Regional Anesthesia Complications and Contraindications

Regional anesthesia has a strong role in minimizing post-operative pain, decreasing narcotic use and PONV, and, therefore, speeding discharge times. However, as with any procedure, regional anesthesia has both benefits and risks. It is important to identify the complications and contraindications related to regional anesthesia, which patient populations are at highest risk, and how to mitigate those risks to the greatest extent possible. Overall, significant complications secondary to regional anesthesia remain low. While a variety of different regional anesthesia techniques exist, complications tend to fall within 4 broad categories: block failure, bleeding/hematoma, neurological injury, and local anesthetic toxicity.

Use of Tranexamic Acid in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy Reduces Rates of Postoperative Hematoma and Seroma

BACKGROUND

The established safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in minimizing perioperative blood loss has led to increased interest within plastic surgery. Prior studies have demonstrated decreased edema and ecchymosis and reduced rates of postoperative collection with administration of TXA; however, its use has not been reported in gender-affirming mastectomy. This represents the first study to evaluate the effects of TXA on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy.

METHODS

A single-center cohort study was performed analyzing all consecutive patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy with the senior author (R.B.-L.) between February of 2017 and October of 2022. Beginning in June of 2021, all patients received 1000 mg of TXA intravenously before incision and 1000 mg at the conclusion of the procedure. Patients were stratified according to intraoperative administration of TXA, with demographic characteristics, surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 851 patients underwent gender-affirming mastectomy. Of these, 646 cases were performed without TXA, and 205 patients received intravenous TXA intraoperatively, as described previously. Patients who received TXA had significantly lower rates of seroma (20.5% versus 33.0%; P < 0.001) and hematoma (0.5% versus 5.7%; P = 0.002). There was no difference in rates of surgical-site infection ( P = 0.74). TXA use was not associated with increased rates of venous thromboembolism ( P = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative administration of TXA in patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy may safely reduce the risk of postoperative seroma and hematoma without increased risk of thromboembolic events. Additional data collection and prospective studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Limited Incision Facelifts: A Contemporary Review of Approaches and Complications

Limited incision facelifts (LIFs) have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional facelift procedures. While surgical techniques vary, these approaches share a common goal: to rejuvenate the face while minimizing scar visibility. Previous studies also suggest that the reduced tissue dissection in LIFs can lead to decreased postoperative swelling, shorter recovery periods, and fewer complications. In this systematic review we delved into the literature on LIFs, shedding light on the various surgical approaches and their respective safety profiles. A systematic review was conducted by independent evaluators who followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A random-effects model was utilized to summarize complications data, and meta-regressions were conducted to analyze associations with operative variables. The analysis encompassed a total of 20 articles, comprising data from 4451 patients. The vast majority (84%) of these patients underwent either local wide-awake surgery or conscious sedation, while the remaining 16% underwent general anesthesia. Our analysis revealed an overall complication frequency of 3.2%, with hematoma being the most common complication (2%), followed by temporary nerve injury (0.2%), and skin necrosis or wounds (0.06%). Notably, hematomas rarely required operating room interventions. Use of drains or tissue sealants was associated with an 86% decrease in complications. Limited incision facelifts can be performed with a low complication rate, utilizing a variety of techniques. Utilization of tissue sealants and drains may limit hematoma formation, which is the most common complication.

The early postoperative effects of rinsing the breast pocket with tranexamic acid in prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported in breast surgery; however, its application and duration have varied across studies. This study aimed to assess the early postoperative outcomes of rinsing the breast pocket with TXA during prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstruction using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted in consecutive patients who underwent immediate prosthetic prepectoral reconstruction between August 2021 and December 2022. For cases performed during the earlier part of the study period (up to April 2022), TXA was not administered (non-TXA group), whereas those performed after April 2022 received topical TXA application during surgery (TXA group). Postoperative outcomes including hematoma, seroma, drainage volume, and drain maintenance duration were compared between the two groups using propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

A total of 674 breasts were analyzed; 280 in the TXA group and 394 were in the non-TXA group. There were 251 breasts in each group after PSM, and their characteristics were similar. The incidence of hematoma in the first 24 hours and total drain output were significantly lower in the TXA group than the non-TXA group. In cases of direct-to-implant cases, the TXA group showed a significantly lower seroma rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Rinsing the breast pocket with TXA can potentially reduce the occurrence of hematoma and decrease drain output in prepectoral ADM-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction. Moreover, this approach may be beneficial in lowering the incidence of seroma in direct-to-implant reconstruction.

Evidence of Hematoma Prevention After Facelift

Hematoma is a common complication after facelift procedures. Multiple factors have been shown to increase the risk of hematoma formation, such as male gender, anticoagulant medication use, perioperative hypertension, increased intrathoracic pressure, and operative technique. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of existing literature to provide surgeons with evidence-based recommendations on how to minimize hematoma risk during facelift surgery. A literature search for hematoma and facelift surgery was performed that identified 478 unique manuscripts. Abstracts were reviewed, excluding articles not describing facelift surgery, those written before 1970, studies with a sample size of fewer than 5 patients, non-English studies, and those that did not provide postoperative hematoma rates. Forty-five articles were included in this text, with their recommendations. Measures such as the prophylactic management of pain, nausea, and hypertension, the use of fibrin glue tissue sealants, the use of local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, and strict blood pressure control of at least <140 mmHg were found to significantly reduce hematoma formation. Quilting sutures has shown benefit in some high-risk patients. Measures such as drains, compression dressings, perioperative use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and perioperative steroids had no significant effect on hematoma formation. In addition to appropriate patient selection and careful intraoperative hemostasis, many adjunct measures have been shown to reduce postoperative hematoma formation in facelift procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

The Effects of Tranexamic Acid in Breast Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is used in trauma and surgical settings. Its role in reducing postoperative blood loss in breast surgery remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of TXA on postoperative blood loss in breast surgery.

METHODS

Searches of the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were performed from inception to April 3, 2020. Inclusion criteria were any retrospective reviews, prospective cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials that administered TXA (topical or intravenously) in the context of breast surgery. Quality of studies were evaluated using the risk of bias in randomized trials tool and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool. Data were pooled, and a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In total, seven studies were included, representing 1226 patients (TXA, 632 patients; control, 622 patients). TXA was administered as follows: topically (20 mL of 25 mg/mL TXA intraoperatively; n =258 patients), intravenously (1 to 3 g perioperatively; n = 743 patients), or both (1 to 3 g daily up to 5 days postoperatively; n = 253 patients). TXA administration reduced hematoma formation in breast surgery (risk ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.73), with no effect on drain output (mean difference, -84.12 mL; 95% CI, -206.53 to 38.29 mL), seroma formation (risk ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.40), or infection rates (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.46 to 2.21). No adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

The use of TXA in breast surgery is a safe and effective modality with low-level evidence that it reduces hematoma rates without affecting seroma rates, postoperative drain output, or infection rates.

