Low-Cardiac-Output Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cardiovascular surgery

Common cardiovascular surgeries include coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac valve replacement, radiofrequency ablation, and cardiac intervention surgery. Multiple postoperative complications, such as hypoxic encephalopathy, air embolism, retained intracardiac air, cognitive dysfunction and major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction, may occur after these cardiovascular surgeries. Hyperbaric oxygen can be used in preconditioning to lower the morbidity of adverse complications. It is also effective for the treatment of numerous postoperative complications. We provide evidence from the current literature highlighting the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for preconditioning and managing postoperative complications.

Optimal Inotropic Support Strategy in Low Cardiac Output Syndrome

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), a form of cardiogenic shock that occurs after cardiac surgery, is associated with an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Generally, LCOS is managed medically with inotropes and vasopressors to optimize hemodynamics. However, randomized data comparing the efficacy of individual inotropes in treating LCOS are limited. Consequently, there is little consensus regarding the optimal inotrope strategy, and practice patterns vary widely. This review synthesizes current evidence on pharmacologic, non-mechanical circulatory support strategies for managing LCOS, advocating for a personalized approach tailored to the individual patient's hemodynamic profile and inotropic requirements. Currently available vasoactive agents are discussed, and guidance is provided on their use across specific clinical contexts to support individualized treatment.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction developed from valvular surgery: Risk factors and therapeutic effects of sacubitril valsartan

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for heart failure developed from cardiac valvular surgery and the efficacy of sacubitril valsartan (ARNI).

Methods

Clinical data from patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50 % who consecutively underwent cardiac valvular (mitral/aortic valve) surgery in 2021 were collected. Pre - and intra - operative variables were analyzed to explore risk factors for HFrEF (LVEF ≤ 40 %). Post - operative HFrEF patients were split into ARNI - treated (n = 15) and non-ARNI - treated (n = 15) groups. Follow - up echocardiography data were compared to assess ARNI's efficacy.

Results

Among 420 patients undergoing valve surgery (117 aortic, 133 mitral, 170 double-valve), 34 (8.1 %) developed HFrEF, showing significantly higher in-hospital mortality than non-HFrEF patients (8.82 % vs 0.52 %). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative left ventricular diameter as an independent HFrEF risk factor. During follow-up, 70 % of HFrEF patients achieved LVEF > 50 % within 6 months, Repeated-measures F test demonstrated significantly greater LVEF improvement (P = 0.036) and LVEDD reduction (P = 0.014) in the ARNI group versus non-ARNI group.

Conclusions

About 8 % of patients with LVEF ≥ 50 % developed HFrEF after cardiac valvular surgery, and large left ventricular diameter was an independent risk factor. Sacubitril valsartan is very effective in improving left ventricular remodeling and LVEF in such cohort.

2024 EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP Guidelines on cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery

Clinical practice guidelines consolidate and evaluate all pertinent evidence on a specific topic available at the time of their formulation. The goal is to assist physicians in determining the most effective management strategies for patients with a particular condition. These guidelines assess the impact on patient outcomes and weigh the risk-benefit ratio of various diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. While not a replacement for textbooks, they provide supplementary information on topics relevant to current clinical practice and become an essential tool to support the decisions made by specialists in daily practice. Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand that these recommendations are intended to guide, not dictate, clinical practice, and should be adapted to each patient's unique needs. Clinical situations vary, presenting a diverse array of variables and circumstances. Thus, the guidelines are meant to inform, not replace, the clinical judgement of healthcare professionals, grounded in their professional knowledge, experience and comprehension of each patient's specific context. Moreover, these guidelines are not considered legally binding; the legal duties of healthcare professionals are defined by prevailing laws and regulations, and adherence to these guidelines does not modify such responsibilities. The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC) and the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP) constituted a task force of professionals specializing in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) management. To ensure transparency and integrity, all task force members involved in the development and review of these guidelines submitted conflict of interest declarations, which were compiled into a single document available on the EACTS website (https://www.eacts.org/resources/clinical-guidelines). Any alterations to these declarations during the development process were promptly reported to the EACTS, EACTAIC and EBCP. Funding for this task force was provided exclusively by the EACTS, EACTAIC and EBCP, without involvement from the healthcare industry or other entities. Following this collaborative endeavour, the governing bodies of EACTS, EACTAIC and EBCP oversaw the formulation, refinement, and endorsement of these extensively revised guidelines. An external panel of experts thoroughly reviewed the initial draft, and their input guided subsequent amendments. After this detailed revision process, the final document was ratified by all task force experts and the leadership of the EACTS, EACTAIC and EBCP, enabling its publication in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery. Endorsed by the EACTS, EACTAIC and EBCP, these guidelines represent the official standpoint on this subject. They demonstrate a dedication to continual enhancement, with routine updates planned to ensure that the guidelines remain current and valuable in the ever-progressing arena of clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of the blood-based cardioplegia solution Huaxi-1 in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardioplegia during cardiopulmonary bypass is essential for ensuring a surgical field free of blood and cardiac movement. Numerous cardioplegia solutions are available, but consensus guidelines about the safest or most effective do not exist. The present trial will compare the Huaxi-1 cardioplegia solution, which has been used since 2006 with good results at a major Chinese cardiac centre not involved in this trial, with the widely used Custodiol histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution in terms of safety and efficacy at inducing cardiac arrest and protecting the myocardium during bypass.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 160 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest will be recruited at four medical centres in China. Recruitment is planned to begin on 1 November 2024, and is expected to conclude by 31 October 2025. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated 1:1 to receive either Huaxi-1 or HTK cardioplegia solution. The primary endpoint is the peak level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) within 48 hours after surgery between the two groups. The secondary endpoints include levels of myocardial injury markers such as the creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I at baseline and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The two groups will also be compared in terms of how left ventricular ejection fraction changes from baseline and in terms of the rate of spontaneous cardiac recovery. Data will be analysed using SAS V.9.4.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial has been approved by the ethics committees at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (lead site) and the three other study sites. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2400089689 (www.chictr.org.cn).

Role of Intraoperative Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Hemodynamic and Cognitive Outcomes in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The role of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and outcomes such as low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is not well established. The authors investigated the relationship between LVGLS before and after induction of anesthesia, their differences, and their relationship with LCOS and other outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

A prospective observational study was conducted in a public/private hospital with 50 adult patients scheduled for on-pump CABG with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Acoustic windows necessary to obtain the 2D-LVGLS were acquired with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before induction of anesthesia (LVGLSBI) and after with mechanical ventilation (LVGLSAI) using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). LCOS was defined as the use of epinephrine, dobutamine, and/or milrinone at minimum IV doses of 1 μg/min-1, 2.5 μg/kg-1/min-1, and 0.375 μg/kg-1/min-1, respectively, for a minimum of 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

A dedicated workstation (EchoPAC Software v203, GE) was used for offline calculation of LVGLS. LVGLSBI did not have a significant correlation with LCOS (mean difference, 1.66; 95% CI, --3.63 to 3.05; P = 0.862), nevertheless, it was an independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; P = 0.02), 3-month mortality (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-0.99; P = 0.05), and delirium (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.97; P = 0.03) in the multivariate analysis. LVGLSAI was also an independent risk factor for 3-month mortality (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In CABG surgeries, LVGLS was a predictor of adverse outcomes in both awake and anesthetized patients with normal LVEF.

Levosimendan in Patients with Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery: A Substudy of the Multicenter Randomized CHEETAH Trial

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that levosimendan administration in patients with low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery is associated with improved long-term (5-year follow-up) outcomes.

DESIGN

Single-center subanalysis of the multicenter randomized CHEETAH trial.

