Roles and competencies of nurses and physicians in shared decision-making in cardiac surgery: A scoping review.

AIM: Identification and synthesis of research data related to the roles and competencies of physicians and nurses that are prerequisites for careful shared decision-making with patients potentially undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception dates up to March 2022, to identify primary studies published in a peer-reviewed journal. Study selection, assessment of the methodological quality and data extracting of the included studies were done by at least two independent researchers. To describe the findings of the studies, an emergent synthesis approach was used to visualize a descriptive representation of professional roles and competencies in shared decision-making, in an overview. RESULTS: The systematic search revealed 10,055 potential papers, 8873 articles were screened on title and abstract and 76 full texts were retrieved. Eight articles were included for final evaluation. For nurses and physicians, 26 different skills were identified in the literature to practice shared decision-making in cardiac surgery. The skills that emerged were divided into five professional roles: moderator; health educator; data collector; psychological supporter and translator. CONCLUSIONS: This review specifies the professional roles and required competencies related to shared decision-making in cardiac surgery. Further research is needed to compare our findings with other clinical areas and from there to arrive at a professional division of roles between the different clinical disciplines involved. IMPACT: The visualization of generic shared decision-making competencies and roles should establish the professional division of positions between various clinical physician and nurse disciplines in order to create a treatment plan based on evidence, values, preferences and the patient's personal situation. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Muscle strength trajectories and their association with postoperative health-related quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with sarcopenia have a higher risk of poor recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Little is known about the impact of changes in muscle strength (the primary indicator for sarcopenia) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). This study aimed to (1) identify subgroups with different muscle strength trajectories, (2) identify differences in preoperative risk factors among trajectory group membership, and (3) explore their prognostic value on postoperative HR-QoL in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: In this prospective observational study 131 patients undergoing elective CABG completed grip strength tests and HR-QoL questionnaires. Latent Class Growth Mixture Modelling (LCGMM) was used to identify clinically relevant trajectories (> 5% of study population) for weight-normalised grip strength, measured at admission, 3 days, and 6 months after surgery. Differences between trajectory group membership at baseline were evaluated. The impact of trajectory group membership on postoperative HR-QoL was evaluated with multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Due to low numbers (n = 15), female patients were excluded from LCGMM and subsequent statistical analyses. In males (n = 116), we identified two main weight-normalised grip strength trajectories: a "stable average" trajectory with a slight decline immediately post-surgery and recovery to preoperative levels (n = 85) and a "high" trajectory with a considerable immediate decline after surgery but followed towards a higher level of recovery compared to preoperative level (n = 27). The "stable average" patients were older (68 vs. 57 years; P = 0.003), had more diabetes (27% vs. 4%; P = 0.01) and had a higher BMI (27.8 vs. 24.8; P = 0.005) compared to the "high" group. After correction for age, diabetes, and baseline HR-QoL, group trajectory membership was not associated with postoperative HR-QoL, yet an increase in individual change scores of weight-normalised grip strength was associated with a better postoperative HR-QoL. We also identified one small trajectory group (n = 4, ≤ 5%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed two relevant weight-normalised grip strength trajectories in male patients undergoing CABG, varying in important preoperative risk factors. While change scores of grip strength per weight did predict postoperative HR-QoL, the trajectory subgroups could not predict postoperative HR-QoL. Future research should focus on female patients, reacting potentially different on CABG and/or rehabilitation treatment. Trial registration NCT03774342, 12-12-2018.

Mitral Valve Coaptation Reserve Index: A Model to Localize Individual Resistance to Mitral Regurgitation Caused by Annular Dilation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model for mitral annular dilatation simulation and determine its effects on the individualized mitral valve (MV) coaptation reserve index (CRI). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of intraoperative transesophageal 3-dimensionalechocardiographic MV datasets was performed. A mathematical model was created to assess the mitral CRI for each leaflet segment (A1-P1, A2-P2, A3-P3). Mitral CRI was defined as the ratio between the coaptation reserve (measured coaptation length along the closure line) and an individualized correction factor. Indexing was chosen to correct for MV sphericity and area of largest valve opening. Mathematical models were created to simulate progressive mitral annular dilatation and to predict the effect on the individual mitral CRI. SETTING: At a single-center academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with normally functioning MVs undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Direct measurement of leaflet coaptation along the closure line showed the lowest amount of coaptation (reserve) near the commissures (A1-P1 0.21 ± 0.05 cm and A3-P3 0.22 ± 0.06 cm), and the highest amount of coaptation (reserve) at region A2 to P2 0.25 ± 0.06 cm. After indexing, the A2-to-P2 region was the area with the lowest CRI in the majority of patients, and also the area with the least resistance to mitral regurgitation (MR) occurrence after simulation of progressive annular dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification and indexing of mitral coaptation reserve along the closure line are feasible. Indexing and mathematical simulation of progressive annular dilatation consistently showed that indexed coaptation reserve was lowest in the A2-to-P2 region. These results may explain why this area is prone to lose coaptation and is often affected in MR.

