Early Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery or Intrapleural Enzyme Therapy in Pleural Infection: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial. The Third Multicenter Intrapleural Sepsis Trial-MIST-3.

Rationale: Assessing the early use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or intrapleural enzyme therapy (IET) in pleural infection requires a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT). Objectives: To establish the feasibility of randomization in a surgery-versus-nonsurgery trial as well as the key outcome measures that are important to identify relevant patient-centered outcomes in a subsequent RCT. Methods: The MIST-3 (third Multicenter Intrapleural Sepsis Trial) was a prospective multicenter RCT involving eight U.K. centers combining on-site and off-site surgical services. The study enrolled all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pleural infection and randomized those with ongoing pleural sepsis after an initial period (as long as 24 h) of standard care to one of three treatment arms: continued standard care, early IET, or a surgical opinion with regard to early VATS. The primary outcome was feasibility based on >50% of eligible patients being successfully randomized, >95% of randomized participants retained to discharge, and >80% of randomized participants retained to 2 weeks of follow-up. The analysis was performed per intention to treat. Measurements and Main Results: Of 97 eligible patients, 60 (62%) were randomized, with 100% retained to discharge and 84% retained to 2 weeks. Baseline demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of the patients were similar across groups. Median times to intervention were 1.0 and 3.5 days in the IET and surgery groups, respectively (P = 0.02). Despite the difference in time to intervention, length of stay (from randomization to discharge) was similar in both intervention arms (7 d) compared with standard care (10 d) (P = 0.70). There were no significant intergroup differences in 2-month readmission and further intervention, although the study was not adequately powered for this outcome. Compared with VATS, IET demonstrated a larger improvement in mean EuroQol five-dimension health utility index (five-level edition) from baseline (0.35) to 2 months (0.83) (P = 0.023). One serious adverse event was reported in the VATS arm. Conclusions: This is the first multicenter RCT of early IET versus early surgery in pleural infection. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the study met its predefined feasibility criteria, demonstrated potential shortening of length of stay with early surgery, and signals toward earlier resolution of pain and a shortened recovery with IET. The study findings suggest that a definitive phase III study is feasible but highlights important considerations and significant modifications to the design that would be required to adequately assess optimal initial management in pleural infection.The trial was registered on ISRCTN (number 18,192,121).

Surgical factors associated with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after lung resection: the EPAFT multicentre study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a recognised complication in approximately 10% of major lung resections. In order to best target preoperative treatment, this study aimed at determining the association of incidence of POAF in patients undergoing lung resection to surgical and anatomical factors, such as surgical approach, extent of resection and laterality. STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Thoracic surgery (EPAFT): a multicentre, population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study including 1367 patients undergoing lung resections between April 2016 and March 2017. The primary outcome was the presence of POAF following resection. POAF was defined as at least one episode of symptomatic or asymptomatic AF confirmed by ECG within 7 days from the thoracic procedure or prior to discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: POAF was observed in 7.4% of patients: 3.1% in minor resection (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): 2.5%; thoracotomy: 3.8%), 9.0% in simple lobectomy (VATS: 7.3%, thoracotomy: 9.9%), 6.0% in complex resection (thoracotomy: 6.3%) and 11.4% in pneumonectomy. POAF was higher in left (4.0%) vs right (2.4%) minor resections, and in left (9.9%) vs right (8.3%) lobectomy, but higher in right (7.5%) complex resections, and the highest in right pneumonectomy (17.6%). No significant variations were observed as per sex, laterality or resected lobes. A positive univariable and multivariable association was observed for increasing age and increasing extent of resection, but not thoracotomy. Median (Q1-Q3) hospital stay was 9 (7-14) days in POAF and 5 (4-7) days in non-AF patients (p<0.001), with an increased cerebrovascular accident burden (p<0.001) and long-term mortality (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing lung resection, POAF was significantly associated with age, increasing invasiveness of approach and increasing extent of resection. In addition, POAF carried a significant long-term mortality rate and burden of cerebrovascular accident. Appropriate prophylaxis should be targeted at these groups.

