Most deaths in low-risk cardiac surgery could be avoidable.

It is observed that death rates in cardiac surgery has decreased, however, root causes that behave like triggers of potentially avoidable deaths (AD), especially in low-risk patients (less bias) are often unknown and underexplored, Phase of Care Mortality Analysis (POCMA) can be a valuable tool to identify seminal events (SE), providing valuable information where it is possible to make improvements in the quality and safety of future procedures. Our results show that in São Paul State, only one third of AD in low-risk cardiac surgery was related to specific surgical problems. After a revisited analysis, 75% of deaths could have been avoided, which in the pre-operative phase, the SE was related judgment, patient evaluation and preparation. In the intra-operative phase, most occurrences could have been avoided if other surgical technique had been used. Sepsis was responsible for 75% of AD in the intensive care unit. In the ward phase, the recognition/management of clinical decompensations and sepsis were the contributing factors. Logistic regression model identified age, previous coronary stent implantation, coronary artery bypass grafting + heart valve surgery, ≥ 2 combined heart valve surgery and hospital-acquired infection as independent predictors of AD.

Aortic Valve Replacement: Treatment by Sternotomy versus Minimally Invasive Approach.

Objective: To compare the results of aortic valve replacement with access by sternotomy or minimally invasive approach. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 37 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement by sternotomy or minimally invasive approach, with emphasis on the comparison of time of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping, volume of surgical bleeding, time of mechanical ventilation, need for blood transfusion, incidence of atrial fibrillation, length of stay in intensive care unit, time of hospital discharge, short-term mortality and presence of surgical wound infection. Results: Sternotomy was used in 22 patients and minimally invasive surgery in 15 patients. The minimally invasive approach had significantly higher time values of cardiopulmonary bypass (114.3±23.9 versus 86.7±19.8min.; P=0.003), aortic clamping (87.4±19.2 versus 61.4±12.9 min.; P<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (287.3±138.9 versus 153.9±118.6 min.; P=0.003). No difference was found in outcomes surgical bleeding volume, need for blood transfusion, incidence of atrial fibrillation, length of stay in intensive care unit and time of hospital discharge. No cases of short-term mortality or surgical wound infection were documented. Conclusion: The less invasive approach presented with longer times of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic clamping and mechanical ventilation than sternotomy, however without prejudice to the length of stay in intensive care unit, time of hospital discharge and morbidity.

Low Cost Simulator for Heart Surgery Training.

Objective: Introduce the low-cost and easy to purchase simulator without biological material so that any institution may promote extensive cardiovascular surgery training both in a hospital setting and at home without large budgets. Methods: A transparent plastic box is placed in a wooden frame, which is held by the edges using elastic bands, with the bottom turned upwards, where an oval opening is made, "simulating" a thoracotomy. For basic exercises in the aorta, the model presented by our service in the 2015 Brazilian Congress of Cardiovascular Surgery: a silicone ice tray, where one can train to make aortic purse-string suture, aortotomy, aortorrhaphy and proximal and distal anastomoses. Simulators for the training of valve replacement and valvoplasty, atrial septal defect repair and aortic diseases were added. These simulators are based on sewage pipes obtained in construction material stores and the silicone trays and ethyl vinyl acetate tissue were obtained in utility stores, all of them at a very low cost. Results: The models were manufactured using inert materials easily found in regular stores and do not present contamination risk. They may be used in any environment and maybe stored without any difficulties. This training enabled young surgeons to familiarize and train different surgical techniques, including procedures for aortic diseases. In a subjective assessment, these surgeons reported that the training period led to improved surgical techniques in the surgical field. Conclusion: The model described in this protocol is effective and low-cost when compared to existing simulators, enabling a large array of cardiovascular surgery training.

The composite aortic wall graft technique: an option for a short coronary artery bypass graft.

SUMMARY: During coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the saphenous vein is sutured through its proximal segment to the aorta. Intimal hyperplasia is one of the possible causes of graft occlusion. Notably, blood turbulence can induce wall shear stress that may also play an important role in this process. OBJECTIVE: We propose a new technique for performing proximal anastomosis to avoid CABG failure. METHOD: An 80 kg pig was subjected to open heart surgery. Four stitches were placed in the anterior ascending aorta, which formed a 2 cm by 4 cm patch. This patch was isolated through the application of a tangential clamp that was oriented parallel to the axis of the aorta. After releasing the patch, which was held to the aorta through its cranial end pedicle, the rims were sutured to each other creating a conduit with a length of 4 cm and an internal diameter of 4 mm. The rest of the aortotomy was closed by placing a direct suture between its rims. RESULT: This novel technique created an "in situ" aortic wall graft that was 4 cm long and characterized as being of uniform 4 mm caliber.