Clinical monitoring of activated clotting time during cardiothoracic surgery: comparing the Hemochron® Response and Hemochron® Signature Elite.

INTRODUCTION: The Activated Clotting Time (ACT) is commonly used to manage anticoagulation during cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the older manually operated Hemochron® Response and the automated Hemochron® Signature Elite. METHODS: In this observational study the clinically relevant differences of both devices were investigated simultaneously, using duplicate measurements, in 29 patients who underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) or Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) in order to determine reliability, bias, and to detect which method has the lowest variation. Blood samples were obtained from the arterial line prior to surgery, after administration of 300 IU/kg heparin, 5 minutes after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and successively every 30 minutes, and after protamine administration. RESULTS: A total of 202 measurements were performed. Of these 10 measurements were out of range in the Response and 9 in the Elite. About 27 single unstable magnet errors were seen in the Response versus no measurement errors in the Elite. No statistically significant differences between the Response (p = 0.22, Wilcoxon rank) and Elite (p = 0.064) duplicates were observed. The Response values were consistently higher during heparinization than the Elite measurements (p = 0.002, repeated measurements) with an average positive bias of around 56 seconds during heparinization (Bland-Altman). Overall, the coefficient of variation (CoV) increased during heparinization. CONCLUSION: The Elite was more reliable, but the variation was higher for the Elite than the Response. The observed positive bias in the Response compared to the Elite could affect heparin administration during surgery making the two systems not interchangeable.

Oxygenated machine perfusion at room temperature as an alternative for static cold storage in porcine donor hearts.

BACKGROUND: There is a continued interest in ex situ heart perfusion as an alternative strategy for donor heart preservation. We hypothesize that oxygenated machine perfusion of donor hearts at a temperature that avoids both normothermia and deep hypothermia offers adequate and safe preservation. METHODS: Cardioplegia-arrested porcine donor hearts were randomly assigned to six hours of preservation using cold storage (CS, n = 5) or machine perfusion using an oxygenated acellular perfusate at 21°C (MP, n = 5). Subsequently, all grafts were evaluated using the Langendorff method for 120 min. Metabolic parameters and histology were analyzed. Systolic function was assessed by contractility and elastance. Diastolic function was assessed by lusitropy and stiffness. RESULTS: For both groups, in vivo baseline and post-Langendorff biopsies were comparable, as were lactate difference and myocardial oxygen consumption. Injury markers gradually increased and were comparable. Significant weight gain was seen in MP (p = 0.008). Diastolic function was not impaired in MP, and lusitropy was superior from 30 min up to 90 min of reperfusion. Contractility was superior in MP during the first hour of evaluation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the initial functional outcome of MP-preserved hearts was transiently superior compared to CS, with no histological injury post-Langendorff. Our machine perfusion strategy could offer feasible and safe storage of hearts prior to transplantation. Future studies are warranted for further optimization.

Comparison of renal region, cerebral and peripheral oxygenation for predicting postoperative renal impairment after CABG.

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at risk of developing postoperative renal impairment, amongst others caused by renal ischemia and hypoxia. Intra-operative monitoring of renal region tissue oxygenation (SrtO2) might be a useful tool to detect renal hypoxia and predict postoperative renal impairment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the ability of intra-operative SrtO2 to predict postoperative renal impairment, defined as an increase of serum creatinine concentrations of  > 10% from individual baseline, and compare this with the predictive abilities of peripheral and cerebral tissue oxygenation (SptO2 and SctO2, respectively) and renal specific tissue deoxygenation. Forty-one patients undergoing elective CABG were included. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure renal region, peripheral (thenar muscle) and cerebral tissue oxygenation during surgery. Renal region specific tissue deoxygenation was defined as a proportionally larger decrease in SrtO2 than SptO2. ROC analyses were used to compare predictive abilities. We did not observe an association between tissue oxygenation measured in the renal region and cerebral oxygenation and postoperative renal impairment in this small retrospective study. In contrast, SptO2 decrease > 10% from baseline was a reasonable predictor with an AUROC of 0.767 (95%CI 0.619 to 0.14; p = 0.010). Tissue oxygenation of the renal region, although non-invasively and continuously available, cannot be used in adults to predict postoperative renal impairment after CABG. Instead, peripheral tissue deoxygenation was able to predict postoperative renal impairment, suggesting that SptO2 provides a better indication of 'general' tissue oxygenation status.Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01347827, first submitted April 27, 2011.