A review of the best method of leg wound closure following open harvesting of the long saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Uncertainty exists around the optimal method of leg wound closure following open long saphenous vein harvesting in adults undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Such is evident from the variety observed in the closure approach utilised. Consequently, a best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'following open long saphenous vein harvesting in adults undergoing CABG, is single-layer leg wound closure superior to multiple-layer closure in terms of post-operative complications encountered? '. Altogether 382 papers on Ovid Embase and Ovid Medline, 301 papers on PubMed and 11 papers on the Cochrane database were found using the reported search. From the screened articles, 6 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that the best method of leg closure following open saphenous vein harvesting for CABG is single-layer cutaneous closure. The use of a suction drain to eliminate the dead space should be considered on a case-to-case basis by the lead operating surgeon with the patient's characteristics and their own expertise in mind.

Prevalence and outcome of central airway obstruction in patients with lung cancer.

Introduction: Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a life-threatening complication of lung cancer. The prevalence of CAO in lung cancer patients is unknown. We audited CAO burden to inform our local cancer service. Methods: This is a cohort review of all new lung cancer diagnoses between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2015. CAO was defined by CT appearance. CT scans and routine patient records were followed up to 30 November 2018 to determine the prevalence of CAO at diagnosis; the characteristics of patients with prevalent CAO; mortality (using survival analysis); and incident CAO over follow-up. Results: Of 342 new lung cancer diagnoses, CAO prevalence was 13% (95% CI 10% to 17%; n=45/342). Dedicated CT scan review identified missed CAO in 14/45 (31%) cases. In patients with prevalent CAO, 27/44 (61%) had a performance status of ≤2, 23/45 (51%) were diagnosed during an acute admission and 36/44 (82%) reported symptoms. Treatments were offered to 32/45 (71%); therapeutic bronchoscopy was performed in only 8/31 (26%) eligible patients. Median survival of patients with prevalent CAO was 94 (IQR 33-274) days. Multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, gender and disease stage, found CAO on index CT scan was independently associated with an increased hazard of death (adjusted HR 1.78 (95% CI 1.27 to 2.48); p=0.001). In total, 15/297 (5%) developed CAO during follow-up (median onset 340 (IQR 114-551) days). Over the audit period, 60/342 (18%; 95% CI 14% to 22%) had or developed CAO. Discussions: This is the first description of CAO prevalence in 40 years. Patients with prevalent CAO had a higher mortality. Our data provide a benchmark for service planning.

A diagnostic cohort study on the accuracy of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-CT for evaluation of malignancy in anterior mediastinal lesions: the DECiMaL study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to collate multi-institutional data to determine the value by defining the diagnostic performance of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET)/CT for malignancy in patients undergoing surgery with an anterior mediastinal mass in order to ascertain the clinical utility of PET/CT to differentiate malignant from benign aetiologies in patients presenting with an anterior mediastinal mass SETTING: DECiMaL Study is a multicentre, retrospective, collaborative cohort study in seven UK surgical sites. PARTICIPANTS: Between January 2002 and June 2015, a total of 134 patients were submitted with a mean age (SD) of 55 years (16) of which 69 (51%) were men. We included all patients undergoing surgery who presented with an anterior mediastinal mass and underwent PET/CT. PET/CT was considered positive for any reported avidity as stated in the official report and the reference was the resected specimen reported by histopathology using WHO criteria. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of [18F]-FDG PET in determining malignant aetiology for an anterior mediastinal mass. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT to correctly classify malignant disease were 83% (95% CI 74 to 89) and 58% (95% CI 37 to 78). The positive and negative predictive values were 90% (95% CI 83% to 95%) and 42% (95% CI 26% to 61%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest reasonable sensitivity but no specificity implying that a negative PET/CT is useful to rule out the diagnosis of malignant disease whereas a positive result has no value in the discrimination between malignant and benign diseases of the anterior mediastinum.

