic double-blinded randomized controlled trial revealed a number of interesting hypothesis-generating trends and confirmed the feasibility of undertaking a logistically complex trial in a pragmatic fashion.L’équilibre entre les avantages et les risques cliniques d’une supplémentation en fluides à base d’amidon n’est toujours pas établi malgré des décennies d’études. Les résultats des patients subissant une chirurgie cardiaque n’ont pas été explorés suffisamment dans le cadre d’un essai concret.Comparer deux stratégies de supplémentation liquidienne, une solution à base d’amidon et une solution saline, chez des patients subissant une chirurgie cardiaque.Un essai pragmatique, contrôlé, à répartition aléatoire et mené en double insu comparant deux stratégies de supplémentation liquidienne une solution à base d’amidon et une solution saline.Un grand centre universitaire de soins tertiaires de London (Ontario) entre septembre 2009 et février 2011.Des patients subissant une revascularisation coronarienne planifiée et isolée.La créatinine sérique et le poids du patient ont été mesurés quotidiennement à la suite de l’intervention.Les patients ont été répartis aléatoirement pour recevoir du Voluven (solution d’amidon hydroxyéthylé à 6 %) ou une solution saline pour les fluidiques périopératoires. L’administration ne s’est pas faite selon un protocole établi. L’incidence d’insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) et un gain pondéral maximal après l’intervention constituaient les deux principaux résultats mesurés. Les résultats secondaires incluaient une hémorragie, l’utilisation de transfusion sanguine, d’inotrope, d’assistance respiratoire et l’administration de fluides.L’étude a été interrompue prématurément par manque de ressources. Les 69 patients (19 % de femmes) répartis aléatoirement avaient en moyenne 65 ans. La classification RIFLE avait permis de détecter un « risque » d’IRA chez 12 patients dans chacun des groupes (RC: 1,0; IC 95 %: 0,5-1,9;L’étude a été interrompue prématurément en raison d’un manque de ressources. Par conséquent, le faible échantillon de patients s’avère insuffisamment puissant pour détecter des différences significatives entre les deux groupes.Cette étude a mis en lumière quelques tendances permettant d’émettre des hypothèses intéressantes. L’étude a également confirmé la possibilité d’entreprendre un essai logistique complexe de manière pragmatique.

The Engager aortic bioprosthesis consists of bovine pericardial leaflets mounted on a self-expandable frame with unique anatomic orientation capabilities to engage the aortic valve cusps. We report the initial North American transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience with the Engager device. Transapical TAVI was performed in 4 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5 ± 1%). The valve was anatomically oriented and successfully implanted in all patients. There were no conversions to open operation or major procedure-related adverse events. Pacemaker implantation was necessary in 1 patient. None of the patients showed paravalvular leak. The Engager device for TAVI provides anatomic orientation and anchoring that prevents coronary obstruction and paravalvular leak.

Objective Conversion to sternotomy is a primary bailout method for robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The aims of this study were to identify the primary reasons for conversion from robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting to sternotomy and to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes in such patients. Methods Prospectively collected data from February 2004 to April 2017 were reviewed for 72 patients (56 men; mean age = 63.8 years) who required conversion to sternotomy during a robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting procedure with planned endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvest and anastomosis to the left anterior descending on the beating heart. Results The overall rate of conversion was 12.4% (72/581). Conversions occurred either during attempted endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvest (31.9%), during endoscopic left anterior descending isolation (40.3%), during manual isolation and anastomosis of the left anterior descending (19.4%), or after anastomosis due to unsatisfactory flow (8.3%). Overall, the most common reason for conversion was an intramyocardial left anterior descending (43.1%). The median stay in the intensive care unit was 1 day (range = 0–20) and the median hospital length of stay was 5 days (range = 3–43). In-hospital complications included new atrial fibrillation (16.7%), need for blood transfusion (20.8%), mediastinitis (4.2%), postoperative myocardial infarction (2.8%), exploration for bleeding (2.8%), and 1 in-hospital death. Conclusions The reasons for conversion were primarily related to anatomical factors that created difficulties for endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvesting and left anterior descending identification. Patients who required conversion to sternotomy from robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting demonstrated acceptable outcomes and low complication rates.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Research into major bleeding during cardiac surgery is challenging due to variability in how it is scored. Two consensus-based clinical scores for major bleeding: the Universal definition of perioperative bleeding and the European Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (E-CABG) bleeding severity grade, were compared in this substudy of the Transfusion Avoidance in Cardiac Surgery (TACS) trial.As part of TACS, 7,402 patients underwent cardiac surgery at 12 hospitals from 2014 to 2015. We examined content validity by comparing scored items, construct validity by examining associations with redo and complex procedures, and criterion validity by examining 28-day in-hospital mortality risk across bleeding severity categories. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed that incorporated important predictors and categories of bleeding.E-CABG and Universal scores were correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.78, P0.0001), but E-CABG classified 910 (12.4%) patients as having more severe bleeding, whereas the Universal score classified 1,729 (23.8%) as more severe. Higher E-CABG and Universal scores were observed in redo and complex procedures. Increasing E-CABG and Universal scores were associated with increased mortality in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Regression model discrimination based on predictors of perioperative mortality increased with additional inclusion of the Universal score (c-statistic increase from 0.83 to 0.91) or E-CABG (c-statistic increase from 0.83 to 0.92). When other major postoperative complications were added to these models, the association between Universal or E-CABG bleeding with mortality remained.Although each offers different advantages, both the Universal score and E-CABG performed well in the validity assessments, supporting their use as outcome measures in clinical trials.