Análise angiográfica tardia dos enxertos empregados na revascularização miocárdica de pacientes com retorno de sintomas / CABG late angiographic grafting patency analysis in patients with recurrent symptoms

OBJETIVO: A Artéria Torácica Interna Esquerda (ATIE) é o padrão ouro como enxerto na revascularização miocárdica (RM). Para otimizar seu uso, e de outros enxertos, têm sido usadas anastomoses sequenciais. Não há consenso da equivalência dos resultados entre enxertos isolados e sequenciais. O objetivo é comparar a perviabilidade dos enxertos isolados versus sequenciais. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva da patência dos enxertos empregados na RM por meio de cinecoronariografias realizadas no período entre janeiro/2000 e agosto/2007, em 88 pacientes com retorno de sintomas, operados em nosso serviço. Foi utilizado o teste t de Student para a análise estatística dos resultados. Cada anastomose distal foi considerada como um enxerto independente. RESULTADOS: O período médio de pós-operatório foi de 53 + 138 meses e a idade média foi de 64 + 11 anos. Os enxertos isolados de ATIE apresentaram patência superior aos dos enxertos sequenciais, sendo respectivamente de 92 por cento (46/50) e 77 por cento (30/39), com P = 0,02. Entretanto, em artérias coronárias com lesões > 70 por cento, a patência da ATIE isolada é semelhante à seqüencial, sendo, respectivamente, 95 por cento (37/39) e 93 por cento (26/ 28), com P = 0,37. A patência média de artéria radial para enxertos isolados e sequenciais foi, respectivamente, 71 por cento (5/ 7) e 90 por cento (19/21), com P = 0,10. A patência média da veia safena para enxertos isolados e sequenciais foi, respectivamente, 72 por cento (31/43) e 81 por cento (73/90), com P = 0,12. Não houve diferença entre a patência da artéria radial e da veia safena. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com retorno dos sintomas, a ATIE isolada apresenta patência superior à sequencial. Entretanto, em lesões coronarianas > 70 por cento, a patência da ATIE isolada é semelhante à sequencial. Os enxertos sequenciais de artéria radial e de veia safena são semelhantes aos seus respectivos enxertos isolados.

OBJECTIVE: Left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafting has become the gold standard in coronary artery bypass graft procedure (CABG). In order to optimize the use of LITA or other grats, sequential anastomosis has been used. There is no consensus on equivalence of results between isolated and sequential grafts. The aim of this study is to compare the patency of isolated versus sequential grafts. METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2007, a retrospective patency analysis of the grafts used in 88 symptomatic patients who underwent CABG procedure in our Service was performed through cinecoronariography. Statistical analysis was performed through Student's t test. Each distal anastomosis was considered an independent graft. RESULTS: The mean postoperative period was of 53 + 138 months and mean age was 64 + 11 years. LITA isolated grafts presented patency rate significantly higher than the sequential grafts, respectively 92 percent (46/50) and 77 percent (30/39) P = 0.02. However, in injured coronary arteries of > 70 percent, isolated LITA patency rate was similar to sequential grafts, (95 percent; 37/39) and (93 percent; 26/28) respectively; P = 0.37. Mean radial artery patency rate was similar to isolated 71 percent (5/7) and sequential 90 percent (19/21) grafts; P = 0.10. Saphenous vein patency rates were similar for isolated 72 percent (31/43) and sequential 81 percent (73/90) grafts; P = 0.12. There was no difference between radial artery and saphenous vein patency rates. CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients, isolated LITA patency is superior than sequential LITA. However, in coronary injuries of > 70 percent, the isolated and sequential patency rates are similar. Sequential grafts from radial artery and saphenous vein are similar to their respective isolated grafts.

The composite aortic wall graft technique: an option for a short coronary artery bypass graft

SUMMARY: During coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the saphenous vein is sutured through its proximal segment to the aorta. Intimal hyperplasia is one of the possible causes of graft occlusion. Notably, blood turbulence can induce wall shear stress that may also play an important role in this process. OBJECTIVE: We propose a new technique for performing proximal anastomosis to avoid CABG failure. METHOD: An 80 kg pig was subjected to open heart surgery. Four stitches were placed in the anterior ascending aorta, which formed a 2 cm by 4 cm patch. This patch was isolated through the application of a tangential clamp that was oriented parallel to the axis of the aorta. After releasing the patch, which was held to the aorta through its cranial end pedicle, the rims were sutured to each other creating a conduit with a length of 4 cm and an internal diameter of 4 mm. The rest of the aortotomy was closed by placing a direct suture between its rims. RESULT: This novel technique created an "in situ" aortic wall graft that was 4 cm long and characterized as being of uniform 4 mm caliber.