Prophylactic radiotherapy for the prevention of procedure-tract metastases after surgical and large-bore pleural procedures in malignant pleural mesothelioma (SMART): a multicentre, open-label, phase 3, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of prophylactic radiotherapy to prevent procedure-tract metastases (PTMs) in malignant pleural mesothelioma remains controversial, and clinical practice varies worldwide. We aimed to compare prophylactic radiotherapy with deferred radiotherapy (given only when a PTM developed) in a suitably powered trial. METHODS: We did a multicentre, open-label, phase 3, randomised controlled trial in 22 UK hospitals of patients with histocytologically proven mesothelioma who had undergone large-bore pleural interventions in the 35 days prior to recruitment. Eligible patients were randomised (1:1), using a computer-generated sequence, to receive immediate radiotherapy (21 Gy in three fractions within 42 days of the pleural intervention) or deferred radiotherapy (same dose given within 35 days of PTM diagnosis). Randomisation was minimised by histological subtype, surgical versus non-surgical procedure, and pleural procedure (indwelling pleural catheter vs other). The primary outcome was the incidence of PTM within 7 cm of the site of pleural intervention within 12 months from randomisation, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN72767336. FINDINGS: Between Dec 23, 2011, and Aug 4, 2014, we randomised 203 patients to receive immediate radiotherapy (n=102) or deferred radiotherapy (n=101). The patients were well matched at baseline. No significant difference was seen in PTM incidence in the immediate and deferred radiotherapy groups (nine [9%] vs 16 [16%]; odds ratio 0·51 [95% CI 0·19-1·32]; p=0·14). The only serious adverse event related to a PTM or radiotherapy was development of a painful PTM within the radiotherapy field that required hospital admission for symptom control in one patient who received immediate radiotherapy. Common adverse events of immediate radiotherapy were skin toxicity (grade 1 in 50 [54%] and grade 2 in four [4%] of 92 patients vs grade 1 in three [60%] and grade 2 in two [40%] of five patients in the deferred radiotherapy group who received radiotherapy for a PTM) and tiredness or lethargy (36 [39%] in the immediate radiotherapy group vs two [40%] in the deferred radiotherapy group) within 3 months of receiving radiotherapy. INTERPRETATION: Routine use of prophylactic radiotherapy in all patients with mesothelioma after large-bore thoracic interventions is not justified. FUNDING: Research for Patient Benefit Programme from the UK National Institute for Health Research.

Test performance of PET-CT for mediastinal lymph node staging of pulmonary carcinoid tumours.

Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) is one of the initial mediastinal staging modality for non-small cell lung cancer; however, the clinical utility in carcinoid tumours is uncertain. We sought to determine the test performance of PET-CT for mediastinal lymph node staging of pulmonary carcinoid tumours. We collated data from seven institutions, performing a retrospective search on pathological databases for a consecutive series of patients who underwent thoracic surgery (with lymph nodal dissection) for carcinoid tumours with preoperative PET-CT staging. PET-CT results were compared with the reference standard of pathologic results obtained from lymph node dissection and test performance reported using sensitivity and specificity. From November 1999 to January 2013, 247 patients from seven institutions underwent surgery for carcinoid tumours with a corresponding preoperative PET-CT scan. The mean age of the patients was 61 (SD 15, range 73) and 84 were male patients (34%). The pathologic subtype was typical carcinoid in 217 patients (88%) and atypical carcinoid in 30 patients (12%). Results from lymph node dissection were obtained in 207 patients. The calculated sensitivity and specificity of PET-CT to identify mediastinal lymph node disease was 33% (95% CI 4% to 78%) and 94% (95% CI 89% to 97%), respectively. Our results indicate that PET-CT has a poor sensitivity but good specificity to detect the presence of mediastinal lymph node metastases in pulmonary carcinoid tumours. Mediastinal lymph node metastases cannot be ruled out with negative PET-CT uptake, and if the absence of mediastinal lymph node disease is a prerequisite for directing management, tissue sampling should be undertaken.

Left lower lobe torsion following upper lobectomy-prompt recognition and treatment improve survival.

Lobar torsion is a rare but life-threatening complication after lung resection. We report a case of left lower lobe torsion in 57-year-old women after upper lobectomy for underlying lung cancer. Definitive diagnosis of lung torsion was made at exploratory thoracotomy following abnormal chest radiography and bronchoscopy on the first post-operative day. An emergency completion pneumonectomy was performed and left lower lobe was resected. The post-operative course was uncomplicated and patient was discharged home on the seventh post-operative day. Early recognition and prompt treatment of lobar torsion is essential for preventing potentially catastrophic complications including fatal gangrene of the pulmonary lobe.