Objective Contemporary anesthetic techniques have enabled shorter sedation and early extubation in off-pump and minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. Robotic-assisted CABG represents the optimal surgical approach for ultrafast track anesthesia, with patients able to bypass the cardiac surgical intensive care unit with recovery in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and inpatient ward. Methods In-hospital postoperative outcomes from ninety patients who underwent either elective or urgent robotically-assisted CABG at our institution were reviewed. These patients were carefully selected by a multidisciplinary team to undergo fast-track anesthesia: extubation in the operating room, 4-hour recovery in the postanesthesia care unit and transfer to the inpatient ward. Intrathecal, paravertebral local, and patient-controlled anesthesia techniques were used to facilitate transition to oral analgesics. Results Average patient age was 61 ± 9 years. Sixty-six patients (73%) were male. Seventy cases were elective, and 20 patients required urgent revascularization. All patients underwent intraoperative angiography after graft construction, which revealed Fitzgibbon class A grafts. There were no in-hospital mortalities. One patient required re-exploration for bleeding, through the same minimally invasive incision, did not require conversion to sternotomy for bleeding, and was transferred to the intensive care unit postexploration for bleeding for standard postoperative care. Postoperative complications were limited to one superficial wound infection. The mean hospital length of stay was 3.5 ± 1.17 days. Conclusions In patients undergoing robotic-assisted CABG, ultrafasttrack cardiac surgery with immediate postprocedure extubation and transfer to the inpatient ward has been demonstrated to be safe with no increase in perioperative morbidity or mortality. It requires a dedicated heart team with a carefully selected group of patients. Avoiding cardiac surgical intensive care unit expedites recovery, with possible avoidance of infection and early discharge from hospital.

IMPORTANCE: Excessive bleeding is a common complication of cardiac surgery. An important cause of bleeding is acquired hypofibrinogenemia (fibrinogen level

Purpose The technical difficulty of performing the left ventricular apical anastomosis has limited the adoption of aortic valve bypass surgery for the treatment of aortic stenosis. We report the successful use of an automated coring and apical connector device to perform aortic valve bypass surgery. Description A 74-year-old man, with a history of prior coronary bypass surgery with patent grafts and a porcelain ascending aorta, presented with symptomatic critical aortic stenosis. Through a left anterolateral thoracotomy, a valved conduit was anastomosed to the descending thoracic aorta. The automated coring and apical connector insertion device was used to core a plug of apical myocardium and simultaneously insert an 18-mm apical connector into the left ventricular apex. Evaluation There were no procedural complications, cardiopulmonary bypass was not used, and estimated blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5, and at 3-month follow-up demonstrated significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement. Conclusions The automated coring and apical connector insertion device facilitated the safe and effective performance of aortic valve bypass surgery.