Effect of drainage versus no drainage after thyroid surgery on wound complications, a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis study was used to assess whether not placing a drain after thyroidectomy reduces postoperative wound complications. A critical review of the comprehensive literature up to May 2023 was conducted using four databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the web of science. Fourteen interrelated studies were reviewed after passing the inclusion and exclusion criteria established by the study and assessing the quality of the literature.95% confidence intervals (Cl) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using fixed effects models. The data were meta-analysed using RevMan 5.3 software. The results showed that the use of drains during thyroid surgery did not have a favourable impact on patients. Intraoperative placement of drains did not reduce postoperative wound haematoma formation in patients, (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.54, 1.36 p = 0.52). However, the incidence of postoperative wound infection was significantly higher in patients with drains used in intraoperative thyroid surgery, (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.45 p < 0.0001). As the sample size of the randomised controlled study used for this meta-analysis was limited, it is important to approach the findings with caution when interpreting the results.Conducting additional high-quality research with larger sample sizes is crucial in order to further confirm these results and reduce the likelihood of duplication.

Systolic Blood Pressure Less Than 120 mmHg is a Safe and Effective Method to Minimize Bleeding After Facelift Surgery: A Review of 502 Consecutive Cases

BACKGROUND

Hematoma is the most common complication after facelift surgery. Hypertension is the major risk factor for hematoma following facelift. Measures taken to reduce systolic blood pressure perioperatively significantly reduce the risk of hematoma. There is evidence that treating systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or above reduces hematoma; there were no studies to date in which systolic blood pressures below 120 mmHg had been evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of maintaining systolic blood pressures of 120 mmHg or less postoperatively to reduce hematoma after facelift.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's series of facelift procedures from January 2004 to July 2018 was undertaken. Implementation of a more stringent perioperative blood pressure protocol (maintaining a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mmHg postoperatively) was initiated in January of 2013, dividing patients into 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 502 consecutive patients who underwent a facelift by F.N. were included in the study. A total of 319 patients underwent a facelift before 2013, and a total of 183 patients underwent a facelift in 2013 or later. Overall, a total of 13 hematomas occurred during the entire 15-year study period (2.59%), of which 12 occurred before the implementation of a strict blood pressure regimen (3.76%), and only 1 occurred after the new protocol (0.5%). There were no adverse events related to the lower blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Treating systolic blood pressure greater than 120 mmHg postoperatively is a safe and effective method for reducing the risk of hematoma after facelift.

Role of tranexamic acid-soaked gelatin sponge in minimizing rectus sheath hematoma after cesarean section in women treated with warfarin, a simple tool for high-risk cases, a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study aims to illustrate the impact of applying the tranexamic acid impregnated in a gelatin sponge between the anterior rectus sheath and the Rectus Abdominis muscle during Cesarean section (CS) in minimizing rectus sheath hematoma (RHS) in women treated with Warfarin.

METHODS

A clinical trial was carried out on 63 pregnant women attended for elective CS, who on antenatal warfarin anticoagulation started from 13 weeks gestation to 36 weeks then shifted to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH), and with an indication for postnatal warfarin anticoagulation. They were randomly assigned on the day of the scheduled CS into three equal groups (21 women for each). Group 1 had two pieces of gelatin sponges soaked with one ampoule of tranexamic acid. Group 2 had two pieces of gelatin sponges not soaked with tranexamic acid. Group 3 (control group) had no gelatin sponge applied. All patients underwent postoperative assessment done for hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), estimated blood loss (EBL), amount and nature of discharge collected from the sub-rectus drain, complications (RHS, wound infection, thromboembolism), need for re-operation, and need for blood transfusion.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding the postoperative Hb (10.66 ± 1.13 vs. 9.77 ± 0.69, P = 0.009), between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding the postoperative HCT (31.87 ± 3.59 vs. 28.54 ± 1.85, P = 0.001), between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding EBL (442.19 ± 244.46 vs. 744.38 ± 267.05, P = 0.003), between Group 1 and Group 3 regarding EBL (442.19 ± 244.46 vs. 664.29 ± 343.97, P = 0.040), and between Group 1 and Group 3 regarding the discharge amount from the sub rectus drain (190.48 ± 100.77 vs. 307.14 ± 127.76, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Tranexamic acid-soaked gelatin sponges are safe and effective in reducing postoperative drainage and EBL.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

At ClinicalTrials.gov in June 2022 (NCT05439694).

Hemostatic Net in Facelift Surgery: A 5-Year Single-Surgeon Experience

BACKGROUND

The hemostatic net has been promoted as a safe and effective method to prevent hematoma formation following facelift procedures. To date there is little published evidence to validate the replicability and effectiveness of the technique.

OBJECTIVES

This study presents 2 cohorts of facelift patients from a single surgeon's practice to assess the impact of the hemostatic net on hematoma formation.

METHODS

The records of 304 patients were reviewed on whom the hemostatic net was placed following a facelift between July 2017 and October 2022. Data were collected and assessed for complications and compared with a control group of 359 patients who underwent a facelift procedure without placement of a hemostatic net by the same surgeon between 1999 and 2004.

RESULTS

A total of 663 patients were included. In this retrospective cohort study, analysis of available data showed a significantly reduced hematoma rate of 0.6% in the intervention group compared with 3.9% in the control group (P = .006722).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the hemostatic net is a safe, reproducible, and effective technique in reducing the risk of hematoma in facelift surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

The Usage of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Reduction Mammaplasty Safely Reduces Hematoma Rates

BACKGROUND

Bleeding complications are not uncommon after breast reduction surgery, and recently, tranexamic acid (TXA) as an antifibrinolytic agent has been used in various surgical specialties as a way to minimizes such adverse outcomes. We elected to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) intraoperative TXA in reduction mammoplasty patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of clinical charts of all patients who received reduction mammoplasty by a single surgeon at Emory University Hospital or its affiliated Aesthetic Center from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2022. Seventy-four consecutive breast reduction patients received 1-g IV TXA intraoperatively compared with 117 consecutive controls. The outcome of interest included 30-day postoperative bleeding complications.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age ( P = 0.92), body mass index ( P = 0.98), percentage of smokers ( P = 0.56), operating time ( P = 0.87), estimated blood loss ( P = 0.90), or weight removed ( P = 0.98) between patients in each arm. There were 19 bleeding events (16.2%) in the non-TXA arm compared with 1 bleeding event (1.4%) in the TXA arm ( P = 0.0143). Of the 19, 6 (5.1%) were major events, and 13 were minor events (11.1%); the only bleeding event in the TXA arm was minor. Number needed to treat all bleeding events with use of TXA was 7, and the number needed to treat minor hematomas was 11. There was no significant difference in the rate of seroma, wound healing complications, infection, or nipple necrosis between the 2 arms ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IV TXA is a safe and effective way to reduce hematoma rates in patients receiving reduction mammoplasty.