What is the value of topical cooling as an adjunct to myocardial protection?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'What is the value of topical cooling as an adjunct to myocardial protection?' Using the reported search, 9 papers represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The studies included four randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two RCTs demonstrated no cardioprotective effects of topical hypothermia as they found no statistically significant differences in myocardial markers between patients with or without topical cooling. In a randomized study of 249 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, phrenic nerve injury and failure of extubation occurred more frequently with the use of topical hypothermia with iced slush (P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively). One retrospective analysis found that patients who received iced topical hypothermia had longer postoperative hospitalization, higher incidence of atelectasis and higher left diaphragms on chest X-ray. Another study showed increased morbidity and mortality associated with postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction resulting from the use of iced slush topical cooling of the heart. We conclude that topical cooling is an unnecessary adjunct to myocardial protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. There is no evidence of any additional cardioprotective benefit. Several studies showed that the use of topical hypothermia is associated with phrenic nerve injury, leading to diaphragmatic paralysis and increased pulmonary complications. Moreover, long-term follow-up data showed often incomplete regression of the phrenic nerve paralysis. However, few randomized studies exist on the value of topical cooling as an adjunct to myocardial protection.

Current practice of antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in post-cardiac surgery patients: a national audit.

The Audit and Guidelines Committee of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery recently published a guideline on antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in cardiac surgery. We aimed to assess the awareness of the current guideline and adherence to it in the National Health Service through this National Audit. We designed a questionnaire consisting of nine questions covering various aspects of antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in post-cardiac surgery patients. A telephonic survey of the on-call cardiothoracic registrars in all the cardiothoracic centres across the UK was performed. All 37 National Health Service hospitals in the UK with 242 consultants providing adult cardiac surgical service were contacted. Twenty (54%) hospitals had a unit protocol for antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in post-cardiac surgery. Only 23 (62.2%) registrars were aware of current European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines. Antiplatelet therapy is variable in the cardiac surgical units across the country. Low-dose aspirin is commonly used despite the recommendation of 150-300 mg. The loading dose of aspirin within 24 h as recommended by the guideline is followed only by 60.7% of surgeons. There was not much deviation from the guideline with respect to the anticoagulation therapy.

Gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy to infected deep sternotomy wound complicated by cardiac tamponade: a case report.

Negative pressure wound therapy is the standard of care for infections after median sternotomy. Foam-based systems are commonly used even in scenarios when the myocardium is exposed. Gauze-based systems have recently gained popularity. We describe a case of deep sternal dehiscence that lead to a life-threatening complication secondary to wound filler choice.

Ambulatory intercostal drainage for the management of malignant pleural effusion: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusions are common and can be difficult to manage. We have reviewed our use of ambulatory drains (Pleurex drains) in this regard with particular reference to hospital stay, duration of drainage, and incidence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 125 patients with malignant pleural effusion with trapped lung or failed previous pleurodesis who underwent insertion of ambulatory pleural drain, 41 patients were under local anesthesia and 84 patients were under general anesthesia. Mean age was 66.5 years with male:female = 80:45. Data were collected retrospectively from the clinical notes, and the family doctors' clinics were contacted to enquire about the patients' survival. RESULTS: When data collection concluded, 48 patients (38.4%) had died, giving mean survival following drain insertion of 84.1 days. There were no in-hospital deaths related to the procedure. One procedure was converted to a mini-thoracotomy to control bleeding from a lung tear. Mean duration of catheter placement was 87.01 days (5-434). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was used in 77 patients (61.6%), and Seldinger's technique was used in 48 patients (38.4%). Mesothelioma was the most common malignant cause. Minor complications were encountered in 15 patients (12%), and they were managed as outpatients. CONCLUSION: The use of ambulatory pleural catheters for managing malignant pleural effusion is a safe and effective strategy. It has only minor complications that are related to prolonged drainage. We feel that this strategy should be considered the first choice option for these patients.

Cardiopulmonary bypass without ischemic arrest: a myocardial protection strategy for high-risk patients requiring urgent CABG.

For patients requiring emergency coronary artery revascularization, mortality remains high. One of the primary reasons is poor functional and metabolic recovery of the myocardium after ischemic arrest. We describe a hybrid of the off-pump and on-pump techniques to avoid ischemic arrest during coronary revascularization for this high-risk group.