Surgical clip closure of the left atrial appendage.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia, but it is not a benign disease. AF is an important risk factor for thromboembolic events, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The left atrial appendage (LAA) plays an important role in thrombus formation, but the ideal management of the LAA remains a topic of debate. The increasing popularity of surgical epicardial ablation and hybrid endoepicardial ablation approaches, especially in patients with a more advanced diseased substrate, has increased interest in epicardial LAA management. Minimally invasive treatment options for the LAA offer a unique opportunity to close the LAA with a clip device. This review highlights morphologic, electrophysiologic, and surgical aspects of the LAA with regard to AF surgery, and aims to illustrate the importance of surgical clip closure of the LAA.

Post-transplant inotrope score is associated with clinical outcomes after adult heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Inotrope score has been proposed as a marker of clinical outcome after adult heart transplantation (HTx) but is rarely used in practice. METHODS: Inotrope score during the first 48 h after HTx was calculated in 81 patients as: dopamine + dobutamine + amrinone + milrinone (dose × 15) + epinephrine (dose × 100) + norepinephrine (dose × 100) + enoximone + isoprenaline (dose × 100), with each drug in µg/kg/min. Determinants of inotrope score were identified with linear regression. Cox regression was used to determine the association of inotrope score with mortality. RESULTS: The mean recipient age was 52 ± 11 years, and 32 (39.5%) patients were female. Determinants of inotrope score were preoperative C-reactive protein, serum urea, congenital heart disease, and donor cardiac arrest (R2  = .30). Inotrope score was associated with 5-year mortality, independent of recipient age and gender (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07). This association was attenuated when adjusting for female-to-male transplant and ischemia time. Inotrope score was also strongly associated with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.12). CONCLUSION: High inotrope score post-HTx was observed in recipient congenital heart disease and was associated with a higher risk of mortality and acute kidney injury.

First-line treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation with single-stage hybrid ablation: a 2-year follow-up study.

AIMS: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of first-line single-stage hybrid ablation of (long-standing) persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), over a follow-up period of 2 years, and provides additional information on arrhythmia recurrences and electrophysiological findings at repeat ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a prospective cohort study that included 49 patients (65% persistent AF; 35% long-standing persistent AF) who underwent hybrid ablation as first-line ablation treatment (no previous endocardial ablation). Patients were relatively young (57.0 ± 8.5 years) and predominantly male (89.8%). Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.0 (0.5; 2.0) and mean left atrium volume index was 43.7 ± 10.9 mL/m2. Efficacy was assessed by 12-lead electrocardiography and 72-h Holter monitoring after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Recurrence was defined as AF/atrial flutter (AFL)/tachycardia (AT) recorded by electrocardiography or Holter monitoring lasting >30 s during 2-year follow-up. At 2-year follow-up, single and multiple procedure success rates were 67% and 82%, respectively. Two (4%) patients experienced a major complication (bleeding) requiring intervention following hybrid ablation. Among the 16 (33%) patients who experienced an AF/AFL/AT recurrence, 13 (81%) were ATs/AFLs and only 3 (19%) were AF. Repeat ablation was performed in 10 (20%) patients and resulted in sinus rhythm in 7 (70%) at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: First-line single-stage hybrid AF ablation is an effective treatment strategy for patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF with an acceptable rate of major complications. Recurrences are predominantly AFL/AT that can be successfully ablated percutaneously. Hybrid ablation seems a feasible approach for first-line ablation of (long-standing) persistent AF.