SETTING

Cardiac surgery department of a tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 134 adult patients requiring hemodynamic support for a cardiac index <2.5 L/min/m2 after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive levosimendan (continuous infusion with a starting dose of 0.05 μg/kg/min) or placebo, in addition to standard inotropic care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was long-term mortality (1-5 years) after randomization. Secondary outcomes were hemodynamic parameters, need for inotropic support, acute kidney injury (AKI), need for renal replacement therapy, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. No significant between-group difference in long-term mortality (5 years) was observed (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 3.11; p = 0.17). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, except for the difference in the mean pulmonary artery pressure at 4 to 6 hours after randomization, which was lower in the levosimendan group compared to the placebo group (median, 24 [interquartile range (IQR), 21.8-28] mmHg vs 26 [IQR, 22.2-33] mmHg; p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients requiring hemodynamic support after cardiac surgery with CPB, perioperative levosimendan infusion did not affect long-term survival (1-5 years) compared with placebo. Levosimendan also had no effect on major clinical outcomes such as AKI, ICU stay, hospital stay, and 30-day mortality.

Comparison of clinical results between transpulmonary thermodilution monitoring and conventional methods in cardiac surgery: An observational study

The Pulse Index Contour Continuous Cardiac Output (PICCO) module provides advanced and continuous monitoring of cardiac output through the use of arterial pulse contour analysis and transpulmonary thermodilution. The objective of this study was to compare the early postoperative outcomes of patients who were monitored using the conventional method and the pulse contour analysis method. A prospective observational study was conducted involving 45 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2020 and 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to either Group P (PICCO) or Group C (conventional). In the PICCO cohort, a femoral artery cannula was inserted for the continuous recording and management of hemodynamic data, in accordance with the decision-making algorithm of the module. In the conventional group, cannulation of the radial artery and jugular vein was performed. The postoperative hemodynamic and clinical data are subjected to analysis. The utilization of dopamine was markedly diminished in Group P at both the 0- and 6-hour postoperative intervals, whereas the administration of dobutamine was observed to be elevated (P = .008). The frequency of red packed cell transfusions was higher in Group C at postoperative hour 0. Hemodynamic data indicated a 42% increase in cardiac index and a 33% decrease in systemic vascular resistance, along with a 33% increase in global ejection fraction in patients monitored with PICCO. The mortality rates observed in the 2 groups were not statistically different. The implementation of advanced monitoring techniques, specifically the PICCO module, led to notable enhancements in hemodynamic parameters. The utilization of this technique may prove advantageous in guiding inotrope selection and transfusion decisions during the initial postoperative period. However, it is important to note that morbidity and mortality rates remain comparable.

Hemodynamic Management with Vasopressin for Cardiovascular Surgery

Background and Objectives: Vasopressin increases blood pressure through aquaporin-2-mediated water retention and is useful for managing hemodynamics after surgery. However, even after decades of study, clear clinical guidelines on doses and ideal use cases after cardiovascular surgery remain unclear. Here, the existing literature is synthesized on vasopressin use for cardiac surgeries and coupled with real-world clinical experience to outline a clearer clinical path for vasopressin use. Materials and Methods: Literature from 1966 to the present was searched, and information on surgical outcomes for cardiovascular surgery was extracted. Clinicians from the University of Tsukuba with extensive vasopressin experience in pediatric cardiovascular patients were consulted for general use guidelines. Results: Vasopressin response after cardiovascular surgery is multifaceted, and low-power trials, plus conflicting study reports, generally render it as a secondary choice behind norepinephrine. Clinical experience indicates that low doses of 0.2-0.3 mU/kg/min with constant blood pressure and oxygen monitoring for response are required. Although sole use is not recommended, vasopressin may aid in controlling hemodynamics when given with other volemic or osmolal drugs. Conclusions: Vasopressin may work in a select population of first-line non-responders, but relevant response factors remain unanalyzed and clear guidelines for use remain unestablished. Future, large-scale studies are needed to delineate temporal and demographic characteristics that affect response to vasopressin for the purpose of managing post-surgical capillary leakage and hemodynamics.

Effect of Levosimendan on Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Pericardiectomy

Background

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after pericardiectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the effect of levosimendan on postoperative LCOS in the patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Methods

Patients were retrospectively enrolled, and those receiving the treatment of levosimendan were assigned in the LEVO (+) group, and others were in the LEVO (-) group. Postoperative outcomes including durations of intubation, vasoactive agents using, ICU stay, hospital stay and mortality were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 32 patients were eligible for analysis, 19 of whom were in the LEVO (+) group, and 13 of whom were in the LEVO (-) group. The LEVO (+) group was associated with shorter postoperative duration of intubation (P < 0.001), vasopressor using (P = 0.006), ICU stay (P = 0.001) and hospital stay (P = 0.042), and less incidence of acute liver or kidney injury (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality between the LEVO (+) group and the LEVO (-) group. The prevalence of adverse events in the LEVO (+) group was acceptable.

Conclusion

Levosimendan could be administered in the patients with constrictive pericarditis developing LCOS after pericardiectomy to enhanced postoperative recovery.

The Effects of Seasonal Variation on the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background

The impact of seasonal patterns on the mortality and morbidity of surgical patients with cardiovascular diseases has gained increasing attention in recent years. However, whether this seasonal variation extends to cardiovascular surgery outcomes remains unknown. This study sought to evaluate the effects of seasonal variation on the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).

Methods

This study identified all patients undergoing elective OPCABG at a single cardiovascular center between January 2020 and December 2020. Patients were divided into four groups according to the season of their surgery. The primary outcome was the composite incidence of mortality and morbidity during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included chest tube drainage (CTD) within 24 h, total CTD, chest drainage duration, mechanical ventilation duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

Results

Winter and spring surgeries were associated with higher composite incidence of mortality and morbidities (26.8% and 18.0%) compared to summer (15.7%) and autumn (11.1%) surgeries (p < 0.05). Spring surgery had the highest median CTD within 24 hours after surgery (640 mL), whereas it also exhibited the lowest total CTD (730 mL) (p < 0.05). Chest drainage duration was longer in spring and summer than in autumn and winter (p < 0.05). While no significant differences were observed in mechanical ventilation duration and hospital stay among the four seasons, the LOS in the ICU was longer in summer than in autumn (88 h vs. 51 h, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The OPCABG outcomes might exhibit seasonal patterns in patients with coronary heart disease.

Machine Learning-Based Cardiac Output Estimation Using Photoplethysmography in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background/Objectives: Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for managing critically ill patients and those undergoing major surgeries. Cardiac output (CO) is an essential marker for diagnosing hemodynamic deterioration and guiding interventions. The gold standard thermodilution method for measuring CO is invasive, prompting a search for non-invasive alternatives. This pilot study aimed to develop a non-invasive algorithm for classifying the cardiac index (CI) into low and non-low categories using finger photoplethysmography (PPG) and a machine learning model. Methods: PPG and continuous thermodilution CO data were collected from patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The dataset underwent preprocessing, and features were extracted and selected using the Relief algorithm. A CatBoost machine learning model was trained and evaluated using a validation and testing phase approach. Results: The developed model achieved an accuracy of 89.42% in the validation phase and 87.57% in the testing phase. Performance was balanced across low and non-low CO categories, demonstrating robust classification capabilities. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning and non-invasive PPG for accurate CO classification. The proposed method could enhance patient safety and comfort in critical care and surgical settings by providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional invasive CO monitoring techniques. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger, diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios.

Left Ventricular Systolic Function Changes During Pump-Assisted Beating Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of information about the left ventricle (LV) systolic function changes during pump-assisted beating heart coronary artery bypass graft surgery (PACAB). This study aimed to study the changes in LV systolic function changes during PACAB.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-arm, observational study, 70 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III or IV of either sex, aged 40-70 years, scheduled to undergo elective PACAB for isolated ischemic heart disease with EF >30% were included. We excluded patients with pregnancy, pericardial effusion, contraindications to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), regional wall-motion abnormality of basal LV segments, pericardial effusion, right ventricular dysfunction, bundle branch blocks, and atrial fibrillation. After standard anesthesia induction, patients underwent PACAB. LV ejection fraction (EF), mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), and tissue Doppler-derived peak mitral annular systolic velocity (s') were recorded at various time points of surgery. Change in LV EF during surgery was the primary outcome variable of the study. Secondary outcome variables were complications and changes in MAPSE and s'. A repeated measure analysis of variance was used to compare the changes in LV systolic function at various stages of surgery.