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of direct laryngoscopy (DL) and the GlideScope videolaryngoscope (GVL) for nasotracheal intubation, as judged by the time to intubation (TTI-the primary outcome) and the ease of intubation.Seventy patients requiring nasotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly allocated to intubation with the GVL or DL. TTI was assessed by a blinded observer. Operators were blinded until the start of laryngoscopy. A Visual Analog Scale assessed the ease of intubation. The number of intubation attempts, number of failures, glottic grades, amount of bleeding, usage of Magill forceps, and the severity of postoperative sore throat were recorded.The median TTI was 23.2 s faster with the GVL (43.5 s, interquartile range [IQR]: 39.8-67.3) than with DL (66.7 s, IQR: 53.8-89.9), P = 0.0023. Nasotracheal intubation was easier with the GVL than with DL (Visual Analog Scale 10 mm, IQR: 5.5-18, vs 20 mm, IQR: 10-32, P = 0.0041). The incidence of postoperative moderate or severe sore throat was significantly reduced in the GVL group (9% vs 34%, P = 0.018). Glottic exposure was significantly better with the GVL. Magill forceps were not used in the GVL group, but were used 49% of the time in the DL group, P0.0001. The incidence and severity of bleeding were similar between groups.Compared with DL, the GVL has superior performance characteristics when used for nasotracheal intubation and demonstrates an important reduction of postoperative sore throat. The GVL has a clear role in routine nasotracheal intubation.

High-quality analgesia following cardiac surgery is infrequently obtained. Pain management is seldom a priority in the immediate postoperative care of these patients, who frequently require mechanical ventilation in an intensive care environment. These patients may be physiologically unstable, and attention to hemostasis and cardiopulmonary stability is usually of more concern in the initial phases of their care. Nevertheless, there are several compelling physiological, psychological, and humanitarian reasons that good pain relief should be offered to these patients. The frequently misguided perception that cardiac surgery is not painful, and the valid concerns many have regarding the side effects of opioid analgesia as well as the potential risks of thoracic epidural analgesia contribute to “oligoanalgesia” in the patient recovering from cardiac surgery. The evolution of minimally invasive cardiac surgery and the increasing clinical complexity of cardiac patients are providing an impetus to explore safe and effective analgesic techniques in this clinical domain. The role of paravertebral blockade in cardiac surgery has not been extensively investigated. At best, the literature to date is in the form of isolated case reports and observational studies. As such, a meaningful review of this topic can offer little more than commentary and discussion. However, paravertebral blockade has an established role in postoperative analgesia in general, and it confers some theoretical advantages over both conventional thoracic epidural analgesia as well as parenteral opioid therapy for cardiac patients.

Cardiopulmonary bypass has unpredictably deleterious effects on platelet function. Patients with cardiovascular disease have treatments aimed at reducing platelet aggregation and are at risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. Transfusion of blood products, particularly platelets, probably causes increased morbidity and mortality. Conversely, patients with excessive platelet aggregation are at risk of thrombotic complications—undesirable outcomes in the context of myocardial revascularization and prevention of stroke. Platelet function is difficult to monitor. Laboratory tests take time, and the results are not immediately available. Point-of-care (POC) testing of platelet function should facilitate the clinical management of bleeding patients by rationalizing platelet transfusion and avoiding unnecessary transfusion. Furthermore, POC platelet function could alert the clinician to risks of excessive platelet activation and measure the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy. This article outlines some of the POC platelet function monitors available as well as their potential applications.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging–guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (MRI-TULSA) is a novel minimally invasive technology for ablating prostate tissue, potentially offering good disease control of localized cancer and low morbidity. Objective To determine the clinical safety and feasibility of MRI-TULSA for whole-gland prostate ablation in a primary treatment setting of localized prostate cancer (PCa). Design, setting, and participants A single-arm prospective phase 1 study was performed at three tertiary referral centers in Canada, Germany, and the United States. Thirty patients (median age: 69 yr; interquartile range [IQR]: 67–71 yr) with biopsy-proven low-risk (80%) and intermediate-risk (20%) PCa were treated and followed for 12 mo. Intervention MRI-TULSA treatment was delivered with the therapeutic intent of conservative whole-gland ablation including 3-mm safety margins and 10% residual viable prostate expected around the capsule. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Primary end points were safety (adverse events) and feasibility (technical accuracy and precision of conformal thermal ablation). Exploratory outcomes included quality of life, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and biopsy at 12 mo. Results and limitations Median treatment time was 36min (IQR: 26–44) and prostate volume was 44ml (IQR: 38–48). Spatial control of thermal ablation was ±1.3mm on MRI thermometry. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events included hematuria (43% grade [G] 1; 6.7% G2), urinary tract infections (33% G2), acute urinary retention (10% G1; 17% G2), and epididymitis (3.3% G3). There were no rectal injuries. Median pretreatment International Prostate Symptom Score 8 (IQR: 5–13) returned to 6 (IQR: 4–10) at 3 mo (mean change: −2; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4 to 1). Median pretreatment International Index of Erectile Function 13 (IQR: 6–28) recovered to 13 (IQR: 5–25) at 12 mo (mean change: −1; 95% CI, −5 to 3). Median PSA decreased 87% at 1 mo and was stable at 0.8 ng/ml (IQR: 0.6–1.1) to 12 mo. Positive biopsies showed 61% reduction in total cancer length, clinically significant disease in 9 of 29 patients (31%; 95% CI, 15–51), and any disease in 16 of 29 patients (55%; 95% CI, 36–74). Conclusions MRI-TULSA was feasible, safe, and technically precise for whole-gland prostate ablation in patients with localized PCa. Phase 1 data are sufficiently compelling to study MRI-TULSA further in a larger prospective trial with reduced safety margins. Patient summary We used magnetic resonance imaging–guided transurethral ultrasound to heat and ablate the prostate in men with prostate cancer. We showed that the treatment can be targeted within a narrow range (1mm) and has a well-tolerated side effect profile. A larger study is under way. Trial registration NCT01686958, DRKS00005311.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in the presence of a mechanical mitral valve (MMV) prosthesis is still challenging because of the rigid mitral frame within the aortomitral curtain. Moreover, low-lying coronary ostia represent a hazardous problem of coronary obstruction, especially in narrow or porcelain aortic roots. The present case demonstrates the successful management of 2 challenging anatomical issues, the rigid cage of the MMV and the low-lying left main coronary ostium (LMCO), with the implantation of the ACURATE-TA bioprosthesis (Symetis SA, Ecublens, Switzerland). It also highlights the importance of having multiple TAVI devices in order to choose the ideal transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis to fit the unique anatomical presentation of the patient.