[Radial artery harvesting technique without hemostatic clips and clinical experience]. / Técnica para retirada da artéria radial sem utilização de clipes hemostáticos e experiência clínica.

OBJECTIVE: The various techniques of radial artery (RA) harvesting produce similar results. These techniques use electrocautery, ultrasonic scalpel, or sharp scissors in different combinations, but usually associated with the use of hemostatic clips. We describe a RA harvesting technique with the combination of sharp scissors and electrocautery without the use of hemostatic clips. METHODS: We describe a retrospective study of 107 patients ranging from 28 and 78 years of age (mean +/- SD; 53.3 +/- 8 yrs). Bleeding, re-operation, infarct, and death were analyzed. RESULTS: No bleeding was imputable to the RA and no re-operations were required. There were three (2.8%) infarcts possibly related to the RA anastomosis territory. Mortality was 0.9%, but unrelated to cardiac complications. CONCLUSION: RA electrocautery harvesting without hemostatic clips presented no bleeding and was an inexpensive procedure, requiring no investments in additional equipment.

Técnica para retirada da artéria radial sem utilização de clipes hemostáticos e experiência clínica / Radial artery harvesting technique without hemostatic clips and clinical experience

OBJETIVO: As diferentes técnicas de dissecção de artéria radial (AR) obtêm resultados semelhantes. Estas técnicas utilizam eletrocautério, bisturi ultra-sônico ou tesouras em diferentes combinações, mas geralmente associadas ao uso de clipes hemostáticos. Este trabalho descreve uma técnica de dissecção de AR com a combinação de tesouras e eletrocautério sem o uso de clipes hemostáticos. MÉTODOS: O estudo apresenta um levantamento retrospectivo de 107 pacientes, entre 28 e 78 anos (média ± desvio padrão 53,3 ± 8 anos), feito entre janeiro de 2000 e junho de 2005, no qual é relatada a incidência de sangramento, reoperação, infarto do miocárdio e mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Não ocorreram sangramentos relacionados à AR e não ocorreram reoperações. Ocorreram três (2,8 por cento) infartos possivelmente relacionados ao território de anastomose de AR. A mortalidade foi de 0,9 por cento não relacionada a causas cardiovasculares. CONCLUSÃO: A dissecção de AR com eletrocautério sem clipes hemostáticos não apresentou sangramento, foi de baixo custo e dispensa investimentos em equipamentos adicionais.

OBJECTIVE: The various techniques of radial artery (RA) harvesting produce similar results. These techniques use electrocautery, ultrasonic scalpel, or sharp scissors in different combinations, but usually associated with the use of hemostatic clips. We describe a RA harvesting technique with the combination of sharp scissors and electrocautery without the use of hemostatic clips. METHODS: We describe a retrospective study of 107 patients ranging from 28 and 78 years of age (mean ± SD; 53.3 ± 8 yrs). Bleeding, re-operation, infarct, and death were analyzed. RESULTS: No bleeding was imputable to the RA and no re-operations were required. There were three (2.8 percent) infarcts possibly related to the RA anastomosis territory. Mortality was 0.9 percent, but unrelated to cardiac complications. CONCLUSION: RA electrocautery harvesting without hemostatic clips presented no bleeding and was an inexpensive procedure, requiring no investments in additional equipment.

Elective vs non-elective radial artery grafts: comparing midterm results through 64-Slice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery (LITA-LADA) grafting has become a fundamental part of the coronary artery bypass graft procedure (CABG). This grafting in turn has led to an increased use of other arterial conduits, of which the radial artery (RA) is most popular. Whether RA grafting can be used in the emergency patient is controversial. METHODS: 47 patients with critical stenosis (>70%) in all target vessels underwent CABG with LITA and RA grafts from 1996 to 2003. Patients were divided into elective (23 patients) and non-elective groups (24 patients) with LITA and RA grafts per patient being similar in both groups. Of these 47 patients, 5 died from non-cardiac complications and 12 were unavailable. Thus, 30 patients (71% of survivors) were studied by multidetector computed tomography. A total of 36 LITA and 64 RA grafts were studied. RESULTS: The RA patency rate for elective and non-elective grafts were 82% (31/38) and 85% (22/26), respectively (p=0.75). The RA had a similar patency rate for all target vessels ranging from 73% to 100%. Only one patient had a redo CABG and 29 (97%) are free from angina or re-intervention. LITA-LADA had a 92% (11/12) and 100% (10/10) patency rate for elective and non-elective groups, respectively (p=0.37). The sequential LITA-diagonal-LADA in the elective group had a 50% (03/06) patency rate, which was significantly lower than the 100% (08/08) patency rate of the non-elective group (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Radial Artery grafts can be used in both elective and non-elective patients with excellent results.