Impact of peri-procedural management of direct oral anticoagulants on pocket haematoma after cardiac electronic device implantation: the StimAOD multicentre prospective study

AIMS

The study aims to investigate the impact of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) management on the incidence of pocket haematoma in patients undergoing pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All consecutive patients receiving DOAC and undergoing cardiac electronic device implantation were included in a large multicentre prospective observational study (NCT03879473). The primary endpoint was clinically relevant haematoma within 30 days after implantation. Overall, 789 patients were enrolled [median age 80 (IQR 72-85) years old, 36.4% women, median CHA2DS2-VASc score 4 (IQR 0-8)], of which 632 (80.1%) received a pacemaker implantation. Antiplatelet therapy was combined with DOAC in 146 patients (18.5%). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were interrupted 52 (IQR 37-62) h before the procedure and resumed 31 (IQR 21-47) h later. Ninety-six percent of the patients had at least 12 h DOAC interruption before the procedure, and 78% had at least 12 h DOAC interruption after the procedure. Overall, anticoagulation was interrupted for 72 (IQR 48-96) h. Pre- or post-procedural heparin bridging was used in 8.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Timing of DOAC interruption of resumption was not associated with clinically relevant haematoma. Clinically relevant haematoma occurred in 26 patients (3.3%), and thromboembolic events occurred in 5 patients (0.6%).

CONCLUSION

In this large real-life registry where most patients had DOAC interruption, clinically relevant haematoma was rare. Despite DOAC interruption and high CHA2DS2-VASc score, thromboembolic events occurred seldomly, highlighting that bleeding exceeds thromboembolic risk in this peri-procedural period. Future research is needed to identify risk factors for clinically relevant haematoma and meaningfully guide clinicians in optimizing DOAC management.

PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS IN PATIENTS ON ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS - A RESCUE OR AN UNNECESSARY RISK?

Bleeding complications after peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in patients treated with an antiplatelet agent and/or an anticoagulant drug are rare, with estimated incidence of 0.67% (0.51-0.83%). However, they can result in significant patient morbidity and may require follow-up investigations and interventions. The evidence for bleeding risks and complications after PNB is very low or nonexistent, therefore, recommendations and guidelines are based on retrospective analyses, case reports, expert opinions and expert panel consensus. In the manuscript, an expert panel consensus on classification of PNBs according to the potential risk of serious bleeding complications is presented. The risks of bleeding depend on the location (vicinity of the vessels and critical structures at risk from the mass effect of a hematoma), block depth (which influences needle visibility), associated comorbidities and anticoagulation status, body habitus, site compressibility, whether the bleeding or hematoma are easy or not to assess and how easy or not an intervention may be applied to prevent or treat bleeding. Also, technical factors are considered: type and size of the used needle, technical difficulties, multiple attempts, needle passes and bloody tap, use of catheters and type of nerve location technique (USG versus blind techniques) and operator experience. In all patients on antithrombotic drugs, benefits vs. risks should be weighted. A bleeding risk should be minimized with the optimization of patient's coagulation: appropriate antithrombotic drug timing before PNB, dose of antithrombotic drug, indication for the drug and risk factors that may influence drug pharmacokinetics (bodyweight, age, renal and hepatic function). Superficial PNBs may be performed in the presence of antithrombotic drug. For deep PNBs, a recommendations for neuraxial procedures should be considered.

Local gentamicin-collagen sponge reduces cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections and pocket hematoma

OBJECTIVE

Implantation or replacement of a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) may be associated with complications, such as pocket hematomas and infections. This study aims to determine whether a lyophilized gentamycin-containing collagen implant (GCCI) reduces major CIED infections and pocket hematomas after implant.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted among patients who underwent implantation or replacement of CIED at the Tor Vergata Polyclinic (Rome, Italy) between June 2007 and November 2019. The primary combined endpoint was infection and hematoma occurrence through 12 months of follow-up post-procedure. The rate of single infectious complications, pocket hematomas or both were also assessed.

RESULTS

We compared 475 patients treated with the GCCI (GCCI group) with 714 patients who did not receive it (control group). Complications occurred in 127 patients (11%); a statistically significant reduction of infections and pocket hematomas in the GCCI group was reported when compared with control patients (1% vs. 17%; p<0.0001). A total of 20 (2%) infectious events were reported, 102 (8%) patients developed a pocket hematoma, and 5 (0.4%) had both. The rate of single complications was significantly lower in GCCI group: infection 0.2% vs. 2.6% (p=0.002), pocket hematoma 0.6% vs. 13.8% (p<0.001). The association between antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy and hematoma development was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The GCCI is a medical device that can be used in addition to local hemostasis and prophylactic doses of systemic antibiotics with the aim of reducing infective complications and pocket hematoma after permanent CIED implantation or replacement.

Assessment of Dilute Epinephrine and Mechanical Pressure for Prevention of Feline Postoperative Scrotal Hematoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To determine whether two immediately postoperative preventive procedures, dilute epinephrine (1:400,000) as a scrotal wash or application of controlled mechanical pressure to the scrotum, reduce the risk or severity of scrotal hematoma following routine castration. Male cats with two descended testicles presenting to Midwestern University's Trap Neuter Return program were eligible for inclusion. Cats were assigned via block randomization to control, dilute epinephrine wash, or controlled mechanical pressure groups. For the epinephrine group, 0.2 ml (0.008 mg) of epinephrine diluted with sterile saline was instilled inside the scrotum. In the case of mechanical pressure, a broad-based clip generating less than 0.5 kg of pressure was applied for 10 minutes. Cats were evaluated for scrotal hematoma and the need for treatment by a veterinarian blinded to treatment group. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine if the incidence of scrotal hematoma or scrotal hematoma requiring treatment was different between groups while controlling for other variables. There were 276 cats with a median age of 30 months (IQR 12,48) and a mean weight of 3.5 kg (SD 1.2). Scrotal hematomas were noted in 15 of the 92 (16%) control cats, as compared with 12 of the 92 (13%) epinephrine and nine of the 92 (10%) pressure cats. Treatment was required for 10 (67%) control, six (50%) epinephrine, and three (33%) pressure hematomas. Regression demonstrated a decreased risk of scrotal hematoma requiring treatment for cats in the pressure group (OR = 0.2, P = .044) controlling for weight (OR = 2.2, P = .006) and surgical duration (OR = 1.1, P = .026). Weight was the only significant variable for the presence of scrotal hematoma (OR = 2.2, P < .0001). Controlled mechanical pressure applied immediately after routine castration can help decrease the proportion of scrotal hematomas that require treatment.