A prospective randomized comparison of Medtronic Mosaic and Carpentier-Edwards-SAV in the aortic position: an interim report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to compare prospectively the clinical performance and long-term durability of the Medtronic Mosaic and Carpentier-Edwards porcine (CE-SAV) bioprostheses in the aortic position over 10 years. METHODS: Between January 2001 and July 2003, a total of 242 patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) were prospectively randomized to receive either Medtronic Mosaic (n = 126) or CE-SAV (n = 116) valves, and followed up annually. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 1.7 +/- 0.8 years; total follow up was 411 patient-years. Early mortality and 40-month actuarial survival were 5.5% and 93 +/- 1% for the Mosaic valve, and 2.6% and 90 +/- 1% for the CE-SAV. Among patients, 78% showed symptomatic improvement in their NYHA functional class after AVR. To date there have been no structural failures, and one patient required reoperation for prosthetic valve (Mosaic) endocarditis. Early thromboembolic events occurred in 2.9% of patients (two Mosaic, five CE-SAV). Echocardiographic evaluations between the two valves demonstrated comparable hemodynamic performance for a given size at one year after surgery. CONCLUSION: At this stage of the study there were no differences in clinical or hemodynamic outcome in patients undergoing AVR using either the Mosaic or CE-SAV porcine xenograft.

Single-layer versus multiple-layer closure of leg wounds after long saphenous vein harvest: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The long saphenous vein harvested by traditional techniques is an important conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to determine if a single-layer closure over a drain improved wound healing compared with the traditional two-layer closure after harvest. METHODS: Seventy-eight consecutive patients undergoing CABG were prospectively randomized to have their leg wound closed by either a single-layer technique with a suction drain or multiple layers. All wounds were assessed using the additional treatment, presence of serous discharge, erythema, purulent exudate, and separation of the deep tissues, isolation of bacteria, and the duration of inpatient stay (ASEPSIS) score postoperatively and 6 weeks later. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (5 females) had their wound closed by the single-layer technique and 34 (6 females) closed in multiple layers. The ASEPSIS scores were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in those patients closed with a single layer (mean, 4.4) than those with multiple layers (mean, 6.8). Patients whose legs were closed with the single-layer technique had less peripheral edema compared with the multiple-layer group (chi2, p < 0.001). Using univariate analysis there was no correlation between ASEPSIS scores and length of wound incision (p = 0.49), whereas increasing age was found to have a weak positive correlation (r =0.24; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Single-layer leg wound closure over a suction drain is superior to the traditional multiple-layer closure. A possible mechanism of better wound healing in the former technique might be through decreased tissue handling and a reduction in leg edema.

Video-assisted cardioscopy in a patient with left ventricular tumor of unknown etiology.

Ventricular tumors are a rare clinical entity with limited possibilities for excision diagnosis. For benign conditions surgical excision is the treatment of choice. A case presenting as a clinical conundrum with left ventricular tumor and complex past medical history is discussed. Aortic transvalvular video-assisted cardioscopy was used for removal and definitive diagnosis.

Differential effects of endothelin-1 on isolated working rat hearts before and after ischaemia and reperfusion.

Endothelin (ET) may have both detrimental (reduced coronary flow) and beneficial effects (positive inotrope, reduced arrhythmogenesis) following ischaemia. We examined the effects of ET on cardiac function during reperfusion following prolonged hypothermic cardioplegic arrest in a protocol mimicking cardiac transplantation. Isolated working rat hearts were perfused with Krebs buffer to which increasing concentrations of ET-1 or sarafotoxin S6c had been added. Identical experiments were performed after 4 h of cardioplegic arrest at 4 degrees C. Under pre-ischaemic conditions ET-1 caused a dose-dependent decrease in cardiac function compared with controls. In contrast, following ischaemia low doses of ET-1 (10(-10) M) caused a significant and beneficial increase in cardiac output (109.1% versus 81.3%), dP/dt i.e. the rate of change of pressure with time (94.7% versus 75.6%) and stroke volume (100.3% versus 77.5%) compared with controls (P<0.05). At higher doses of ET-1 there was a detrimental effect on cardiac output, dP/dt and stroke volume similar to that seen prior to ischaemia. Sarafotoxin S6c had no significant effect pre or post ischaemia on any of the parameters measured compared with controls (P=not significant). ET-1 at low concentrations during reperfusion can improve the recovery of cardiac function mediated via ET(A) receptors. ET may play an important physiological role in the recovery of cardiac function following prolonged ischaemia.