RESULTS

Baseline LV EF was 47.73±9.91%. Compared to baseline, changes in EF during and after the surgery were not statistically and clinically significant. Changes in MAPSE and s' during the surgery were not statistically significant. Complications included postoperative acute kidney injury, stroke, excess bleeding, and pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

LV systolic function does not vary significantly during PACAB. However, more extensive randomized trials are required to apply these findings for routine use.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

Cardiac relaxation is a complex process that involves various interconnected characteristics and, along with contractile properties, determines stroke volume. Perioperative ischemia-reperfusion injury and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) are characterized by the left ventricle's inability to receive a sufficient blood volume under adequate preload. Baseline DD and perioperative DD have an impact on postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and major clinical outcomes in a variety of cardiac pathologies. Several baseline and perioperative factors, such as age, female sex, hypertension, left ventricle hypertrophy, diabetes, and perioperative ischemia-reperfusion injury, contribute to the risk of DD. The recommended diagnostic criteria available in guidelines have not been validated in the perioperative settings and still need clarification. Timely diagnosis of DD might be crucial for effectively treating postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. This implies the need for an individualized approach to fluid infusion strategy, cardiac rate and rhythm control, identification of extrinsic causes, and administration of drugs with lusitropic effects. The purpose of this review is to consolidate scattered information on various aspects of diastolic dysfunction in cardiac surgery and provide readers with well-organized and clinically applicable information.

Clinical Impact of the Endo-aortic Clamp for Redo Mitral Valve Surgery

Aim of this study was to compare redo MV surgery patients undergoing right mini-thoracotomy and EAC with redo MV patients undergoing surgery through other approaches. Redo MV patients from 7 European centers were analyzed. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality; secondary endpoints were stroke, re-exploration, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), respiratory failure, and intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital length-of-stay. Forty-nine patients underwent right mini-thoracotomy and EAC (22.7%), and 167 (77.3%) underwent surgery through other approaches (112 sternotomy, 40 unclamped mini-thoracotomies, and 15 mini-thoracotomies with trans-thoracic clamp). Thirty-day mortality, stroke, re-exploration for bleeding, and weaning failure were comparable. The EAC group showed significant lower rate of LCOS (p = 0.03) and shorter ICU (p = 0.04) and in-hospital length of stay (p = 0.002). The EAC allows the surgeon to reach the aorta, to clamp it, and to deliver the cardioplegia with a "no-touch" technique, with significant improvement in outcomes.

Predictors of low cardiac output syndrome after combined mitral and tricuspid valve surgery

Introduction

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a common complication in cardiac surgery, and we evaluated the incidence of its early occurrence after mitral and tricuspid combined cardiac surgery and its associated risk factors.

Material and method

Retrospective, single institution study. We included 88 consecutive adult patients with severe mitral insufficiency scheduled for elective mitral and tricuspid valve replacement surgery between January 2015 and November 2018. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of LCOS, defined as the need for inotropic support or circulatory assistance after surgery. The secondary endpoint was mortality at 30 days.

Results

LCOS occurred in 26 patients (29.5%) of the studied patients and its associated risk factors that appeared in the multivariate analysis were chronic kidney failure [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-9.9, p = 0.05], pre-operative left ventricular heart failure (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3-10.9, p = 0.002), pre-operative right ventricular heart failure (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.1-11.5, p = 0.02), and mitral valve replacement (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.2-12.6, p = 0.03). LCOS affected the survival of patients (HR = 5.5; 95% CI 1.1-27.7 p = 0.04).

Conclusion

LCOS is a frequent complication after mitral and tricuspid combined surgery and is associated with poor prognosis.

Effect of nitric oxide delivery via cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on postoperative oxygenation in adults undergoing cardiac surgery (NOCARD trial): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass induces a significant systemic inflammatory response, contributing to various postoperative complications, including pulmonary dysfunction, myocardial and kidney injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Nitric Oxide delivery via the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on various postoperative outcomes.

DESIGN

A prospective, single-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Rabin Medical Centre, Beilinson Hospital, Israel.

PATIENTS

Adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomly allocated to one of the study groups.

INTERVENTIONS

For the treatment group, 40 ppm of nitric oxide was delivered via the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. For the control group, nitric oxide was not delivered.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxaemia, defined as a p a O2 /FiO 2 ratio less than 300 within 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the incidences of low cardiac output syndrome and acute kidney injury within 72 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included in the final analysis, with 47 patients allocated to the control group and 51 to the Nitric Oxide group. The Nitric Oxide group exhibited significantly lower hypoxaemia rates at admission to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (47.1 vs. 68.1%), P  = 0.043. This effect, however, varied in patients with or without baseline hypoxaemia. Patients with baseline hypoxaemia who received nitric oxide exhibited significantly lower hypoxaemia rates (61.1 vs. 93.8%), P  = 0.042, and higher p a O2 /FiO 2 ratios at all time points, F (1,30) = 6.08, P  = 0.019. Conversely, this benefit was not observed in patients without baseline hypoxaemia. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome or acute kidney injury. No substantial safety concerns were noted, and toxic methaemoglobin levels were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with baseline hypoxaemia undergoing cardiac surgery and receiving nitric oxide exhibited lower hypoxaemia rates and higher p a O2 /FiO 2 ratios. No significant differences were found regarding postoperative pulmonary complications and overall outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04807413.

Management of Post-cardiotomy Shock

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery experience significant physiologic derangements that place them at risk for multiple shock phenotypes. Any combination of cardiogenic, obstructive, hemorrhagic, or vasoplegic shock occurs commonly in post-cardiotomy patients. The approach to the diagnosis and management of these shock states has many facets that are distinct compared to non-surgical cardiac intensive care unit patients. Additionally, the approach to and associated outcomes of cardiac arrest in the post-cardiotomy population are uniquely characterized by emergent bedside resternotomy if the circulation is not immediately restored. This review focuses on the unique aspects of the diagnosis and management of post-cardiotomy shock.

Nutritional Status and Post-Cardiac Surgery Outcomes: An Updated Review with Emphasis on Cognitive Function

Background/Objectives: Nutritional status significantly influences cardiac surgery outcomes, with malnutrition contributing to poorer results and increased complications. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding by exploring the relationship between pre-operative nutritional status and post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in adult cardiac patients. Methods: A comprehensive search across key databases investigates the prevalence of malnutrition in pre-operative cardiac surgery patients, its effects, and its association with POCD. Factors exacerbating malnutrition, such as chronic illnesses and reduced functionality, are considered. The study also examines the incidence of POCD, its primary association with CABG procedures, and the impact of malnutrition on complications like inflammation, pulmonary and cardiac failure, and renal injury. Discussions: Findings reveal that 46.4% of pre-operative cardiac surgery patients experience malnutrition, linked to chronic illnesses and reduced functionality. Malnutrition significantly contributes to inflammation and complications, including POCD, with an incidence ranging from 15 to 50%. CABG procedures are particularly associated with POCD, and malnutrition prolongs intensive care stays while increasing vulnerability to surgical stress. Conclusions: The review underscores the crucial role of nutrition in recovery and advocates for a universally recognized nutrition assessment tool tailored to diverse cardiac surgery patients. Emphasizing pre-operative enhanced nutrition as a potential strategy to mitigate inflammation and improve cognitive function, the review highlights the need for integrating nutrition screening into clinical practice to optimize outcomes for high-risk cardiac surgery patients. However, to date, most data came from observational studies; hence, there is a need for future interventional studies to test the hypothesis that pre-operative enhanced nutrition can mitigate inflammation and improve cognitive function in this patient population.