The Impact of Perioperative Blood Pressure on Hematoma Development After Panniculectomy

PURPOSE

Hematoma affects 10% to 13% of patients undergoing panniculectomy. Although elevated perioperative blood pressure has been associated with hematoma after rhytidectomy, this has not been established for panniculectomy. We sought to determine the impact of perioperative blood pressure on hematoma development in patients undergoing panniculectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing isolated panniculectomy procedures. Blood pressure parameters recorded included systolic blood pressures (SBPs), diastolic blood pressures (DBPs), and mean arterial pressure. The mean, peak, and trough blood pressure values were recorded. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative blood pressures were recorded, and differences between phases were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three patients were identified, which included 84% (n = 120) women and 17% (n = 23) men. A history of hypertension was present in 55% (n = 79) of patients, of which 91% (n = 72) were medically controlled. Preoperative antiplatelet or anticoagulation was used in 21% (n = 31) of patients. Seven patients (5%) developed a hematoma, of which 5 required operative drainage. Development of hematoma was not associated with patient, surgical, or postoperative pain variables. There was an association between hematoma and elevated postoperative blood pressures on univariate and multivariate analyses. The mean peak SBP in the hematoma group was 160 mm Hg in comparison to 141 mm Hg in the nonhematoma group. For each 10-mm Hg increase in postoperative peak SBP, the odds of a hematoma increased by 2.8 times. When comparing phases of care, hematoma patients had similar intraoperative and postoperative peak SBP, but their postoperative SBP was 19 mm Hg higher than preoperative baseline. Conversely, nonhematoma patients had a postoperative blood pressure that was similar to their preoperative baseline and 20 mm Hg lower than their intraoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS

Hematoma is associated with elevated postoperative blood pressures. A postoperative mean peak SBP of 160 mm Hg was associated with hematoma, and for each 10 mm Hg, the risk of hematomsa increased by 2.8 times. The risk of hematoma may be reduced by strict postoperative blood pressure control. We recommend a postoperative peak SBP goal of 140 mm Hg or less, with a value equal to or less than their preoperative baseline and 20 mm Hg lower than their intraoperative pressure.

Comparison of the effectiveness of position change for patients with pain and vascular complications after transfemoral coronary angiography: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Prolonged immobilization after transfemoral coronary angiography (TFA) may cause pain and vascular complications in patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a change in position to decrease pain and vascular complications for patients after TFA.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2020. Purposive sampling of 72 eligible patients undergoing TFA were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Patients in the experimental group (EG) were placed in a supine position for 2 h after angiography, followed by a semi-seated position with the bed angle gradually increased to 45° over 4 h. Patients in the control group (CG) remained in the supine position for 6 h. Vital signs, groin, back and leg pain, hematoma, hemorrhage, and urinary retention were assessed in both groups before, immediately after, and over 6 h after angiography. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure pain, the Christensen scale to measure hematoma, counting bloody gases to measure hemorrhage, and patient self-rating to determine urinary retention.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between EG and CG on score of groin (2.69 ± 1.00 vs. 2.61 ± 1.00, P = 0.74), back (2.19 ± 0.98 vs. 2.47 ± 0.87, P = 0.21), and leg pain (2.14 ± 0.71 vs. 2.50 ± 1.08, P = 0.27) before the TFA. However, from the second hour to the sixth hour after the TFA, the pain in the EG was significantly less than the CG (P < 0.001). So that pain in the groin (1.36 ± 0.48 vs. 3.28 ± 0.81), back (1.25 ± 0.50 vs. 3.81 ± 1.06), and leg (1.44 ± 0.55 vs. 3.28 ± 0.81) for the EG patients was significantly less than the CG in the sixth hour after TFA (P < 0.001). No patients experienced hematoma. No differences were noted between groups in hemorrhage and urinary retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Position change to a semi-seated position in patients after TFA is effective and safe for reduction of pain without increasing vascular complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT registration number: IRCT20200410047011N1, Registration date: 30/04/2020.

A comparison of the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue/platelet-poor plasma versus suction drainage in preventing hematoma and seroma in rhytidectomy: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study

BACKGROUND

One of the most feared complications of rhytidectomy is the formation of hematoma and seroma, which may harm patients' health and compromise the surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue/platelet-poor plasma versus suction drainage in preventing surgical complications such as hematoma and seroma following rhytidectomy procedures.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of the two interventions. Seventy-two patients were selected and divided into two groups of 36 (autologous fibrin glue versus suction drainage). Forty-eight hours after the procedures, all patients underwent ultrasound examination, always by the same radiologist, to measure the volume of exudate under the facial skin flaps.

RESULTS

The mean total volume of exudate was 3.21 mL in the suction drainage group and 1.02 mL in the fibrin glue group, with effect size of 68.1% and confidence interval of 55.3 to 77.2 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results significantly favor the use of fibrin glue and show that it was 68.1% more effective than suction drainage in preventing hematoma or seroma in rhytidectomy procedures.

Predictors and Consequences of Hematoma After Thyroidectomy: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hematoma after thyroid surgery is a serious complication. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors and consequences of hematoma after thyroid surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 11,552 open thyroidectomies was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2016-2017 main and thyroidectomy-targeted procedure databases. Predictors of hematoma and the effect of hematoma on outcomes were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of hematoma and morbidity/mortality, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.5.1.

RESULTS

We found that male gender (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.25-2.32; P value 0.0007), Black race (1.89, 1.27-2.77; 0.0014), other race (1.76, 1.23-2.50; 0.0017), hypertension (1.68, 1.20-2.35; 0.0026), diabetes (1.45, 1.00-2.06; 0.0460), and bleeding disorders (3.63, 1.61-7.28; 0.0007) were independent risk factors for postoperative hematoma. The use of an energy device for hemostasis (0.63, 0.46-0.87; 0.0041) was independently associated with decreased hematoma rate. Postoperative hematoma was an independent risk factor for overall morbidity (3.04, 2.21-4.15; <0.0001), hypocalcemia (1.73, 1.08-2.66, 0.0162), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (2.42, 1.57-3.60, <0.0001), pulmonary morbidity (18.91, 10.13-34.16, <0.0001), wound morbidity (10.61, 5.54-19.02, <0.0001), readmission (5.23, 3.34-7.92, <0.0001), return to operating room (90.73, 62.62-131.97; <0.0001), and length of stay greater than the median (5.10, 3.62-7.15, <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Identified by this study are the predictors of postthyroidectomy hematoma and the consequences thereof. Notably, the use of energy devices for hemostasis was shown to be protective of postoperative hematoma. The results of this study may guide pre- and intra-operative decision-making for thyroidectomy to reduce rates of postoperative hematoma.