Elective vs non-elective radial artery grafts: comparing midterm results through 64-Slice computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery (LITA-LADA) grafting has become a fundamental part of the coronary artery bypass graft procedure (CABG). This grafting in turn has led to an increased use of other arterial conduits, of which the radial artery (RA) is most popular. Whether RA grafting can be used in the emergency patient is controversial. METHODS: 47 patients with critical stenosis (>70 percent) in all target vessels underwent CABG with LITA and RA grafts from 1996 to 2003. Patients were divided into elective (23 patients) and non-elective groups (24 patients) with LITA and RA grafts per patient being similar in both groups. Of these 47 patients, 5 died from non-cardiac complications and 12 were unavailable. Thus, 30 patients (71 percent of survivors) were studied by multidetector computed tomography. A total of 36 LITA and 64 RA grafts were studied. RESULTS: The RA patency rate for elective and non-elective grafts were 82 percent (31/38) and 85 percent (22/26), respectively (p=0.75). The RA had a similar patency rate for all target vessels ranging from 73 percent to 100 percent. Only one patient had a redo CABG and 29 (97 percent) are free from angina or re-intervention. LITA-LADA had a 92 percent (11/12) and 100 percent (10/10) patency rate for elective and non-elective groups, respectively (p=0.37). The sequential LITA-diagonal-LADA in the elective group had a 50 percent (03/06) patency rate, which was significantly lower than the 100 percent (08/08) patency rate of the non-elective group (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Radial Artery grafts can be used in both elective and non-elective patients with excellent results.

INTRODUÇÃO: A anastomose da artéria torácica interna esquerda com a artéria descendente anterior (ATIE-DA) se tornou parte fundamental da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (RM). Esta técnica levou ao aumento de utilização de outros enxertos arteriais, entre os quais, a artéria radial (AR) é muito usasa. Na literatura há controvérsia se a AR pode ser usada em pacientes em RM de emergência. MÉTODOS: 47 pacientes com lesões críticas (>70 por cento) em todas as artérias alvo foram submetidos à RM com ATIE e a AR entre 1996 e 2003. Os pacientes foram agrupados em eletivos (23 pacientes) e não eletivos (24 pacientes) sendo similares para número de enxertos de ATIE e AR por paciente. Dos 47 pacientes, 5 morreram de complicações não cardíacas e 12 não estavam disponíveis. Portanto, 30 pacientes (71 por cento dos sobreviventes) foram estudados com tomografia computadorizada. Um total de 36 ATIE e 64 AR foram analisadas. RESULTADOS: a perviabilidade da AR nos grupos eletivo e não eletivo foram respectivamente 82 por cento (31/38) e 85 por cento (22/26) (p=0,75). A AR teve perviabilidade semelhante para todas as artérias alvo variando de 73 por cento a 100 por cento. Apenas um paciente foi submetido à nova RM e 29 (97 por cento) estão livres de angina ou nova re-intervenção. ATIE-DA teve perviabilidade de 92 por cento (11/12) e 100 por cento (10/10) respectivamente nos grupos eletivo e não-eletivo (p=0,37). ATIE-Diagonal-DA seqüencial obteve perviabilidade de 50 por cento (03/06) no grupo eletivo que foi significativamente menor que a perviabilidade de 100 por cento (08/08) do não-eletivo (p=0,02). CONCLUSÃO: A AR pode ser utilizada nos pacientes eletivos e não eletivos com excelentes resultados.

Ross procedure and ventricular septal defect correction with prolapsed cusp.

We present the case of an asymptomatic 31-year-old man with perimembranous ventricular septal defect and aortic insufficiency due to a prolapsed right cusp. The ventricular septal defect was corrected with the rotation of the right cusp, and the Ross procedure was performed for the aortic insufficiency. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. At immediate and first year follow-up examinations he presented with trivial aortic insufficiency and no residual ventricular septal defect. The patient remains asymptomatic with no medication.

Coronary revascularization with the left internal thoracic artery and radial artery: comparison of short-term clinical evolution between elective and emergency surgery.