A portable isometric knee extensor strength testing device: test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores of the Q-Force ӀӀ in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Although knee extensors are essential in daily activities (e.g. walking, climbing stairs), knee extensor strength is often not measured in clinical settings. Existing devices to test muscle strength are not always suitable to accurately measure the high forces of this muscle group. Therefore, a device to test muscle strength that is convenient, feasible, reliable, and valid in clinical settings is required. This study evaluated the reliability, responsiveness, and level of discomfort of the newly developed Q-Force ӀӀ (i.e. a portable device to measure isometric knee extensor strength) in healthy middle-aged and elderly adults. METHODS: Participants (n = 22) conducted two standardized test sessions on the Q-Force ӀӀ (five to ten days apart). Each session consisted of one familiarisation trial followed by three trials of peak isometric knee extension per each leg. Per trial, peak and mean knee extension force (N) and torque (Nm) were measured at 90° flexion. The level of discomfort was determined using a visual analog scale (VAS: 0-100). Intra Class Correlation (ICC, model: two-way mixed with absolute agreement), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were determined. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine between-test variation. RESULTS: Excellent test-retest (ICC > 0.95) and inter-trial (ICC > 0.91) reliability for both legs were shown. No significant differences were found in peak and mean knee forces and torques between test and retest of both legs, indicating good test-retest reliability (P-value range: 0.360-0.538; F(1,21) range: 0.4-0.9). The SEM of the peak and mean forces and torques ranged from 28.0 to 30.4 N (6.0-6.8%) and from 9.2 to 10.4 Nm (6.4-7.7%), respectively. The MDC for these outcomes ranged respectively from 77.6 to 84.1 N (16.5-18.8%) and from 25.5 to 28.9 Nm (17.6-21.4%). The level of discomfort was low (median range: 7-10, IQR: 4-18). CONCLUSION: The portable Q-Force ӀӀ is a comfortable, responsive, and relatively cheap device with excellent test-retest reliability. This device would be potentially suitable to measure isometric knee extensor strength in clinical settings.

Barriers That Obstruct Return to Work After Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure. Despite its benefits on survival and quality of life, it is associated with a considerable financial burden on society including sick leave. Our study aimed to explore the barriers that obstruct return to work after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods We performed a qualitative study with in-depth interviewing of patients 6 months after their surgery. We included ten working patients and interviewed them and their spouses at home. The interviews were transcribed and two investigators independently searched the transcriptions for barriers that had obstructed return to work. Results Based on the interviews we were able to distinguish four main groups of barriers: 'personal', 'healthcare', 'work' and 'law & regulation.' The personal barriers were subgrouped in affective, physical, cognitive, social and individually determined factors. Conclusion In a qualitative study we showed that personal barriers as well as barriers regarding healthcare, work and law & regulation, were perceived by patients as important factors obstructing return to work after coronary artery bypass grafting. To overcome the identified barriers, the process of return to work could preferably be initiated during the hospital phase, started during cardiac rehabilitation, and coordinated by a case-managing professional.

Treatment of resistant Raynaud's phenomenon with single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy: a novel minimally invasive endoscopic technique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the minimally invasive single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy feasibility and efficacy in patients with treatment-resistant RP. METHODS: Single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy was performed unilaterally on the left side in eight patients with RP (six males, two females, with a median age of 45.2 years). Five patients had primary and three had secondary RP. Perfusion effects in the hands were assessed at baseline and after 1 month by using a cooling and recovery procedure, and by using laser speckle contrast analysis. Number and duration of RP attacks were reported over a 2-week period. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was 100% after surgery. After surgery, a unilateral improvement in perfusion was observed in the left hand compared with the right hand, with cooling and recovery (P = 0.008) and with laser speckle contrast analysis (P = 0.023). In addition, the number and duration of the attacks in the left hand decreased compared with the right hand (both P = 0.028). No serious adverse events occurred in a follow-up period of at least 10 months. CONCLUSION: Single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy is feasible and can be effective in improving hand perfusion in patients with RP. However, long-term efficacy needs to be established. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02680509.

Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for the treatment of intolerable palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in children is associated with high recurrence rates.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of palmar and axillary primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) in children up to 16 years using thoracoscopic sympathicotomy is supported by scarce evidence. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the results of our standardized bilateral, one-stage, single-port sympathicotomy (BOSS) in children up to 16 years of age. METHODS: Consecutive children (n = 14) up to 16 years of age undergoing BOSS between October 2011 and June 2015 in our institution were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Recurrence of primary hyperhidrosis was noted in seven patients (50.0%), of whom five patients (35.7%) underwent reoperation. Reoperations were associated with placement of additional thoracoscopic ports (n = 1; 12.5%), intraoperative placement of pleural drains (n = 2; 25%), and prolonged air leak (n = 1; 12.5%). Despite the high recurrence and reoperation rates, overall patient satisfaction was high with a median satisfaction score of 7.5 (interquartile range of 1.75; range: 4-9). CONCLUSION: Although the overall patient satisfaction score in our cohort was good, BOSS for the treatment of intolerable palmar and axillary PFH in children up to 16 years of age is associated with a high recurrence and reoperation rate.