Comparison of hemostatic agents in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A protocol for a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a serious stroke subtype. The effective therapies for patients with sICH are still unclear, and the role of hemostatic agents in sICH is still unclear. Although some studies have shown that hemostatic agents could benefit patients with sICH, different hemostatic drugs have different effects on patients with sICH, and which hemostatic drug has the best effect on the prevention of hematoma expansion and neurological deterioration in sICH patients remains unclear. To better understand the effects of hemostatic agents in patients with sICH, it is necessary to carry out a network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the effects of different hemostatic agents.

METHODS

This protocol has been designed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols statement. Related studies in the following databases will be searched until September 2020: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang. Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized controlled studies comparing at least 2 different hemostatic agents in sICH patients will be included. A quality assessment will be conducted with the Cochrane Collaboration tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale based on the study design. The primary outcome will be the incidence of hematoma expansion, and the secondary outcome will be the functional outcome. Pairwise and network meta-analyses will be conducted using STATA V.14 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA). Mean ranks and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to evaluate every agent. Statistical inconsistency assessment, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment will be performed.

RESULTS

According to disseminate through academic conferences, the results of this network meta-analysis are expected to publish in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide high quality evidence about effects of different hemostatic agents in patients with sICH.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020196039.

Facial aesthetic injections in clinical practice: Pretreatment and posttreatment consensus recommendations to minimise adverse outcomes

Facial aesthetic treatment with injectable neuromodulators and hyaluronic acid fillers is well established, with favourable safety profiles and consistent outcomes. As with any medical treatment, adverse events and complications may occur. Adverse events associated with these products are typically transient and mild to moderate in severity. Serious adverse events, such as infection and intravascular occlusion, are rare. Proper patient selection, consent and counselling, preparation and impeccable injection technique are important risk reduction strategies. Both clinicians and patients must be alert to the signs and symptoms of complications so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly. In this article, the authors review the current literature and provide their consensus recommendations for minimising adverse outcomes when treating patients with botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid fillers.

Approaches to Reducing Risk in Rhytidectomy Surgery

Please verify edit, "complications could". All operations have sequelae. These are to be expected and must be told to patients. With surgery, the risk of complications is ever-present albeit infrequent. Facelift surgeons have ethical and intellectual duties to fully inform patients of these risks. Surgeons also must have strategies to reduce the risks, knowledge in how to manage each potential risk, and ability to help patients understand how complications could have occurred and how to cope with them. This article discusses facelift complications, the causes thereof, and how to assess a problem, manage each complication, and comfort a distraught patient.

Timing of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Administration in Breast Surgery and Post-Operative Haematoma Formation

Aims The aims of this study were to: identify current practice regarding low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis in elective breast surgery, to determine if timing of administration of LMWH prophylaxis or specific patient demographic factors impacts the rate of post-operative haematoma formation. Methods Retrospective cohort study involving 100 patients who underwent elective breast surgery in a tertiary centre in Ireland in 2017. Medical charts were reviewed to collect data on; timing of LMWH administration, incidence of post-operative haematoma and patient's age, BMI, smoking status and anti-coagulant use. Statistical analysis was then performed. Results Forty-two patients (42%) received enoxaparin pre-operatively and thirty-one patients (31%) post-operatively. Incidence of post-operative haematoma was 4% (n=4). Of the haematoma group, three patients (75%) received post-operative enoxaparin (p=0.166). Independent patient factors did not significantly impact rate of haematoma formation. Conclusions Post-operative haematoma rate is 4%. Timing of LMWH prophylaxis administration did not significantly affect this rate.

Standard Free Versus Osteoplastic Craniotomy: Assessment of Complication Rates During Intracranial Electroencephalogram Electrode Placement for Seizure Localization

OBJECTIVE

Patients with medically intractable epilepsy often undergo sequential surgeries and are therefore exposed to an elevated risk for infection, resulting in unanticipated returns to the operating room. The goal of our study was to determine whether use of an osteoplastic bone flap technique would reduce the infection rate in these patients.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective chart review of patients with medically intractable epilepsy for grid placement was performed. Univariate analyses and linear regression were used to assess primary outcomes, including infection and hematomas requiring surgical evacuation. Secondary outcomes included duration of treatment and other, unanticipated surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 199 patients were identified, 56 (28%) with osteoplastic flaps. Standard free flaps were associated with an increased rate of infection at the craniotomy site (n = 24, 17%, vs. 0, 0%, P = 0.003), whereas osteoplastic flaps were associated with more returns to operating room for hematoma evacuation (n = 5, 9% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.024). Overall, the rate of return to operating room for unanticipated surgeries was similar, but infectious complications prolonged the duration of treatment (median: 17 days vs. 2 days, χ² = 13.97, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoplastic bone flaps markedly decreased the risk of craniotomy infections compared with free flaps in patients undergoing sequential surgeries. This decrease is offset, however, by an increase in intracranial hematoma requiring return to the operating room. Infection appeared to be a more significant complication as it was associated with increased duration of treatment. The osteoplastic technique is especially appealing in those patients likely to undergo multiple surgeries in short succession.

Risk of Hematoma From Aspirin or Clopidogrel Owing to Lumbar Puncture

Neurologists are worried about bleeding and complications from lumbar punctures in patients who use antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin and clopidogrel. We evaluated the bleeding risks of performing lumbar punctures in patients who are using or have recently used antiplatelet agents by retrospective review of lumbar punctures performed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2004 and 2018 in patients who were actively using or recently used aspirin or clopidogrel, or both. Patients were stratified into time groups based on when the lumbar puncture was done relative to the time the antiplatelet drug was discontinued: <1 week, 1-4 weeks, >4 weeks. We recorded red blood cell counts for the earliest and latest spinal fluid collections to determine the risk of traumatic bleeding; we also noted any complications. Antiplatelet medication use within 1 week of lumbar puncture was associated with a 3% incidence of bloody tap and 4% incidence of traumatic tap that cleared. In the group of patients who waited for a lumbar puncture at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of antiplatelet drug, there was a 5% incidence of bloody or traumatic tap. There was no difference in rates of bleeding between aspirin versus aspirin plus clopidogrel. The rate of hematoma complications was highest in the group of patients on aspirin at the time of the procedure (0.7%). Aspirin or clopidogrel, or both, did not meaningfully increase hemorrhagic complications in patients undergoing lumbar punctures, regardless of when the antiplatelet drug was discontinued relative to the time of the procedure.

Safety and efficacy of herbal medicine for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (CRRICH): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of removing blood stasis (RBS) herbal medicine for the treatment of acute intracerebral haemorrhage (AICH) within a 6-hour time window.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed in 14 hospitals in China.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Patients with AICH were randomly assigned to receive a placebo, the ICH-1 (Intracerebral Haemorrhage) formula (eight herbs, including the RBS herbs hirudo and tabanus) or the ICH-2 formula (six herbs without the RBS herbs hirudo and tabanus) within 6 hours of ICH onset.