Objective To compare the kaolin-activated coagulation time (K-ACT) to the MAX-ACT for monitoring anticoagulation with bivalirudin in patients undergoing hybrid off-pump coronary artery revascularization procedures. Design A prospective, observational study. Setting A cardiac surgical operating room of a university-affiliated hospital. Participants Twelve patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention during the same procedure anticoagulated with bivalirudin to a target K-ACT of >300 seconds. Intervention At baseline and at frequent intervals during anticoagulation, K-ACT and MAX-ACT assays were run contemporaneously, and the pairs of results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, by correlation analysis, and with Bland-Altman analysis. Measurements and Main Results The MAX-ACT and K-ACT assays were highly correlated, but the MAX-ACT assay consistently reported significantly lower ACT values compared with the K-ACT. The mean bias (K-ACT minus MAX-ACT) was 94 seconds (limits of agreement, 51-138 seconds). Conclusion To maximize patient safety, centers using bivalirudin for anticoagulation during cardiac surgical procedures need to be aware of the different performance characteristics of ACT assay subtypes.

This study was conceived to compare the single-use GlideScope® Cobalt videolaryngoscope with the conventional GlideScope® videolaryngoscope for orotracheal intubation, as judged by time to intubation (TTI) and ease of intubation. One hundred patients with normal-appearing airways requiring orotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly allocated to have their tracheas intubated by a heterogeneous group of operators with the Cobalt GlideScope® or the conventional GlideScope®. TTI was assessed by a blinded observer. Operators were blinded until the start of laryngoscopy. A visual analogue scale (VAS) assessed the ease of intubation. The number of intubation attempts, number of failures, glottic grades, and fogging of the video screen were recorded. There was no difference between the median TTI of the GlideScope® Cobalt and the conventional GlideScope® (40.1 sec, interquartile range [IQR] 34.1, 51.3 vs 39 sec, IQR 32.6, 48.1, respectively; P = 0.75). The ease of intubation was similar between the two devices (median Cobalt VAS: 16 mm, IQR 10.8, 27.3, vs median conventional VAS: 12.5 mm, IQR 10, 20.5, respectively; P = 0.12). There were no significant differences between the two devices with respect to glottic exposure, intubation attempts, failures, or video screen fogging. The GlideScope® Cobalt has similar performance characteristics compared with the conventional GlideScope® videolaryngoscope when used for orotracheal intubation. The two devices can likely be used interchangeably. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00459797.)

As consumer demand for online health information grows, many organizations are providing personalized and interactive health risk communication tools. In response, there is a need to better understand how effective these features are in influencing user attention, information processing and risk perceptions. This study randomly assigned 100 middle-aged and elderly adult users to one of three versions of an experimental type 2 diabetes “risk calculator” in order to determine if personalized risk estimates and interactive risk feedback impact usage behavior and beliefs about future diabetes onset. Results suggest that personalization and interactive features did not lead to increases in user attention or systematic information processing. The experiment provided only modest evidence that personalization was related to increased accuracy in absolute diabetes risk perceptions. Future studies are warranted to more precisely explain the descriptive and normative implications when laypersons use web-based risk communication tools.