Predictors of short-term survival in cardiac valvular surgery patients with intra-aortic balloon pump implantation

BACKGROUND

Intro-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is widely used in cardiac surgery patients nowadays. This study aimed to analyze the predictor of short-term survival in cardiac valvular surgery patients with intra-aortic balloon pump implantation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study and a total of 102 cardiac valvular surgery patients who received intra-aortic balloon pump implantation were consecutively included. We retrospectively collected the baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes. Baseline characteristics were compared between survivors with non-survivors, and logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for short-term mortality.

RESULTS

Among all the patients, there were 71 (69.6%) patients successfully weaned from IABP and survived to discharge, the other 31 (30.4%) patients failed to wean from IABP and died within the first 30 days after surgery. When compared with non-survivors, survivors had a higher proportion of males (62% vs 32.3%, p = 0.006), a lower rate of Atrial fibrillation (38% vs 62%, p < 0.03). After IABP implantation, vasoactive drug use was significantly lower in survivors compared with non-survivors, and survivors showed significant improvements in cardiac function and urine volume. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that atrial fibrillation and combined use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were significant independent predictors for short-term mortality.

CONCLUSION

Timely implantation of IABP can improve patients' cardiac and renal function and reduce the dosage of vasoactive drugs. Atrial fibrillation and combined use of CRRT are independent predictors for short-term mortality in patients who underwent cardiac valvular surgery with IABP implantation.

Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine as Myocardial Protector in Children With Classic Tetralogy of Fallot Having Corrective Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a cardioprotective agent in Indonesian children undergoing classic tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

DESIGN

A prospective, parallel trial using block randomization along with double-blinded preparation of treatment agents by other parties.

SETTING

National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Indonesia.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-six children with classic TOF scheduled for corrective surgery. No children were excluded. All patients had fulfilled the criteria for analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

A total of 0.5 µg/kg bolus of DEX was added to the CPB priming solution, followed by 0.25 µg/kg/h maintenance during bypass. The placebo group used normal saline. Follow-ups were up to 30 days.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Troponin I was lower in the DEX group at 6 hours (30.48 ± 19.33 v 42.73 ± 27.16, p = 0.039) and 24 hours after CPB (8.89 ± 5.42 v 14.04 ± 11.17, p = 0.02). Within a similar timeframe, DEX successfully lowered interleukin-6 (p = 0.03; p = 0.035, respectively). Lactate was lower in the Dex group at 1, 6, and 24 hours after CPB (p < 0.01; p = 0.048; p = 0.035; respectively). Dexmedetomidine increased cardiac output and index from 6 hours after bypass, but vice versa in systemic vascular resistance. Reduction of vasoactive inotropic score was seen during intensive care unit monitoring in the Dex group (p = 0.049). Nevertheless, DEX did not significantly affect the length of ventilation (p = 0.313), intensive care unit stay (p = 0.087), and mortality (p > 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine during CPB is an effective cardioprotective agent in TOF children having surgery. Postoperative mortality was comparable across groups.

The Important Role of Preoperative D-Dimer in Constrictive Pericarditis

Background

The impact of coagulation indicators on postoperative outcomes of patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of preoperative coagulation indicators in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively included 158 patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy. The diagnostic values of coagulation indicators for postoperative complications were evaluated by ROC curves. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value calculated by ROC curve. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of postoperative complications.

Results

ROC curve showed that among different coagulation indicators, preoperative D-dimer (DD) level could effectively identify patients with postoperative complications (AUC 0.771, 95% CI 0.696-0.847, P < 0.001). Patients were divided into the low DD group and the high DD group. The comparison of postoperative outcomes suggested that high preoperative DD level was significantly associated with longer durations of vasoactive agents using (P = 0.018), intubation (P = 0.020), ICU stay (P = 0.008), chest drainage (P=0.004) and hospital stay (P = 0.002). Multivariable analysis showed that high preoperative DD level was the independent risk factor of postoperative complications (OR 6.892, 95% CI 2.604-18.235, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

High preoperative DD level was significantly linked to poor postoperative outcomes and could provide an effective prediction ability for postoperative complications in patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Frequency domain analysis of photoplethysmographic and arterial pressure waveforms for assessing hemodynamics in children with congenital heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Time-domain parameters are less reliable in children due to increased arterial and chest wall compliance. We assessed the ability of indices derived from frequency analysis of photoplethysmography (PPG) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms to predict the hemodynamic state in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed waveforms after cardiopulmonary bypass period in 76 children who underwent total repair of congenital heart disease. Amplitude density of baseline and amplitude modulation in PPG and ABP by respiratory frequency were obtained using fast Fourier transform analysis and normalized by cardiac pulse height (representing respiratory modulations in venous blood [PPG-DC%] and in amplitude [PPG-AC%] at respiratory frequency). The ratio of amplitude density of PPG at the cardiac frequency (CF) to ABP-CF was used to assess vascular compliance. We assessed volume replacement (ml/kg) and vasoactive inotropic score (VIS).

RESULTS

Children requiring volume replacement > 10 ml/kg (15.8%) showed higher PPG-DC% than those not requiring it (median: 52.4%, 95% CI [24.8, 295.1] vs. 36.7% [10.7, 125.7], P = 0.017). In addition, children with a VIS > 7 (22.4%) showed higher PPG-CF/ABP-CF (3.6 [0.91, 10.8] vs. 1.2 [0.27, 5.5], P = 0.008). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, PPG-DC% predicted a higher fluid requirement (area under the curve: 0.71, 95% CI [0.604, 0.816], P = 0.009), while PPG-CF/ABP-CF predicted a higher VIS (0.714, [0.599, 0.812], P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency domain analysis of PPG and ABP may assess hemodynamic status requiring fluid or vasoactive inotropic therapy after congenital heart surgery.

Additional bypass graft or concomitant surgical ablation? Insights from the HEIST registry

BACKGROUND

Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation at the time of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting is reluctantly attempted. Meanwhile, complete revascularization is not always possible in these patients. We attempted to counterbalance the long-term benefits of surgical ablation against the risks of incomplete revascularization.

METHODS

Atrial fibrillation patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel disease between 2012 to 2022 and included in the HEart surgery In atrial fibrillation and Supraventricular Tachycardia registry were divided into complete revascularization, complete revascularization with additional grafts, and incomplete revascularization cohorts; these were further split into surgical ablation and non-surgical ablation subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 8,405 patients (78% men; age 69.3 ± 7.9) were included; of those, 5,918 (70.4%) had complete revascularization, and 556 (6.6%) had surgical ablation performed. Number of anastomoses was 2.7 ± 1.2. The median follow-up was 5.1 [interquartile range 2.1-8.8] years. In patients in whom complete revascularization was achieved, surgical ablation was associated with long-term survival benefit: hazard ratio 0.69; 95% confidence intervals (0.50-0.94); P = .020 compared with grafting additional lesions. Similarly, in patients in whom complete revascularization was not achieved, surgical ablation was associated with a long-term survival benefit of 0.68 (0.49-0.94); P = .019. When comparing surgical ablation on top of incomplete revascularization against complete revascularization without additional grafts or surgical ablation, there was no difference between the 2: 0.84 (0.61-1.17); P = .307, which was also consistent in the propensity score-matched analysis: 0.75 (0.39-1.43); P = .379.

CONCLUSION

To achieve complete revascularization is of utmost importance. However, when facing incomplete revascularization at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with underlying atrial fibrillation, concomitant surgical ablation on top of incomplete revascularization is associated with similar long-term survival as complete revascularization without surgical ablation.

Postoperative outcomes after total sevoflurane inhalation sedation using a disposable delivery system (Sedaconda-ACD) in cardiac surgery

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted our team to develop new solutions for performing cardiac surgery without intravenous anesthetics due to a shortage of these drugs. We utilized an anesthetic conserving device (Sedaconda-ACD) to administer total inhaled anesthesia because specific vaporizers were unavailable for administering inhaled agents during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in our center. We documented our experience and postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcome was the peak level of troponin, with secondary outcomes encompassing other cardiovascular complications.

Material and methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted. We performed a multivariate analysis with a propensity score. This investigation took place at a large university referral center.

Participants

Adult patients (age ≥ 18) who underwent elective cardiac surgery with CPB between June 2020 to March 2021.