OUTCOMES

The primary safety outcome was the incidence of haematoma enlargement at 24 hours and at 10 days after treatment. The secondary outcome was the incidence of poor prognosis (mortality or modified Rankin Scale score ≥5) assessed at 90 days after symptom onset.

RESULTS

A total of 324 subjects were randomised between October 2013 and May 2016: 105 patients received placebo; 108 patients received the ICH-1 formula; and 111 patients received the ICH-2 formula. The incidence of haematoma enlargement at 24 hours was 7.8% in the placebo group, 12.3% in the ICH-1 group and 7.5% in the ICH-2 group; the incidence of haematoma enlargement on day 10 was 1.1% in the placebo group, 1.1% in the ICH-1 group, and 3.1% in the ICH-2 group, with no significant differences among the groups (P>0.05). The mortality rates were 3.8% in the placebo group, 2.8% in the ICH-1 group, and 0.9% in the ICH-2 group; the incidences of poor prognosis were 7.1% in the placebo group, 6.0% in the ICH-1 group and 4.8% in the ICH-2 group at 3 months, with no significant differences among the groups (p>0.05). However, the overall frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events in the ICH-1 group (12.1%) was higher among the three groups (5.8% and 2.8%, respectively, p<0.05). All three cases of serious adverse events were in the ICH-1 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra-early administration of ICH-1 formula for AICH patients did not exert significant beneficial effects on clinical outcomes but increased the risk of bleeding, which probably resulted from the inclusion of RBS herbal medicines in ICH-1.

TRIALREGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01918722.

Dissection Re-entry Technique: How is it Really Looking?

Dissection re-entry is a widely used technique in many chronic total occlusion centers. This account of a failed re-entry attempt provides in vivo photographic evidence of how the vessel looked after such an attempt. Operators are advised to keep dissection of subintimal space and hematoma limited and use dedicated materials and techniques for controlled re-entry.

Use of MPH hemostatic powder for electrophysiology device implantation reduces postoperative rates of pocket hematoma and infection

BACKGROUND

Surgical site bleeding and infection are potential complications after electrophysiology (EP) device implantation procedures. To date, there is a wide variety of tools for management of intraoperative bleeding but it still remains unclear what methods are preferred.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to compare the rate of complications in patients who underwent cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation utilizing MPH hemostatic powder to the rate of complications in those patients who underwent standard procedure protocol without MPH hemostatic powder.

METHODS

In our study, a new plant-derived microporous polysaccharide hemostatic powder (Arista) was used. A total of 283 consecutive patients were retrospectively studied to assess the rate of complications in patients who underwent CIED implantation with MPH hemostatic powder (n = 77, MPH hemostatic powder) and without (n = 206, no MPH hemostatic powder). Patients were followed for 12 months.

RESULTS

The MPH hemostatic powder group of patients had a lower complication rate when compared to no MPH hemostatic powder, 0.3% vs. 1.7% (p < .05), respectively. The rate of device implantation site MPH hematoma in the MPH hemostatic powder group was 0.4%, versus 0.9% in the other group. There were no postoperative infections in the MPH hemostatic powder group versus 3.2% infections in the other group. The main predictor of increased risk of post-procedural complication was the usage of anticoagulation with a hazard ration of 2.7.

CONCLUSION

Using MPH hemostatic powder for post-procedural hemostasis was shown to result in a significant reduction in the rate of overall post-procedural complications (a composite endpoint of hematoma and infections), and a trend in reduction of the infections rates and device implantation site hematoma rates.

Haematomas after carotid endarterectomy can be reduced by direct pressure to the neck postoperatively

Introduction A recognised complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is postoperative haematoma, which can threaten the airway. Previous studies have looked at medical methods of preventing this complication. This study aims to evaluate the impact of simple direct pressure postoperatively on the development of haematoma. Materials and methods From 2011 to 2016, 161 consecutive CEA were performed by a single surgeon or trainee under supervision. After 80 operations, the postoperative technique was altered, with additional pressure being applied by the surgeon to the skin incision from completion of suturing until each patient was awake in the recovery room. The rates of postoperative haematoma and other complications were compared between the pre- and post-intervention groups, as well as grade of surgeon, urgency of operation and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use. Results Post-carotid haematomas were eliminated in the post-intervention group (0/81); in the pre-intervention group 7/80 patients developed haematoma (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in urgency of surgery, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, grade of surgeon or other complications (stroke: 2/80 vs 0/81 P < 0.05), suggesting that this was not a learning curve effect. Discussion The results suggest that applying direct pressure helps to reduce oozing, provides time to monitor and identify additional bleeding and protects the wound from excessive strain that may be caused by coughing while the patient wakes up. We advise that the lead surgeon should apply such pressure to ensure precise and focal targeting, for maximum effect. Conclusion During recovery from CEA, focused and prolonged pressure by the operating surgeon is a highly effective method of reducing haematoma.

Use of the AccuVein AV400 during RARP: an infrared augmented reality device to help reduce abdominal wall hematoma

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal wall hematoma (AWH) is a self-resolving, yet common complication from the insertion of trocars during laparoscopic surgery. Particularly, its appearance may increase patient anxiety and may reduce overall surgical satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study analyzing data from 724 robot-assisted radical prostatectomy cases (RARP), trocar insertion sites were examined on postoperative day 7 with Foley removal for AWH. AWH was defined by a sizable collection of blood below the skin as a result of the surgery. The AccuVein AV400 system was utilized to generate real-time images of venous structures beneath the skin. Comparative outcomes were performed with a series of 114 men where the AccuVein AV400 device was applied over trocar insertion markings to help modify port placement.

RESULTS

The pre-incision imaging of the AccuVein system modified port placement in 74 of 114 cases (65%), and reduced AWH from 8.8% to 2.6% (p = 0.03) as compared to transabdominal illumination. Port placement adjustments were most prevalent in the lateral regions of the abdomen, prompting attention for lateral trocar insertion to avoid vessels such as the thoracoepigastric veins. Notably, the body mass index (BMI) of patients experiencing AWH who received the pre-incision imaging of AccuVein was significantly higher than patients receiving standard transabdominal illumination (34.2 and 27.9 kg/m² respectively; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The AccuVein AV400 device appears to be an effective adjuvant for decreasing rates of AWH during lower abdominal wall trocar insertion, though its effectiveness is limited in patients with extreme BMI. Additionally, special attention should be directed towards trocar insertion in the lateral regions of the abdomen.

Comparison of the FemoSeal Vascular Closure Device With Manual Compression After Femoral Artery Puncture - Post-hoc Analysis of a Large-Scale, Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of arteriotomy closure with the intravascular FemoSeal vascular closure device (VCD; St. Jude Medical) compared to manual compression in patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization via the common femoral artery.

