Cryoablation Catheter Used in the Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation May Treat Chest Tube Pain: Engin Technique.

Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery plays an important role in the patient's recovery process. In particular, pain at the chest tube site can negatively affect the comfort and recovery of these patients. Effective pain control minimizes the risk of many complications. Oral and intravenous analgesics, epidural anesthesia, paravertebral block, and intercostal nerve blockade are used in chest tube pain control. We routinely use the surgical cryoablation method in the presence of atrial fibrillation in the preoperative period of cardiac surgery in our clinic. Here we aimed to describe our method of using the cryoablation catheter for intercostal nerve blockade.

Relationship between platelet-related parameters and new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in mean platelet volume and platelet values during the spring and autumn seasons in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the possible effect of these occurrences on postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent elective isolated coronary bypass surgery at our clinic in the spring and autumn months, between August 2020 and July 2022, were retrospectively included in this study. Variables were evaluated according to the spring and autumn seasons. Patients who did not develop in-hospital postoperative atrial fibrillation were identified as Group 1, and those who did constituted Group 2. RESULTS: A total of 622 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who were operated on in the spring (n=277, median age=62 years, male gender ratio=77.3%) and those who were operated on in the autumn (n=345, median age=61 years, male gender ratio=81.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients operated on in both seasons in terms of age, gender, hypertension rates, and the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In multivariate analysis, being over 70 years old (OR: 1.934, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.489-2.995, p<0.001), having a left ventricular ejection fraction below 30% (OR: 1.550, 95%CI 1.190-2.236, p=0.012), and having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.663, 95%CI 1.339-2.191, p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors in predicting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: In this study, we first demonstrated that mean platelet volume and platelet mass index values were higher in patients in the autumn months. Additionally, for the first time in the literature, we showed that there is a significant relationship between platelet mass index value and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft.

Investigation of the effect of visceral adiposity index on venous clinical severity score in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disease affecting millions worldwide. Age, obesity, female gender, sedentary life, and long-standing at work causing orthostasis have been identified as predisposing factors. OBJECTIVE: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is an important indicator of abdominal obesity. Various studies in the cardiovascular field have shown that it may be more predictive than body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A total of 171 consecutive patients diagnosed with low-grade (C0-C3) superficial primary CVI in our clinic, between November 2021 and December 2022, were included in this prospective study. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) values were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups according to their VCSS values (Group 1: VCSS ≤6 and Group 2: VCSS >6). RESULTS: There were 110 patients in Group 1 with a median age of 42 (18-50) years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking, hypertension frequency, height, weight, body mass index, hemoglobin values, lymphocyte, neutrophil, mean platelet volume, urea, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol values (p > .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the predictive factors of high VCSS values in patients. As a result of the analysis, VAI (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.775; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.389-2.269; p < .001) and CRP (OR: 2.641; 95% CI: 1.431-4.875; p = .002) values were identified as independent predictors in predicting high VCSS values. CONCLUSION: This current study showed that high VAI values affect clinical complaints in patients with low-grade CVI. In line with our results, clinical recommendations can be made to reduce VAI values in low-stage CVI patients.

The Roles of Liver Fibrosis Scores and Modified Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio Values in Predicting Contrast-Induced Nephropathy after Elective Endovascular Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) methods are higher preferred for the treatment of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Various markers, including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, have been used to predict the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and modified stress hyperglycemia ratio (mSHR) values in predicting CIN. Patients who had undergone elective endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in our clinic between January 2015 and January 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Patients who did not develop contrast-induced nephropathy after the procedure were identified as Group 1, and those who did were referred to as Group 2. A total of 276 patients were included in the study. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, and left ventricular ejection fraction. In Group 2, the FIB-4 score, APRI, and mSHR values were significantly higher (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In Group 2, the contrast volume and number of packed blood products used (median 1 (1-4) vs. 2 (1-5)) were significantly higher (p = 0.003 and p = 0.012, respectively). In this study, we demonstrated that we may predict the risk of CIN development with preoperatively calculated, noninvasive liver fibrosis scores and mSHR.

Investigation of the Effects of Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio and Preoperative Computed Tomographic Angiography on the Occurrence of Acute Kidney Injury in Diabetic Patients following Surgical Thromboembolectomy.