Intervention

During the inclusion period, two anesthesia protocols for the maintenance of anesthesia coexisted-total inhaled anesthesia with Sedaconda-ACD and our classic protocol with intravenous drugs during and after CPB.

Primary endpoint

Troponin peak level recorded after surgery (highest level recorded within 48 h following the surgery).

Results

Out of the 654 included patients, 454 were analyzed after matching (intravenous group = 297 and inhaled group = 157). No significant difference was found between the groups in postoperative troponin peak levels (723 ng/l vs. 993 ng/l-p = 0.2). Total inhaled anesthesia was associated with a decreased requirement for inotropic medications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.99, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In our cohort, the Sedaconda-ACD device enabled us to achieve anesthesia without intravenous agents, and we did not observe any increase in postoperative complications. Total inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane was not associated with a lower incidence of myocardial injury assessed by the postoperative troponin peak level. However, in our cohort, the use of inotropic drugs was lower.

Preoperative Levosimendan in Patients With Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To verify the impact of preoperative levosimendan on patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <35%) undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis.

SETTING

Hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors included 1,225 patients from 6 randomized controlled trials.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The authors performed a meta-analysis of trials that compared preoperative levosimendan with placebo or no therapy, reporting efficacy and safety endpoints. Statistical analyses used mean differences and risk ratios (RR), with a random effects model. Six studies were included, comprising 1,225 patients, of whom 615 (50.2%) received preoperative levosimendan, and 610 (49.8%) received placebo/no therapy. Preoperative levosimendan showed a lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.16-0.60; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%), postoperative acute kidney injury (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.25-0.77; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%), low-cardiac-output syndrome (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.30-0.66; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and postoperative atrial fibrillation (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.98; p = 0.04; I2 = 85%) compared to control. Moreover, levosimendan significantly reduced the need for postoperative inotropes and increased the cardiac index at 24 hours postoperatively. There were no differences between groups for perioperative myocardial infarction, hypotension, or any adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative levosimendan in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, low-cardiac-output syndrome, acute kidney injury, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and the need for circulatory support without compromising safety.

Should the Vasoactive Inotropic Score be a Determinant for Early Initiation of VA ECMO in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock?

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the role of early venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) implantation in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) on mortality and morbidity when integrating vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and type of catecholamine support.

DESIGN

A retrospective, multicenter, observational study with propensity-weight matching.

SETTING

Four university-affiliated intensive care units.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with PCS in the operating room.

INTERVENTIONS

Early VA ECMO support.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 2,742 patients screened during the study period, 424 (16%) patients were treated with inotropic drugs, and 75 (3%) patients were supported by VA ECMO in the operating room. Patients supported by VA ECMO had a higher use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs, with a higher VIS score. After propensity matching (integrating VIS and catecholamines type), mortality (56% v 20%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (cardiac, renal, transfusion) were higher in patients supported by VA ECMO than in a matched control group.

CONCLUSIONS

When matching integrated the pre-ECMO VIS and the type of catecholamines, VA ECMO remained associated with high mortality and morbidity, suggesting that VIS alone should not be used as a main determinant of VA ECMO implantation.

Safety of intranasal insulin administration in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery: An open-label, nonrandomized, dose-escalation study

Objective

This study aimed to determine the maximum safe dose of intranasal insulin administration during cardiac surgery.

Methods

This open-label, Phase 1, single-center, dose-escalation clinical trial recruited patients scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery or major vascular surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass between February and September 2021. They were grouped into 5 dose-escalation cohorts and administered 0, 40, 80, 160, and 240 IU insulin (n = 6 in each group) via a metered nasal dispenser after the induction of general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected at 10-minute intervals for the first 60 minutes and at 30-minute intervals thereafter. Hypoglycemia was defined as a blood glucose level <70 mg/dL. Patient recruitment was terminated after hypoglycemia was observed in 2 patients in any of the groups.

Results

In total, 27 of 29 enrolled patients were administered intranasal insulin or saline. Hypoglycemia was not observed after the administration of intranasal insulin in the 0, 40, 80, or 160 IU groups; however, it was observed in 2 of 3 patients in the 240 IU group. The serum insulin concentration was elevated in the 160-IU group, but the C-peptide concentration was not elevated in any of the groups.

Conclusions

The administration of up to 160 IU intranasal insulin did not induce clinically significant hypoglycemia. However, 160 IU intranasal insulin should be administered cautiously because insulin can enter the systemic circulation in a dose-dependent manner.

Temporary mechanical circulatory support with Impella in cardiac surgery: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative cardiogenic shock (CS) in cardiac surgery is still burdened by a high mortality risk. The introduction of Impella pumps in the therapeutic armory of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) has potential implications to improve the management of complex cases, although it has never been systematically addressed. We performed a systematic review of the reported use of tMCS with Impella in cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for all original studies on the Impella use in adult patients in cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (out of 151 identified by search string) were included. All studies were observational and all but one (95%) were retrospective. Seven studies focused on the implantation of Impella in the pre-operative setting (coronary or valvular surgery), either as a prophylactic device in high-risk cases (3 studies) or in patients with CS as stabilization tool prior to cardiac surgery procedure (4 studies). Three studies reported the use of Impella as periprocedural support for percutaneous valvular procedure, three as bridge to heart replacement, and six for postcardiotomy CS. Impella support had a low complication rate and was successful in supporting hemodynamics pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Most consistently reported data were left-ventricular ejection fraction at implant, short-term survival and weaning rate.

CONCLUSIONS

tMCS with Impella in cardiac surgery patients is feasible and successful. It can be applied in selected cardiac surgery patients and presents advantages over other types of support. Systematic prospective studies are needed to standardize indications for implant and management of surgical issues, and to identify which patients may benefit.

Leucoglycemic index predicts post-operative vasopressor-inotropic requirement after adult cardiac surgery (LEUCOGLYPTICS): A retrospective single-center study

Background and Aims

Cardiac surgery often necessitates considerable post-operative vasoactive-inotropic support. Given an encouraging literature on the prognostic potential of leucoglycemic index (LGI) [serum glucose (mg/dl) × total leucocytes count (cells/mm3)/1000], we aimed to evaluate whether intensive care unit (ICU)-admission LGI can predict post-operative vasopressor-inotropic requirements following cardiac surgery on cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB).

Material and Methods

The data of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our tertiary care center between January 2015 and December 2020 was retrospectively reviewed. The vasopressor-inotropic requirement was estimated using the VIS (vasoactive-inotropic score) values over the first post-operative 72 hrs. Subsequently, VISi (indexed VIS) was computed as maxVIS[0-24hrs] + maxVIS[24-48hrs] +2 × maxVIS[48-72hrs]/10), and the study participants were divided into h-VISi (VISi ≥3) and l-VISi (VISi <3).

Results

Out of 2138 patients, 479 (22.40%) patients categorized as h-VISi. On univariate analysis: LGI, age, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (EuroSCORE II), left-ventricle ejection fraction, prior congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic renal failure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, combined surgeries, CPB and aortic cross-clamp (ACC) duration, blood transfusion, and immediate post-operative glucose were significant h-VISi predictors. Subsequent to multi-variate analysis, the predictive performance of LGI (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.14; P = 0.002) prior CHF (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.44-3.82; P = 0.001), CPB time (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.14; P = 0.019), ACC time (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.04; P = 0.008), and EuroSCORE II (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.06-1.21; P < 0.001) remained significant. With 1484.75 emerging as the h-VISi predictive cut-off, patients with LGI ≥ 1484.75 also had a higher incidence of vasoplegia, low-cardiac output syndrome, new-onset atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, and mortality. LGI additionally exhibited a significant positive correlation with duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay (R = 0.495 and 0.564, P value < 0.001).

Conclusion

An elevated LGI of greater than 1484.75 independently predicted a VISindex ≥3 following adult cardiac surgery on CPB.