The GlideScope videolaryngoscope usually provides excellent glottic visualization, but directing an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the vocal cords can be challenging. The goal of the study was to compare the dedicated GlideScope-specific rigid stylet to the standard malleable stylet, assessed by time to intubation (TTI).Eighty patients requiring orotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly allocated to either the GlideScope rigid stylet (GRS) or a standard malleable stylet to facilitate intubation using the GlideScope. Time to intubation was recorded by blinded assessors; operators were blinded until after laryngoscopy. The operator assessed the ease of intubation using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The number of intubation attempts, number of failures, glottic grades, and use of external laryngeal manipulation were documented.The median TTI was 42.7 sec (inter-quartile range (IQR) 38.9-56.7) for the GRS group compared to 39.9 sec (IQR 34.1-48.2) for the control group (P=0.07). The median VAS score for ease of intubation was 20 (IQR 12.0-33.0) for the GRS group compared to 18 (IQR 9.5-29.5) for the control group (P=0.21). There was no significant difference in TTI or VAS between stylets. The overall incidence of a Cormack-Lehane grade I or II glottic view was 98%.In a group of experienced operators using the GlideScope, the dedicated GRS and the standard malleable ETT stylet are equally effective in facilitating endotracheal intubation.

The GlideScope videolaryngoscope usually provides excellent glottic visualization, but directing an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the vocal cords is sometimes difficult. The goal of the study was to determine which of two ETT angles (60 degrees vs 90 degrees ) and cambers (forward vs reverse) was better, as determined by time to intubation (TTI).Two hundred patients requiring orotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly allocated to one of four groups: A) 90 degrees angle, forward camber; B) 90 degrees angle, reverse camber; C) 60 degrees angle, forward camber; D) 60 degrees angle, reverse camber. Time to intubation was assessed by a blinded observer. Operators were blinded until the point of intubation. A visual analogue scale (VAS) assessed the ease of intubation. The number of intubation attempts, number of failures, glottic grades, and use of external laryngeal manipulation were recorded.The angle of the ETT had an impact on TTI but camber did not. The 90 degrees angle demonstrated a 13% faster TTI than the 60 degrees angle (47.1 +/- 21.2 sec vs 54.4 +/- 28.2 sec, P=0.042), and it resulted in easier intubation (VAS 16.4 +/- 14.2 mm vs 27.3 +/- 23.5 mm, P=0.0001). The overall incidence of a grade 1 or 2 Cormack-Lehane glottic view was 99%.In a heterogeneous group of operators and patients intubated with the GlideScope, a 90 degrees ETT angle provided the best result and should be the initial configuration. The camber of the ETT does not affect the time to intubation.

A 27-yr-old woman, known with neurofibromatosis type 1 and generalized anxiety disorder, presented with headaches, episodic palpitations, and pallor. Atenolol, started for hypertension by her family doctor, triggered a hypertensive crisis (226/126 mm Hg). Twentyfour-hour urine analysis demonstrated elevated excretion of metanephrine [65.7 ( 1.52; upper limit of reference range) mol/d] and normetanephrine [59.27 ( 1.95) mol/d], and to a lesser extent norepinephrine [2806 ( 569) nmol/d] and epinephrine [1222 ( 149) nmol/d]. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large solid and cystic lesion involving the right adrenal gland (Fig. 1A). 131-I methyliodobenzylguanidine scan showed a right adrenal tumor with prominent peripheral uptake and large central defect (Fig. 1B). After medical preparation with 3 wk of phenoxybenzamine (up to 90 mg/d), propranolol, and preoperative saline loading, the patient appeared clinically adequately blocked. However, anesthetic induction (fentanyl, propofol, lidocaine, and rocuronium) caused a hypertensive crisis (280/170 mm Hg) and prevented surgery. Phenoxybenzamine dosage was increased to 60 mg three times a day, and nifedipine SR 30 mg was added. Intravenous phenylephrine (1 mg) did not affect intraarterial blood pressure, indicating adequate -blockade. The next day, during open adrenalectomy, brittle blood pressure was noted until completion of tumor dissection. A sample of the liquefied tumor center was obtained (Fig. 2). Compared with plasma reference values (1), the cystic fluid contained extremely high concentrations of norepinephrine [65,967 ( 3.4) nmol/liter], epinephrine [51,000 ( 0.8) nmol/liter], dopamine [791.5 ( 0.21) nmol/liter], metanephrine [1,150 ( 0.3) nmol/liter], and normeta