Acute lower extremity ischemia (ALI) is a cardiovascular emergency resulting from embolic and thrombotic causes. Although endovascular techniques have advanced, surgical thromboembolectomy is still the gold standard. Emergency thromboembolectomy surgery involves an ischemia-reperfusion injury, which also poses a risk for acute renal injury (AKI). The stress hyperglycemia rate (SHR) has recently emerged as an important prognostic value in emergency cardiovascular events. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the impact of preoperative contrast-enhanced tomographic angiography (CTA) and the SHR value on postoperative AKI in emergency thromboembolectomy procedures in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DM). In this retrospective analysis, patients with DM who received emergency surgical thromboembolectomy after being hospitalized at our hospital with ALI between 20 October 2015, and 10 September 2022, were included. Patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 (N = 159), who did not develop AKI, and Group 2 (N = 45), who did. The 45 patients in Group 2 and the 159 patients in Group 1 had median ages of 59 (39-90) and 66 (37-93), respectively (p = 0.008). The percentage of patients in Group 2 with Rutherford class IIB and admission times longer than 6 h was higher (p = 0.003, p = 0.027, respectively). To determine the variables affecting AKI after surgical embolectomy procedures, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. In multivariate analysis Model 1, age > 65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.425, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.230-1.980, p < 0.001), preoperative high creatinine (OR: 4.194, 95% CI: 2.890-6.156, p = 0.003), and Rutherford class (OR: 0.874, 95% CI: 0.692-0.990, p = 0.036) were determined as independent predictors for AKI. In Model 2, age > 65 years (OR: 1.224 CI: 1.090-1.679, p = 0.014), preoperative high creatinine (OR: 3.975, 95% CI: 2.660-5.486, p = 0.007), and SHR (OR: 2.142, CI: 1.134-3.968, p = 0.003), were determined as independent predictors for amputation. In conclusion, when an emergency thromboembolectomy operation is planned in insulin-dependent DM patients, renal risky groups can be identified, and renal protective measures can be taken. In addition, to reduce the renal risk, according to the suitability of the clinical conditions of the patients, the decision to perform a CTA with contrast can be taken by looking at the SHR value.

Syndecan-1 as a marker to predict acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft operations.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative acute kidney injury is an important problem that can occur after coronary artery bypass graft operations, and it is important to identify risky patient groups preoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the importance of preoperative syndecan-1 levels in predicting acute kidney injury after elective coronary artery bypass graft operations accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft operation in our clinic between March 1 and May 10, 2022, were included in this prospective study. Patients who did not develop acute kidney injury in the postoperative period were recorded as group 1 and patients who developed it were recorded as group 2. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. There were 55 patients in group 1 and 24 patients in group 2. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking, and hyperlipidemia rates. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased blood product use (odds ratio 1.634; 95%CI 1.036-2.579; p=0.035), preoperative high creatinine (odds ratio 59.387; 95%CI 3.034-1162.496; p=0.007), and high syndecan-1 (odds ratio 1.015; 95%CI 1.002-1.028; p=0.025) were independent predictors of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that elevated preoperative syndecan-1 is associated with acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass and has prognostic utility independent of other recognized risk factors.

Syndecan-1 as a marker to predict acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft operations

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative acute kidney injury is an important problem that can occur after coronary artery bypass graft operations, and it is important to identify risky patient groups preoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the importance of preoperative syndecan-1 levels in predicting acute kidney injury after elective coronary artery bypass graft operations accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft operation in our clinic between March 1 and May 10, 2022, were included in this prospective study. Patients who did not develop acute kidney injury in the postoperative period were recorded as group 1 and patients who developed it were recorded as group 2. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. There were 55 patients in group 1 and 24 patients in group 2. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking, and hyperlipidemia rates. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased blood product use (odds ratio 1.634; 95%CI 1.036-2.579; p=0.035), preoperative high creatinine (odds ratio 59.387; 95%CI 3.034-1162.496; p=0.007), and high syndecan-1 (odds ratio 1.015; 95%CI 1.002-1.028; p=0.025) were independent predictors of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that elevated preoperative syndecan-1 is associated with acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass and has prognostic utility independent of other recognized risk factors.