Quantitative three-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of the bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root: A single modality approach.

BACKGROUND: Patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are heterogeneous with regard to patterns of root remodeling and valvular dysfunction. Two-dimensional echocardiography is the standard surveillance modality for patients with aortic valve dysfunction. However, ancillary computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often necessary to characterize associated patterns of aortic root pathology. Conversely, the pairing of three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with novel quantitative modeling techniques allows for a single modality description of the entire root complex. We sought to determine 3D aortic valve and root geometry with this quantitative approach. METHODS: Transesophageal real-time 3D echocardiography was performed in five patients with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) and in five patients with BAV. No patient had evidence of valvular dysfunction or aortic root pathology. A customized image analysis protocol was used to assess 3D aortic annular, valvular, and root geometry. RESULTS: Annular, sinus and sinotubular junction diameters and areas were similar in both groups. Coaptation length and area were higher in the TAV group (7.25 ± 0.98 mm and 298 ± 118 mm2 , respectively) compared to the BAV group (5.67 ± 1.33 mm and 177 ± 43 mm2 ; P = .07 and P = .01). Cusp surface area to annular area, coaptation height, and the sub- and supravalvular tenting indices did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Single modality 3D echocardiography-based modeling allows for a quantitative description of the aortic valve and root geometry. This technique together with novel indices will improve our understanding of normal and pathologic geometry in the BAV population and may help to identify geometric predictors of adverse remodeling and guide tailored surgical therapy.

Is it worth reducing GHG emissions? Exploring the effect on the cost of debt financing.

Notwithstanding the proliferation of papers dealing with the corporate finance implications of the so-called "carbon risk", very few studies analysed in depth the relationship between the firm's environmental risk profile and the cost of debt financing. We contribute to this stream of research by inspecting the relationship between EuroStoxx 600 companies' carbon emissions and cost of debt financing. We argue that lenders mitigate the impact of borrowers' GHG emissions on their future cash flows primarily requiring firms with higher carbon emissions intensity to pay significantly higher costs for financing their operations through indebtedness. We also found statistically significant evidence to support the conclusion that the positive effect of carbon emissions reduction on the cost of debt financing is relevant both for high and low emitting industries. Finally, we postulated that high emitting firms pay, on average, a higher cost of debt financing than less polluting firms but are less penalized if an increase in their carbon intensity occurs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first study to directly document the impact of carbon emissions on the cost of debt financing for non-financial European industries, substantially enriching the existing environmental financial literature.

Using extra systoles and the micro-fluid challenge to predict fluid responsiveness during cardiac surgery.

Fluid responsiveness prediction is difficult during cardiac surgery. The micro-fluid challenge (micro-FC; rapid central infusion of 50 ml) and the extrasystolic method utilising post-extrasystolic preload increases may predict fluid responsiveness. Two study windows during coronary artery bypass graft surgery were defined, 1: After anaesthesia induction until surgical incision, 2: Left internal mammarian artery surgical preparation period. Each window consisted of 10-15 min observation for extrasystoles before a micro-FC was performed, after which a traditional fluid challenge (FC) was performed (5 ml/kg). Extrasystolic and micro-FC induced changes in hemodynamic variables were derived as predictors of fluid responsiveness defined as stroke volume increasing > 10% following FC. 61 patients were studied. Post-ectopic changes in pulse pressure (PP) predicted fluid responsiveness with receiver operating characteristic area (AUC) of 0.69 [CI 0.40;0.97] in the first study window and 0.64 [0.44;0.86] in the second window. Other post-ectopic predictors such as pre-ejection period (PEP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) had similar or lower AUCs. Heart rate was 52.9 (SD ±8.4) min- 1 and 53.6 (± 8.8) min- 1 in the two study windows. Micro-FC induced changes in PEP had AUC of 0.74 [0.57;0.90] in the first window and 0.60 [0.40;0.76] in the second window. Correcting micro-FC induced changes in PEP for the micro-FC induced changes in heart rate had AUCs of 0.84 [0.70;0.97] in the first window and 0.63 [0.47;0.79] in the second window. The investigated methods revealed insufficient validity during cardiac surgery. RR interval corrected changes during a micro-FC should be investigated further. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03002129.

Spine challenges in mucopolysaccharidosis.