Programmatic approach to patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy: Integrating microaxial support into strategies for the modern era

Patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction exist along a spectrum of severity and risk, and thus decision-making surrounding optimal management is challenging. Treatment pathways can include medical therapy as well as revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support, as well as heart transplantation, may be optimal for select patients. Given this spectrum of risk and the complexity of treatment pathways, patients may not receive appropriate therapy given their perceived risk, which can lead to sub-satisfactory outcomes. In this review, we discuss the identification of high-risk ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, along with our programmatic approach to patient evaluation and perioperative optimization. We also discuss our strategies for therapeutic decision-making designed to optimize both short- and long-term patient outcomes.

A novel interpretative tool for early prediction of low cardiac output syndrome after valve surgery: online machine learning models

OBJECTIVE

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a severe complication after valve surgery, with no uniform standard for early identification. We developed interpretative machine learning (ML) models for predicting LCOS risk preoperatively and 0.5 h postoperatively for intervention in advance.

METHODS

A total of 2218 patients undergoing valve surgery from June 2019 to Dec 2021 were finally enrolled to construct preoperative and postoperative models. Logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest classifier, extreme gradient boosting, and deep neural network were executed for model construction, and the performance of models was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves. Our models were interpreted through SHapley Additive exPlanations, and presented as an online tool to improve clinical operability.

RESULTS

The SVM algorithm was chosen for modeling due to better AUC and calibration capability. The AUCs of the preoperative and postoperative models were 0.786 (95% CI 0.729-0.843) and 0.863 (95% CI 0.824-0.902), and the Brier scores were 0.123 and 0.107. Our models have higher timeliness and interpretability, and wider coverage than the vasoactive-inotropic score, and the AUC of the postoperative model was significantly higher. Our preoperative and postoperative models are available online at http://njfh-yxb.com.cn:2022/lcos.

CONCLUSIONS

The first interpretable ML tool with two prediction periods for online early prediction of LCOS risk after valve surgery was successfully built in this study, in which the SVM model has the best performance, reserving enough time for early precise intervention in critical care.

Effects of sevoflurane on left ventricular function by speckle-tracking echocardiography in coronary bypass patients: A randomized trial

The present study aimed to dynamically observe the segmental and global myocardial movements of the left ventricle during coronary artery bypass grafting by transesophageal speckle-tracking echocardiography, and to assess the effect of sevoflurane on cardiac function. Sixty-four patients scheduled for the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into a sevoflurane-based anesthesia (AS) group and a propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (AA) group. The AS group demonstrated a higher absolute value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain than that of the AA group at both T 1 (after harvesting all grafts and before coronary anastomosis) and T 2 (30 min after completing all coronary anastomoses) ( P < 0.05). Moreover, strain improvement in the segment with the highest preoperative strain was significantly reduced in the AS group, compared with the AA group at both T 1 and T 2 ( P < 0.01). The flow of the left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending artery graft was superior, and the postoperative concentration of troponin T decreased rapidly in the AS group, compared with the AA group ( P < 0.05). Compared with total intravenous anesthesia, sevoflurane resulted in a significantly higher global longitudinal strain, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Sevoflurane also led to an amelioration in the condition of the arterial graft. Furthermore, sevoflurane significantly reduced strain improvement in the segmental myocardium with a high preoperative strain value. The findings need to be replicated in larger studies.

The importance of timing in postcardiotomy venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A descriptive multicenter observational study

OBJECTIVES

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be initiated intraoperatively or postoperatively based on indications, settings, patient profile, and conditions. The topic of implantation timing only recently gained attention from the clinical community. We compare patient characteristics as well as in-hospital and long-term survival between intraoperative and postoperative ECMO.

METHODS

The retrospective, multicenter, observational Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS-1) study includes adults who required ECMO due to postcardiotomy shock between 2000 and 2020. We compared patients who received ECMO in the operating theater (intraoperative) with those in the intensive care unit (postoperative) on in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes.

RESULTS

We studied 2003 patients (women: 41.1%; median age: 65 years; interquartile range [IQR], 55.0-72.0). Intraoperative ECMO patients (n = 1287) compared with postoperative ECMO patients (n = 716) had worse preoperative risk profiles. Cardiogenic shock (45.3%), right ventricular failure (15.9%), and cardiac arrest (14.3%) were the main indications for postoperative ECMO initiation, with cannulation occurring after (median) 1 day (IQR, 1-3 days). Compared with intraoperative application, patients who received postoperative ECMO showed more complications, cardiac reoperations (intraoperative: 19.7%; postoperative: 24.8%, P = .011), percutaneous coronary interventions (intraoperative: 1.8%; postoperative: 3.6%, P = .026), and had greater in-hospital mortality (intraoperative: 57.5%; postoperative: 64.5%, P = .002). Among hospital survivors, ECMO duration was shorter after intraoperative ECMO (median, 104; IQR, 67.8-164.2 hours) compared with postoperative ECMO (median, 139.7; IQR, 95.8-192 hours, P < .001), whereas postdischarge long-term survival was similar between the 2 groups (P = .86).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative and postoperative ECMO implantations are associated with different patient characteristics and outcomes, with greater complications and in-hospital mortality after postoperative ECMO. Strategies to identify the optimal location and timing of postcardiotomy ECMO in relation to specific patient characteristics are warranted to optimize in-hospital outcomes.

Weekend effect on the incidence and outcomes of cardiac surgery associated - acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

The effects of surgical day (workdays or weekends) on occurrence and outcome of cardiac surgery associated -acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the incidence and short-term outcomes of CSA-AKI in patients undergoing surgery on workdays and weekends.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent cardiac surgery from July 2020 to December 2020 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into a weekend group and workday group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CSA-AKI. The secondary endpoints included renal function recovery and in-hospital mortality. The logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors for CSA-AKI. Stratification analysis was performed to estimate the association between CSA-AKI and weekend surgery stratified by emergency surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1974 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled. The incidence of CSA-AKI in the weekend group was significantly higher than that in the workday group (42.8% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.038). Further analysis of patients with CSA-AKI showed that there was no difference in renal function recovery between the workday AKI group and weekend AKI group. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the weekend group and workday group (3.6% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.327); however, the in-hospital mortality of the weekend AKI group was significantly higher than that of the workday AKI group (8.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.014). Weekend surgery and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for CSA-AKI. The multiplicative model showed an interaction between weekend surgery and emergency surgery; weekend surgery was related to an increased risk of AKI among patients undergoing emergency surgery [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.96 (1.012-8.128)].

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of CSA-AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on weekends was significantly higher compared to that in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on workdays. Weekend surgery did not affect the in-hospital mortality of all patients but significantly increased the mortality of AKI patients. Weekend surgery and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for CSA-AKI. Weekend emergency surgery significantly increased the risk of CSA-AKI.

Comparison of noninvasive cardiac output monitoring by electrical cardiometry with transthoracic echocardiography in postoperative paediatric cardiac surgical patients - A prospective observational study

Aim

The present study was conducted to validate cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) obtained from electrical cardiometry (EC) ICON ® with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients.

Materials and Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in 25 pediatric patients with age < 10 years who underwent elective cardiac surgery.

Data Analysis

BlandAltman plot was constructed for interchangeability and Polar plot was constructed to know trending ability.

Results

A total of 250 datasets were analyzed. Spearman's correlation coefficient for CO between ICON ® and TTE showed good positive correlation (r = 0.850, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 0.881, P <.0001). Moderate positive correlation was observed between ICON ® and TTE for CI (r = 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.515 to 0.674, P <.0001). Linear regression equations for CO and CI between ICON ® and TTE were: y = 0.5230 + 0.8078 X (R2 = 0.6597, P <.001) and y = 1.8350 + 0.5869 X (R2 = 0.3985, P <.001) [y- ICON ®; X - TTE], respectively. BlandAltman plot for CO between ICON ® and TTE showed a bias of 0.3012 with limits of agreement (LOA) being -0.69 to 1.3 and for CI bias was 0.6939 with LOA-2.1 to 3.5. Polar plot analysis showed an angular bias of 8.1750, with radial LOA being -13.74° to 30.08° for CO and angular bias of 6.6931, with radial LOA being -15.69° to 29.07° for CI.