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the performance of individual contemporary VCDs compared to manual compression.

METHODS

This is a subanalysis of 3018 patients who underwent transfemoral diagnostic coronary angiography and were randomly assigned to arteriotomy closure with either the intravascular FemoSeal VCD or manual compression within the investigator-initiated, large-scale, randomized, multicenter, open-label ISAR-CLOSURE trial. Primary endpoint was the composite of access-site related vascular complications at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were time to hemostasis and repeat manual compression.

RESULTS

Vascular access-site complications were lower in patients assigned to the FemoSeal VCD compared to manual compression (6.0% vs 7.9%; P=.04), driven by a lower incidence of hematomas in the FemoSeal group (4.3% vs 6.8%; P<.01). Pseudoaneurysm rates were comparable in both groups (1.5% vs 1.5%; P=.88). Time to hemostasis was significantly shortened with the FemoSeal VCD compared to manual compression (0.5 min [IQR, 0.2-1.0 min] vs 10 min [IQR, 10-15 min]; P<.001). However, repeat manual compression was increased with the FemoSeal VCD (1.5% vs 0.7%; P=.03).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing transfemoral diagnostic coronary angiography, the use of the FemoSeal VCD is associated with shortened time to hemostasis and a reduction in vascular access-site complications driven by fewer hematomas when compared to manual compression.

Reduced Depth Technique with the Posterior Superior Alveolar Block

Purpose: The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) block is one of many techniques used to provide profound anesthesia for invasive dental procedures. This technique has a long history, with a high success rate, but is not without complication risks. The purpose of this study was to determine if pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar could be achieved using a posterior superior alveolar block with a reduced depth of penetration of 10 mm compared to the current suggested depth of 16 mm.Methods: Using a cold refrigerant, a thermal test was conducted using the buccal surface of a maxillary second molar of 43 participants. Positive neural responses were obtained from 100% of the participants (n=43) during the pretest. Each participant received a posterior superior alveolar block using a short (20mm), 27-gauge needle with the penetration depth reduced to 10mm. Post-test neural responses of these molars were evaluated using same cold thermal test technique.Results: Study results demonstrated that the reduced depth technique for the PSA block was successful in 88% (n=38) of the participants; pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar had been achieved. Furthermore, there were zero positive aspirations and zero hematomas observed in the participants.Conclusion: The reduced needle depth technique showed promise in achieving desired results of pulpal anesthesia coupled with decreasing risk and complications associated with the PSA block. Additional blinded, randomized clinical studies are recommended to achieve evidence-based support for this reduced depth PSA block technique.

Biodegradable Polymer (D,L-Lactide-ε-Caprolactone) in Aortic Vascular Prosthesis: Morphological Evaluation in an Animal Model

Biodegradable D,L-Lactide-ε-caprolactone copolymer was used in substitution to bovine collagen to seal porosity in nine Dacron vascular Sorin Carbografts®. One served as control and 8 were implanted in mini-pigs as vascular by-pass in the thoracic aorta. The grafts were explanted at 7 days (4 animals), 30 (2 animals) and at 90 days (2 animals), and submitted to gross examination, X-ray, histology and electron microscopy.

Aim of the study was to assess the safety and the reliability of these polyester vascular prostheses impregnated with the copolymer in terms of containment of the bleeding in the perioperative period, host inflammatory response, copolymer biodegradation and prostheses “healing”.

All the grafts were patent at angiographic and X-ray examination. At 7 days blood infiltration between Dacron and copolymer lining was detected. Inflammatory granulocyte infiltrates and granulomatous reaction with polymer degradation was observed at 30 days and fibrous tissue healing at 90 days. Luminal surface was covered by thin thrombi at 7 and by a neointima at 30 and 90 days.

We conclude that D,L-Lactide-ε-caprolactone copolymer is effective in preventing perigraft bleeding, even though an early hematoma between Dacron and the copolymer coating occurs. Copolymer is degraded through a mild inflammatory reaction, with eventual evolution to fibrous healing.

Patient Factors But Not the Use of Novel Anticoagulants or Warfarin Are Associated With Internal Jugular Vein Access-Site Hematoma After Right Heart Catheterization

INTRODUCTION

Right heart catheterization (RHC) is routinely performed to assess hemodynamics. Generally, anticoagulants are held prior to the procedure. At our center, anticoagulants are continued and ultrasound guidance is always used for internal jugular vein access. A micropuncture access kit is used to place a 5 or 6 Fr sheath using the modified Seldinger technique. Manual compression is applied for 10-15 min and the patient is observed for at least 2 hours after the procedure. In a retrospective analysis, we investigated the risk of bleeding complications associated with RHC via the internal jugular vein in patients with and without full anticoagulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our catheterization laboratory database was searched for adult patients who underwent RHC by a single operator between January 2012 and December 2015. A total of 571 patients were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, labs, relevant invasive hemodynamics, co-morbid conditions, and incidence of access-site hematoma are presented. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed using IBM SPSS v. 23.0 software. Statistically significant associations with access-site hematoma were observed with body mass index (P=.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.1), right atrial pressure (P=.03; 95% CI, 0.7-0.9), and dialysis dependence (P<.01; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6). There was no association of access-site hematoma with the use of anticoagulants (P>.99).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of internal jugular vein access-site hematoma is small when using careful access techniques for RHC even with the continued use of novel oral anticoagulants and warfarin. Patient characteristics and co-morbid conditions are related to bleeding complications.

Closed-Suction Drains After Subcutaneous Mastectomy for Gynecomastia: Do They Reduce Complications?

BACKGROUND

In cases of refractory gynecomastia, surgical excision of excess glandular breast tissue is often warranted. Closed-suction drain placement is commonplace; however, the effect of drains on preventing complications after male breast surgery has not been fully elucidated in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of drains on reducing seroma and hematoma after subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia over a 10-year period. Charts were reviewed for demographics, BMI, comorbidities, type of local anesthesia, specimen weight, use of liposuction, and placement of drains. Outcomes were determined by seroma or hematoma in the 30-day postoperative period.

RESULTS

A total of 163 breasts were studied (group I = no-drain, n = 46; group II = drain, n = 117). Group I had a higher rate of clinically significant seromas requiring needle aspiration than group II (6.5 vs 0%, p = 0.0214). There was no difference in rates of hematoma (group I vs II, 2.2 vs 6.0%, p = 0.443) and total fluid collections (group I vs II, 19.6 vs 16.2%, p = 0.647). BMI, use of local anesthesia, specimen weight, and use of liposuction were not significantly associated with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Closed-suction drains may reduce rates of clinically significant seromas requiring needle aspiration. Though drains carry their own pertinent adverse effects (e.g., patient discomfort and anxiety, cost, and additional clinic visits), there remains no universal standard of care and surgeon practices vary widely. Given the potential to reduce seroma rates, we recommend that surgeons consider placing drains and discuss with patients the benefits and risks of drains after surgical treatment of gynecomastia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

External closed-circuit cooling system for management of patients after device implantation: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

In the first 24h after pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) implantation or replacement, the occurrence of hematoma and pain in the surgically treated region is not infrequent and may result in re-intervention and/or more severe complications, such as infections. Currently, the post-implant phase management is very empiric. The aim of this study was to test the clinical applicability and usefulness of an external close-circuit cooling system for the management of the early post-implant period in patients with high risk of hematoma due to anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy.