PURPOSE: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are rare inherited metabolic diseases, causing lysosomal storage of mucopolysaccharides; clinical presentation involves skeletal system and particularly the spine. Anomalies include developing kyphosis at thoracolumbar junction, that can causes nervous symptoms, and dens hypoplasia with associated atlantoaxial subluxation that can cause myelopathy. We present our experience in the treatment of spine pathology in MPS. METHODS: Medical treatments of MPS seem to have little impact on spine disease: treatment of cervical instability often includes surgical decompression and stabilization, as in patient MPS1 that we present, while thoracic lumbar kyphosis is treated by bracing and, in severe cases, with surgery. Bracing is more effective in kyphosis under 40° Cobb. Our surgical cases with thoracic lumbar kyphosis over 40° Cobb, treatment include the first one ever described by only posterior approach with vertebrectomy in MPS and a case of lateral costo-transverse approach instrumented correction. RESULTS: Surgical patients had no major complications after surgery and CT scan at follow-up showed complete fusion without loss of correction, even if in a cervical case we used an adult rigid instrumentation in a four year-and-six month-old girl (11 years follow-up) and in thoracic lumbar kyphosis case treated by vertebrectomy due to diminutive anatomy we positioned interbody cage in suboptimal position. CONCLUSIONS: Bracing is a viable treatment strategy in thoracic lumbar kyphosis and can obtain good clinical results at medium terms follow-up even if kyphosis deformity remains in radiographs. Surgical treatment is effective in severe evolving cases both at cervical and thoracic lumbar level, main difficulties arose from unavailability of dedicated instrumentation in very young patient, as even smallest devices available are often too big.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction by instrumented vertebral arthrodesis with autologous bone graft from local harvesting without bone substitute use: results with mean 3 year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Bone substitutes' advantage is enhancing arthrodesis biologic support without further autologous bone graft harvested from other skeleton sites, as from posterior iliac crests; however, in our experience, bone substitutes' integration is often incomplete. METHODS: From 2012 to 2017, we operated 108 patients by posterior instrumented vertebral arthrodesis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction, mean main curve 80° Cobb, and mean age 12 years and 6 months, with all pedicle screws instrumentation in main curve/curves area and hooks at upper tip of implant; bone graft has been harvested only at vertebral level, without bone substitutes or autologous graft from other patient sites or allogenic bone graft. We matched this group with 98 patients previously operated in which we used calcium triphosphate. RESULTS: At 3 year mean follow-up, all patients in group treated with autologous bone graft only have complete and stable arthrodesis without loss of correction (mean curve 27° Cobb) or instrumentation failure. At 6 year mean follow-up in the group treated with autologous bone graft augmented by calcium triphosphate, 96 patients have stable arthrodesis without loss of correction (mean curve 24°), 1 case has implant break, and 1 case has 8° Cobb loss of correction. CONCLUSION: Bone substitutes are a further cost in arthrodesis surgery and suboptimal integration leaves foreign bodies on vertebras. Our experience shows that all pedicle screw instrumentation and bracing after surgery obtain stable correction showing in time a solid arthrodesis with autologous bone only, harvested at local site, without bone substitutes or further bone graft.

CT-guided percutaneous hookwire localization increases the efficacy and safety of VATS for pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of pulmonary nodules of unknown origin is challenging, and such nodules are not always suitable for transthoracic needle biopsy. With the advent of video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and CT-guided percutaneous hookwire localization (CT-PHL) we hypothesized that the combination of these two procedures will improve early diagnosis. METHODS: Selection criteria were a nodule not well approachable with fine needle biopsy and the therapeutic consequences of a diagnosis as assessed by the multidisciplinary oncology board. Efficacy and safety of the combination of CT-PHL prior to VATS was studied in terms of, histological diagnosis, complete resection rate, complications, conversion rate to thoracotomy, and duration of procedures. RESULTS: A total of 150 pulmonary nodules were located and resected in 150 patients. The median nodule diameter was 9 mm (range 4-24) and located within 30 mm of the pleural surface (median 7, range 0-29). The resection was complete in 96%, and in 100% a definitive histological diagnosis was obtained. Complications requiring intervention during the CT-procedure occurred in 11 patients (7.3%). Complications of VATS consisted of major complications (2.0%) and minor complications (4.0%). The 30 Day mortality was 1.4% and in hospital mortality 0.7%. Conversion to thoracotomy occurred in 4.7% patients. Median CT-localization time was 25 min (range 5-72), median VATS time was 49 min (range 14-169). CONCLUSIONS: CT-PHL is a very efficient and safe procedure prior to VATS for pulmonary nodules and allows in 96% radical resection with a diagnostic accuracy of 100%.