Evaluation of the relationship between adjusted ischemia-modified albumin and the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Albumin undergoes structural changes under ischemia and oxidative stress, turning into ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). It has been proposed as an early biomarker for various diseases associated with ischemia. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum IMA and peripheral artery disease (PAD) and whether it is a risk marker for the severity of PAD. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 100 patients with lower extremity PAD and 50 volunteers without. Patients with resting pain, ulcer, and gangrene were excluded from the study. Patients with PAD included in the study were divided into two groups as mild claudication and moderate-severe claudication. Adjusted-IMA levels were calculated according to the median albumin values of the groups. The basic clinical features and laboratory findings of the participants were recorded and compared. Possible risk factors for presence and severity of PAD and IMA levels were examined by logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. RESULTS: IMA and adjusted-IMA levels were significantly higher in the PAD group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). IMA and adjusted-IMA levels were significantly higher in PAD group 2, which had moderate-to-severe claudication and more pronounced ischemic symptoms (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Advanced age, presence of hypertension, smoking, low albumin levels, and high adjusted-IMA levels were independent predictors of PAD. There was a negative high correlation between adjusted-IMA levels and ABI (r: -0.666, p < 0.001, Spearman's correlation). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that adjusted-IMA cut-off values of 0.802 or above could predict presence and severity of peripheral artery disease with 70% sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC: 0.825, 95% CI: 0.758-0.893, log rank p: 0.000). CONCLUSION: We determinated that increased adjusted-IMA levels were a predictors of the presence and severity of PAD. In addition, adjusted-IMA values can be a valuable marker in the follow-up of clinical severity of PAD.

Evaluation of the effect of preoperative HbA1c value on development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in diabetic patients with on-pump coronary artery bypass graft.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF). METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-eight patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and undergoing on-pump coronary bypass were included in the study. Those with serum HbA1c levels between 5.5% and 7.0% were defined as Group 1, those with serum HbA1c levels between 7.1% and 8.9% were defined as Group 2, while those with serum HbA1c levels 9.0% and above formed Group 3. Data between groups were compared. The predictive values of the independent variables for the development of PoAF were measured. RESULTS: We did not find a difference between groups in terms of development PoAF (p = .170). The presence of hypertension was determined as an independent predictor for the development of PoAF (p = .003), but not HbA1c levels (p = .134). There was 50.5% sensitivity and 61.1% specificity for HbA1c values of 9.06% and above to predict PoAF (area under curve: 0.571, p = .049). CONCLUSIONS: HbA1c levels were not an independent predictor of PoAF development. However, we think that high HbA1c levels may be a risk factor for the development of PoAF.

Investigation of the effect of acute to chronic glycemic ratio on major amputation development after surgical thromboembolectomy in patients with acute lower extremity ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is an emergency vascular pathology in which perfusion is disrupted in the lower extremity and threatens extremity viability. The admission blood glucose (ABG)/estimated average glucose (eAG) value has recently been shown as a prognostic marker in acute cardiovascular events. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive role of an ABG/eAG value in predicting development of early postoperative major amputation after emergency thromboembolectomy operations in patients presenting with ALI. METHOD: Patients who admitted to our hospital with ALI between November 01, 2016 and September 01, 2021 and underwent surgical thromboembolectomy were retrospectively included in the study. Patients who did not undergo postoperative limb amputation were recorded as Group 1, and patients who underwent major amputation in the early postoperative period (in-hospital), were recorded as Group 2. RESULTS: The median age of the 226 patients included in Group 1 and 72 patients in Group 2 were 58 (34-86) years and 69 (33-91) years, respectively (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, in-hospital amputation was found to significantly correlate with age>70 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.914, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.351-2.319, p<0.001), PAD (OR: 1.698, 95% CI: 1.270-1.992, p = 0.002 re-embolectomy (OR: 2.184, 95% CI: 1.663-3.085, p < 0.001), admission Rutherford class (OR: 0.762, 95% CI: 0.591-0.859, p = 0.032), admission time>6 h (OR: 1.770, 95% CI: 1.480-1.152, p = 0.009), ABG (OR: 1.275, 95% CI: 1.050-1.790, p < 0.001), and ABG/eAG (OR: 1.669, 95% CI: 1.315-2.239, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to our study, we can predict patient groups with a high risk of major amputation with the ABG/eAG value calculated from the blood values of the patients at the time of admission.