Conclusion

ICON ® monitor-derived parameters are not interchangeable with the values derived from TTE. However, the ICON ® monitor demonstrated a good trending ability for both CO and CI.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Score for Low-Cardiac-Output Syndrome After Adult Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to develop a simple prediction score to help identify patients at high risk of low-cardiac-output syndrome after adult cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

At a tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery between April 2016 and March 2021.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among the 2,806 patients retained for final analyses, 355 (12.7%) developed low-cardiac-output syndrome. Using a stepwise backward variable selection procedure applied to a multivariate logistic regression, a prediction model, including 8 risk factors, could be identified-preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min according to the Cockcroft formula or preoperative dialysis, combined surgery, nonelective surgery, mitral valve surgery for mitral valve regurgitation, history of extracardiac arteriopathy, preoperative hemoglobin <13 g/dL, and New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. A clinical prediction score was derived from the regression coefficients. The model had a good discriminative ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.8 (95% CI: 077-0.84). Using a threshold value of 5, the score had a 68% sensitivity, 79% specificity, a positive-predictive value of 33%, and a negative-predictive value of 94%. These results were validated on a validation sample using the bootstrap resampling technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors developed a clinical score to facilitate the prediction of low- cardiac-output syndrome after adult cardiac surgery. This could help tailor patient management by contributing to the early identification of those at high risk of postoperative low cardiac output.

Goal-directed therapy in cardiovascular surgery: A case series study

Hemodynamic and intravascular volume monitoring has been utilized and significantly improved thanks to the technology revolution. Goal-Directed Therapy (GDT) derived from this advanced monitoring is beneficial for complex surgeries, and it shifted the medical approaches from static therapy to more personalized functional treatments. Conventional monitoring methods such as blood pressure, heart rate, urinary output, and central venous pressure are commonly used. However, studies have shown these routine parameters often cannot precisely estimate the quality of tissue perfusion. Tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia play a crucial role in initiating a systemic inflammatory response after prolonged surgeries, resulting in unstable hemodynamic condition of the patients. Several studies reported the importance of GDT in non-cardiac surgeries and there are few reports on cardiac surgeries. However, tissue perfusion and fluid management are more critical in complex and prolonged cardiovascular surgeries to avoid complications such as low cardiac output syndrome and renal or pulmonary dysfunction. Different advanced hemodynamic monitorings have been utilized perioperatively in cardiac surgery to help decision-making on inotrope and fluid management. In this article we present 5 cases of usefulness hemodynamic monitoring in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgeries.

Prevention of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-pharmacological interventions

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is frequent. While two network meta-analyses assessed the impact of pharmacological interventions to prevent CSA-AKI, none focused on non-pharmacological interventions. We aim to assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Central and clinical trial registries from January 1, 2004 (first consensus definition of AKI) to July 1, 2023. Additionally, we conducted manual screening of abstracts of major anesthesia and intensive care conferences over the last 5 years and reference lists of relevant studies. We selected all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI, without language restriction. We excluded RCTs of heart transplantation or involving a pediatric population. The primary outcome variable was CSA-AKI. Two reviewers independently identified trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 86 trials (25,855 patients) evaluating 10 non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI. No intervention had high-quality evidence to reduce CSA-AKI. Two interventions were associated with a significant reduction in CSA-AKI incidence, with moderate quality of evidence: goal-directed perfusion (RR, 0.55 [95% CI 0.40-0.76], I2 = 0%; Phet = 0.44) and remote ischemic preconditioning (RR, 0.86 [0.78-0.95]; I2 = 23%; Phet = 0.07). Pulsatile flow during cardiopulmonary bypass was associated with a significant reduction in CSA-AKI incidence but with very low quality of evidence (RR = 0.69 [0.48; 0.99]; I2 = 53%; Phet < 0.01). We found high quality of evidence for lack of effect of restrictive transfusion strategy (RR, 1.02 [95% CI 0.92; 1.12; Phet = 0.67; I2 = 3%) and tight glycemic control (RR, 0.86 [95% CI 0.55; 1.35]; Phet = 0.25; I2 = 26%).

CONCLUSIONS

Two non-pharmacological interventions are likely to reduce CSA-AKI incidence, with moderate quality of evidence: goal-directed perfusion and remote ischemic preconditioning.

The Value of Stress-Gated Blood Pool SPECT in Predicting Early Postoperative Period Complications in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients: Focus on Mechanical Dyssynchrony

(1) Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of stress-gated blood pool SPECT (GBPS) estimates in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) in the early postoperative period. (2) Methods: A total of 57 patients (age 59.7 ± 6.6, 47 men) with ICM and LV ejection fraction (30 [27.5; 35]%) were enrolled in the study. Before surgical treatment, all patients underwent GBPS (rest-stress, dobutamine doses of 5/10/15 µg/kg/min). Stress-induced changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, peak ejection rate, volumes, and mechanical dyssynchrony (phase histogram standard deviation, phase entropy (PE), and phase histogram bandwidth) were estimated. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed baseline. Serum levels of NT-proBNP were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunoassay. (3) Results: After surgical treatment, patients were divided into two groups, one, with death, the need for an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or/and inotropic support with a stay in the intensive care unit for more than two days and two, without complications in the early postoperative period (EPOP). Complicated EPOP (CEPOP) was observed in 17 (30%) patients (death-2, IABP-4, extra inotropic support in intensive care unit-11), and 40 patients had no complications (NCEPOP). GBPS showed differences in LV EDV (mL) (321 [268; 358] vs. 268 [242; 313], p = 0.02), LV ESV (mL) (242 [201; 282] vs. 196 [170; 230], p = 0.005), and stress-induced changes in PE (1 (-2; 3) vs. -2 (-4; 0), p = 0.02). Aortic cross-clamp time and stress-induced changes in PE between rest and dobutamine dose of 10 µg/kg/min were the only independent predictors of CEPOP. An increase in LV entropy ≥ 1 on the dobutamine dose of 10µg/kg/min in comparison to rest investigation showed AUC = 0.853 (sensitivity = 62%, specificity = 90%, PPV = 71%; NPV = 85%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Stress-induced changes in PE obtained during low-dose dobutamine GBPS are associated with a complicated course of the early postoperative period after surgical treatment for ICM.

Validation of EuroSCORE II in atrial fibrillation heart surgery patients from the KROK Registry

The study aimed to validate the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (EuroSCORE II) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). All data were retrieved from the National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures (KROK). EuroSCORE II calibration and discrimination performance was evaluated. The final cohort consisted of 44,172 patients (median age 67, 30.8% female, 13.4% with AF). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.14% (N = 1830), and 5.21% (N = 2303) for 30-day mortality. EuroSCORE II significantly underestimated mortality in mild- and moderate-risk populations [Observed (O):Expected (E)-1.1, 1.16). In the AF subgroup, it performed well [O:E-0.99), whereas in the very high-risk population overestimated mortality (O:E-0.9). EuroSCORE II showed better discrimination in AF (-) [area under curve (AUC) 0.805, 95% CI 0.793-0.817)] than in AF (+) population (AUC 0.791, 95%CI 0.767-0.816), P < 0.001. The worst discriminative performance for the AF (+) group was for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (AUC 0.746, 95% CI 0.676-0.817) as compared with AF (-) population (AUC 0.798, 95% CI 0.774-0.822), P < 0.001. EuroSCORE II is more accurate for patients with AF. However, it underestimated mortality rates for low-to-moderate-risk patients and had a lower ability to distinguish between high- and low-risk patients with AF, particularly in those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Patient-, Clinician-, and Institution-level Variation in Inotrope Use for Cardiac Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Analysis

BACKGROUND

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the risks and benefits of inotropic therapies during cardiac surgery, and the extent of variation in clinical practice remains understudied. Therefore, the authors sought to quantify patient-, anesthesiologist-, and hospital-related contributions to variation in inotrope use.