BACKGROUND: Left internal thoracic artery-to left anterior descending artery grafting has become a fundamental part of coronary artery bypass grafting. This grafting has led to increased use of other arterial conduits, of which the radial artery is most popular. Whether radial grafting can be used in the emergency patient is not known. This study compares the short-term clinical evolution between elective vs emergency coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with left internal thoracic artery and radial artery. METHODS: A retrospective study of 47 patients who underwent elective or emergency coronary artery bypass grafting from 1996 to 2003. All patients had coronary stenosis>70% in all target vessels. Only the left internal thoracic artery and radial artery were used as grafts. Patients were divided into elective group (23 patients) and emergency group (24 patients). Emergency criteria were unstable angina and/or critical coronary stenosis with high risk for acute myocardial infarction. Groups were similar for age and number of diseased vessels. RESULTS: The mean number of left internal thoracic artery grafts per patient in the elective and emergency groups were respectively 1.17 and 1.38 (P=.17). The mean number of radial artery grafts per patient in the elective and emergency groups was respectively 2.26 and 2.08 (P=.48). The 30-day mortality was 0. There was no postoperative cardiogenic shock. The elective group had 1 acute myocardial infarction (4.4%) postoperatively, and emergency group had 5 (20.8%). A nonsignificant trend towards acute myocardial infarction was noted in the emergency group (P=.18). Intensive care unit and postoperative stay were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery bypass grafting using left internal thoracic artery and radial artery accomplishing complete revascularization can be performed in emergency patients with results similar to those for elective patients.

Coronary revascularization with the left internal thoracic artery and radial artery: comparison of short-term clinical evolution between elective and emergency surgery

O uso de artéria torácica interna esquerda para descendente anterior se tornou fundamental na revascularização do miocárdio. Este enxerto levou ao aumento da utilização de enxertos arteriais, dos quais a artéria radial é muito popular. O uso de artéria radial em pacientes de emergência foi pouco estudado. Este estudo compara a evolução clínica imediata entre revascularização do miocárdio eletiva vs. emergência com artéria torácica interna esquerda e artéria radial. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 47 pacientes que se submeteram a revascularização do miocárdio eletiva ou de emergência entre 1996 e 2003. Apresentavam estenose crítica (>70%) em todas as artérias alvo. Apenas a artéria torácica interna esquerda e a artéria radial foram utilizadas. Os pacientes constituíram dois grupos: eletivo (23 casos) e emergência (24 casos). Critérios de emergência foram angina instável e/ou estenose coronariana crítica com alto risco de infarto agudo do miocárdio. Os grupos eram homogêneos para idade e artérias acometidas. RESULTADOS: A média de enxertos de artéria torácica interna esquerda por paciente eletivo e de emergência foi respectivamente 1,17 e 1,38 (P=.17). A média de enxertos de artéria radial por paciente eletivo e de emergência foi respectivamente 2,26 e 2,08 (P=.48). A mortalidade até 30 dias foi zero. No pós-operatòrio não ocorreram casos de choque cardiogênico. Um paciente eletivo (4,4%) e 5pacientes de emergência (20,8%) apresentaram infarto agudo do miocárdio no pós-operatório; tendência não significativa para ocorrência de infarto agudo do miocárdio no grupo de emergência (P=.18). Tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e hospitalar foi semelhante nos dois grupos. CONCLUSAO: A revascularização do miocárdio com utilização de artéria torácica interna esquerda e artéria radial pode ser realizada em pacientes de emergência com resultados equivalentes aos pacientes eletivos.

First use of hypertonic saline dextran in children: a study in safety and effectiveness for atrial septal defect surgery.

Hypertonic saline dextran (7.5% NaCl + 6% Dextran-70) has been used in adults in several studies and shown beneficial effects in hypovolemic shock, trauma, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac surgery. There have never been studies of this solution in children. This work studies its effect in children undergoing surgery for the correction of atrial septal defects. Twenty-five children underwent correction of atrial septal defect using cardiopulmonary bypass with bloodless priming. Children were divided in five groups and each received an incremental hypertonic saline dextran dose of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mL/kg, 5 min before the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass. Collected data were fluid balance, amount of bleeding, blood/derivative transfusion occurrence, plasma sodium, and hematocrit. Patients were divided into low-dose (0-1 mL/kg) and high-dose (2-4 mL/kg) groups. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in blood loss between groups. The fluid balance and blood/derivative requirements were compared through Student's t test and Fisher's exact test (2-tail), respectively. All patients were discharged from hospital with corrected atrial septal defect. No hypertonic saline dextran-related complications occurred. There were no differences in the amount of bleeding. The high-dose group exhibited a significant decrease in fluid balance and in blood/derivative requirements in comparison with the low-dose group. In this study, the use of hypertonic saline dextran in the pediatric population submitted to cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and does not raise the amount of bleeding. Its effective doses produce negative fluid balance and reduce blood/derivative requirements.