METHODS

We studied 135 patients (78M; 71±11years) with high risk of hematoma occurrence after pace-maker (63 patients) or ICD (72 patients) implantation or replacement. Immediately after the intervention, a closed-circuit cooling system (CAREPACE™ system, Zamar, Italy) was externally applied on the pre-pectoral region to each patient and maintained for 24h. The system has a compressive pad and a refrigerating circuit in which non-toxic glycolic fluid is pumped. The fluid temperature was set and kept at 5°C for the whole period.

RESULTS

The compressive and cooling effect of the system was well tolerated by all the patients at the temperature set. Four patients complained of noise due to machine operation, but in none the treatment was interrupted. The average length of hospital stay was 2.8±0.4days. No clinically significant hematoma was observed at discharge and after one month follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

This new system can be used for the management of the early phase after device implantation or replacement and appears clinically useful and well tolerated. Further studies on a larger scale are needed to test the potential reduction of post-intervention complications and the cost-effectiveness of this device.

Effects of a new device to guide venous puncture in elderly critically ill patients: results of a pilot randomized study

BACKGROUND

Novel devices based on the emission of near-infrared electromagnetic radiation (NIR) have been developed to minimize venous puncture failures. These instruments produce an "augmented reality" image, in which subcutaneous veins are depicted on a LCD display. We compared the new technique with standard venipuncture in a population of elderly patients.

METHODS

Patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit were randomized to standard or to NIR assisted procedure.

RESULTS

In the 103 enrolled patients (age 74 ± 12 years; standard venipuncture-N = 56; NIR-N = 47), no differences were found in procedure length, number of attempts, and referred pain. With NIR there was a lower incidence of hematomas and fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the novel NIR-based device is safer and more psychologically tolerable, and it is not associated to an increase of procedure length or number of attempts.

Frequency of "Pocket" Hematoma in Patients Receiving Vitamin K Antagonist and Antiplatelet Therapy at the Time of Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation (from the POCKET Study)

In patients undergoing cardiac device implantation, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy are associated with an increased risk of pocket hematoma. In case of vitamin K antagonist therapy, a strategy of continued warfarin with no heparin bridge showed a reduction of pocket hematoma. Evidence regarding antiplatelet therapy management is limited. This is a single-center observational study which reflects our systematic approach to the problem. In 2012, we proposed an improved management protocol for anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy (no-bridge protocol) based on individual thromboembolic risk stratification, noninterruption of oral anticoagulation, no bridge with heparin and elastic adherence compression bandage. The primary end point was the incidence of clinically significant pocket hematoma in the first 30 days after implantation. A total of 1,035 patients were enrolled, of whom 522 received the standard management and 513 the new protocol. The primary end point occurred in 34 patients of the standard management group and 8 patients of the no-bridge protocol group (6.5% vs 1.6%, p <0.001). Patients in the standard management group had a higher incidence of pocket infections (2.3% vs 0.6%, p = 0.02), lead dislodgements (4.8% vs 2.1%, p = 0.02), and thromboembolic events (1.3% vs 0.0%, p <0.01). On a multivariate analysis, heparin and coronary artery disease were independent predictors of pocket hematoma (relative risk [RR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55 to 7.83 and RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.76, respectively), whereas the no-bridge protocol was associated with a reduction of pocket hematoma (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.76). New anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy management protocol was associated with a reduced incidence of clinically significant pocket hematomas, thromboembolic events, pocket infections, and lead dislodgements.

Vascular Access Complications after Cardiac Catheterisation: A Nurse-Led Quality Assurance Program

BACKGROUND

Vascular access complications may be a cause of discomfort, prolonged hospital stay, and impaired outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation.

AIMS

To assess vascular access complication in our patients with/without the use of closure devices as a first local benchmark for subsequent quality improvement.

METHODS

A nurse-led single-centre prospective survey of all vascular access complications in consecutive patients submitted to cardiac catheterisation during 4 months.

RESULTS

The radial and femoral access were used in 78 (14%) and 470 (83%), respectively, of 564 procedures, and a closure device was used in 136 of the latter. A haematoma (any size) was isolated and uneventful in 9.6% of cases. More severe complications (haemoglobin loss >2 g, need for blood transfusion or vascular repair) occurred in 1.2% of cases, namely: in none of the procedures with radial access, and in 0.4% and 2.4% of femoral diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures, respectively. During complicated (n=40) vs uncomplicated (n=172) transfemoral interventions, the activated coagulation time was 309+/-83 vs 271+/-71 s (p=0.004), but the use of closure devices was similar.

CONCLUSION

Severe vascular access complications in our patients were fewer than in most reports, and virtually absent in radial procedures. Vigorous anticoagulation was associated with increased complications in our patients, but closure devices were not. A new policy including both the use of the radial access whenever possible, and a less aggressive anticoagulation regimen during transfemoral interventions will be tested.

Haematoma after Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via the Femoral Artery Frequency and Risk Factors

Background: The most common complication after coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the development of haematoma. Several changes in procedures regarding CA and PCI have been made in our department in recent years. The aim of this audit is to establish how many patients develop haematoma after CA/PCI via the femoral artery and subsequently to find predictors that increase the risk of developing haematoma.

Methods: We initially included 474 consecutive patients-322 patients undergoing CA and 141 patients undergoing PCI. Eleven patients were later excluded due to the absence of complete data. Thirty-three variables were registered in order to find predictors, which might increase the haematoma frequency. A univariate as well as a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results: Of the 463 patients, 6 patients developed a haematoma > 10 cm (1.3%) and 41 patients developed a haematoma > 5 cm (8.9%). The following factors were found to be associated with the generation of haematoma: Women, systolic blood pressure > 160 mm Hg, artery puncture > 1, sheath time > 16 min, ACT ≥ 175 s, Glycoprotein (GP) IIB/IIIa inhibitors, Low Molecular Weight Heparin before procedure, personnel change during compression, and anti-coagulant-treatment before procedure.

Conclusions: The frequency of haematoma was 1.3% (> 10 cm) and 8.9% (> 5 cm), which corresponds with reports from similar studies and departments. The factors found to increase the risk of haematoma development can provide background for procedural changes and increase the focus on patients at increased risk in order to minimize the development of haematomas.