METHODS

In this observational study, nonemergent adult cardiac surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass were reviewed across a multicenter cohort of academic and community hospitals from 2014 to 2019. Patients who were moribund, receiving mechanical circulatory support, or receiving preoperative or home inotropes were excluded. The primary outcome was an inotrope infusion (epinephrine, dobutamine, milrinone, dopamine) administered for greater than 60 consecutive min intraoperatively or ongoing upon transport from the operating room. Institution-, clinician-, and patient-level variance components were studied.

RESULTS

Among 51,085 cases across 611 attending anesthesiologists and 29 hospitals, 27,033 (52.9%) cases received at least one intraoperative inotrope, including 21,796 (42.7%) epinephrine, 6,360 (12.4%) milrinone, 2,000 (3.9%) dobutamine, and 602 (1.2%) dopamine (non-mutually exclusive). Variation in inotrope use was 22.6% attributable to the institution, 6.8% attributable to the primary attending anesthesiologist, and 70.6% attributable to the patient. The adjusted median odds ratio for the same patient receiving inotropes was 1.73 between 2 randomly selected clinicians and 3.55 between 2 randomly selected institutions. Factors most strongly associated with increased likelihood of inotrope use were institutional medical school affiliation (adjusted odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.39 to 27.8), heart failure (adjusted odds ratio, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.46 to 2.76), pulmonary circulation disorder (adjusted odds ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.58 to 1.87), loop diuretic home medication (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.69), Black race (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.68), and digoxin home medication (adjusted odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in inotrope use during cardiac surgery is attributable to the institution and to the clinician, in addition to the patient. Variation across institutions and clinicians suggests a need for future quantitative and qualitative research to understand variation in inotrope use affecting outcomes and develop evidence-based, patient-centered inotrope therapies.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

24th hour vasoactive inotrope score is associated with poor outcome in adult cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of vasoactive inotrope score at the 24th postoperative hour for mortality and morbidity in elective adult cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent elective adult coronary artery bypass and valve surgery in a single tertiary center for cardiac surgery between December 2021 and March 2022 were prospectively included. The vasoactive inotrope score was calculated with the dosage of inotropes that were continuing at the 24th postoperative hour. Poor outcome was defined as any event of perioperative mortality or morbidity.

RESULTS

The study included 287 patients, of whom 69 (24.0%) were on inotropes at the 24th postoperative hour. The vasoactive inotrope score was higher (21.6±22.5 vs. 0.94±2.7, p=0.001) in patients with poor outcome. One unit increase in the vasoactive inotrope score had an odds ratio of 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.35) for poor outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve of vasoactive inotrope score for poor outcome had an area under the curve of 0.857.

CONCLUSION

Vasoactive inotrope score at the 24th hour can be a very valuable parameter for risk calculation in the early postoperative period.

Impact of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump on early outcomes in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to analyse whether prophylactic preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) improves outcomes in hemodynamically stable patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤30%) undergoing elective myocardial revascularization (CABG) using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Secondary aim was to identify the predictors for low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of 207 consecutive patients with LVEF ≤30% undergoing elective isolated CABG with CPB from 01/2009 to 12/2019, 136 with and 71 patients without IABP, were retrieved retrospectively. Patients with prophylactic IABP were matched 1:1 with patients without IABP by a propensity score matching. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of postoperative LCOS in the propensity-matched cohort. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Reduced postoperative LCOS (9.9% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.017) was observed in patients receiving prophylactic IABP. Stepwise logistic regression identified preoperative IABP as preventive factor for postoperative LCOS [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.19,95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.06-0.55, P = 0.004]. The need of vasoactive and inotropic support was lower in patients with prophylactic IABP at 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery (12.3 [8.2-18.6] vs. 22.2 [14.4-28.8], P < 0.001, 7.7 [3.3-12.3] vs.16.3 [8.9-27.8], P < 0.001 and 2.4 [0-7] vs. 11.5 [3.1-26], P < 0.001, respectively). The patients in both groups did not differ in terms of in-hospital mortality (7.0% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.763). There were no major IABP-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% undergoing CABG with CPB and prophylactic IABP insertion had less low cardiac output syndrome and similar in-hospital mortality.

Del-Nido cardioplegia in cardiac surgery for elderly patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of del-Nido cardioplegia (DNC) with traditional 4:1 cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) in coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgeries in elderly patients.

METHODS

The present study is a retrospective case-series study that included 302 consecutive patients aged 70 years and over who underwent on-pump valve surgery and/or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). DNC was administered to 90 patients and CBC to 212 patients. After propensity-score matching, 89 pairs were compared. The safety and efficacy were analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTS

The DNC group had a similar mortality (3.4% vs. 5.6%, OR = 0.79, P = 0.720) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation rate (1.1% vs. 2.2%, OR = 0.75, P = 1.000) to the CBC group, a lower incidence of postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation (1.1% vs. 9.0%, OR = 0.54, P = 0.034) and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge (60 (56-64) % vs. 57 (51-62)%, P = 0.007). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the DNC group was higher when the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (79.4 (65.0-94.3) ml/min/1.73m² vs. 77.2 (59.8-88.7) ml/min/1.73m², P = 0.014), but no significant differences were identified after 24 h. The serum lactate values of the DNC group were significantly lower than those of the CBC group (0 h: 2.7 (2.0-3.2) vs. 3.2 (2.4-4.4), P = 0.001; 3 h: 3.2 (2.0-4.8) vs. 4.8 (2.8-6.6), P < 0.001; 6 h: 3.5 (2.2-5.4) vs. 5.8 (3.4-8.4), P < 0.001; 9 h: 3.4 (2.0-7.0) vs. 5.5 (2.9-8.3), P = 0.005). There were no differences between the two groups in respect of lactate levels at 12 h and thereafter. Postoperative creatinine kinase-MB concentrations were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Del-Nido cardioplegia is safe and effective in elderly patients undergoing CABG and/or valve surgery.

Narrative review of systemic inflammatory response mechanisms in cardiac surgery and immunomodulatory role of anesthetic agents

Although surgical techniques and perioperative care have made significant advances, perioperative mortality in cardiac surgery remains relatively high. Single- or multiple-organ failure remains the leading cause of postoperative mortality. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common trigger for organ injury or dysfunction in surgical patients. Cardiac surgery involves major surgical dissection, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and frequent blood transfusions. Ischemia-reperfusion injury and contact activation from CPB are among the major triggers for SIRS. Blood transfusion can also induce proinflammatory responses. Here, we review the immunological mechanisms of organ injury and the role of anesthetic regimens in cardiac surgery.

Comparision of cardiac output measured by transthoracic echocardiography with continuous cardiac output measured by pressure recording analytical method

Background

Low cardiac output is a common complication following cardiac surgery and it is associated with higher mortality in the pediatric population. A gold standard method for cardiac output (CO) monitoring in the pediatric population is lacking. The present study was conducted to validate cardiac output and cardiac index measured by transthoracic echocardiography and Pressure recording analytical method, a continuous pulse contour method, MostCareUp in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational clinical study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 23 pediatric patients weighed between 2 and 20 kg who had undergone elective cardiac surgery were included in the study.

Results

Spearman's correlation coefficient of CO between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Pressure Recording Analytical Method (PRAM) showed of positive correlation (r = 0.69, 95% Confidence interval 0.59-0.77, P < 0.0001) Linear regression equations for CO between TTE and PRAM were y = 0.55 + 0.88x (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.0001). (y = PRAM, x = TTE), respectively. Bland- Altman plot for CO between TTE and PRAM showed a bias of -0.397 with limits of the agreement being -2.01 to 1.22. Polar plot analysis showed an angular bias of 6.55° with radial limits of the agreement being -21.46 to 34.58 for CO and angular bias of 6.22° with radial limits of the agreement being -22.4 to 34.84 for CI.

Conclusion

PRAM has shown good trending ability for cardiac output. However, values measured by PRAM are not interchangeable with the values measured by transthoracic echocardiography.