Perioperative management of a double valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft in a patient with carcinoid syndrome; a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine tumors; about 5% of patients develop the carcinoid syndrome. We present the case of a patient with carcinoid syndrome undergoing cardiac surgery. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old patient with carcinoid heart disease and hepatic metastases underwent double valve replacement and CABG. The patient was on octreotide therapy and antihypertensive medication. An octreotide infusion was commenced perioperatively. Pharmaceutical agents that could potentially precipitate histamine release or exacerbate catecholamine secretion and carcinoid crises were avoided. Postoperatively, recovery was complicated by atrial fibrillation, chest infection, pleural effusions, acute kidney injury and delirium. DISCUSSION: Hepatic metastases cause systemic hormones' secretion, which cause a carcinoid crisis. Perioperative administration of octreotide is used, while vigilance is required to differentiate between hemodynamic effects related to the operation or disease specific factors. CONCLUSION: No carcinoid crisis was evident perioperatively. High vigilance with appropriate monitoring, aggressive management combined with meticulous choice of pharmaceutical agents led to this outcome.

Conventional versus minimally invasive extra-corporeal circulation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial (COMICS).

INTRODUCTION: The trial hypothesized that minimally invasive extra-corporeal circulation (MiECC) reduces the risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) after cardiac surgery operations requiring extra-corporeal circulation without circulatory arrest. METHODS: This is a multicentre, international randomized controlled trial across fourteen cardiac surgery centres including patients aged ≥18 and <85 years undergoing elective or urgent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery, or CABG + AVR surgery. Participants were randomized to MiECC or conventional extra-corporeal circulation (CECC), stratified by centre and operation. The primary outcome was a composite of 12 post-operative SAEs up to 30 days after surgery, the risk of which MiECC was hypothesized to reduce. Secondary outcomes comprised: other SAEs; all-cause mortality; transfusion of blood products; time to discharge from intensive care and hospital; health-related quality-of-life. Analyses were performed on a modified intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: The trial terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic; 1071 participants (896 isolated CABG, 97 isolated AVR, 69 CABG + AVR) with median age 66 years and median EuroSCORE II 1.24 were randomized (535 to MiECC, 536 to CECC). Twenty-six participants withdrew after randomization, 22 before and four after intervention. Fifty of 517 (9.7%) randomized to MiECC and 69/522 (13.2%) randomized to CECC group experienced the primary outcome (risk ratio = 0.732, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.556 to 0.962, p = 0.025). The risk of any SAE not contributing to the primary outcome was similarly reduced (risk ratio = 0.791, 95% CI 0.530 to 1.179, p = 0.250). CONCLUSIONS: MiECC reduces the relative risk of primary outcome events by about 25%. The risk of other SAEs was similarly reduced. Because the trial terminated early without achieving the target sample size, these potential benefits of MiECC are uncertain.

Individualized heparin monitoring and management reduces protamine requirements in cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation; A prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Individualized heparin and protamine management is increasingly used as a strategy to reduce coagulation activation and bleeding complications. While it is associated with increased heparin requirements during Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB), the impact on protamine administration remains controversial. We aim to investigate the effect of heparin level-guided monitoring on protamine dosing during cardiac surgery where low-anticoagulation protocols are implemented. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 132 patients undergoing elective full-spectrum cardiac surgery with Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation (MiECC) were recruited. All patients were managed by the same anaesthetic, surgical and perfusion team. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups; the individualized heparin-protamine titration (IHPT) group and the conventional heparinization and reversal group by using ACT (cACT) with a 0.75:1, protamine: heparin ratio. Titration was accomplished with the Hepcon HMS Plus (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) system. The primary outcome of the study was the total protamine dose used. Secondary outcomes comprised of the total heparin dose, the percentage of patients achieving target ACT, 24-h transfusion requirements, postoperative bleeding, duration of mechanical ventilation, major morbidity and length of hospital stay. Patients in each group were divided in two subgroups according to the target ACT; those operated for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using a target ACT >300 s and the rest (non-CABG) patients operated with a target ACT >400 s, respectively. RESULTS: Protamine requirements were significantly reduced when IHPT was implemented; CABG (118 ± 24 mg vs 163 ± 61 mg; p < 0.001) and non-CABG cases (151 ± 46 mg vs 197 ± 45 mg; p < 0.001). Moreover, heparin requirements were significantly higher in the non-CABG subgroup managed with IHPT (34,539 ± 7658 IU vs 29,893 ± 9037 IU; p = 0.02). In overall, no significant differences were detected with respect to postoperative bleeding, transfusion of RBC or other blood products. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized heparin monitoring and management reduces protamine requirements in cardiac surgery with MiECC implementing reduced anticoagulation strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04215588.

2021 MiECTiS focused update on the 2016 position paper for the use of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation in cardiac surgery.

The landmark 2016 Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Technologies International Society (MiECTiS) position paper promoted the creation of a common language between cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists and perfusionists which led to the development of a stable framework that paved the way for the advancement of minimal invasive perfusion and related technologies. The current expert consensus document offers an update in areas for which new evidence has emerged. In the light of published literature, modular minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) has been established as a safe and effective perfusion technique that increases biocompatibility and ultimately ensures perfusion safety in all adult cardiac surgical procedures, including re-operations, aortic arch and emergency surgery. Moreover, it was recognized that incorporation of MiECC strategies advances minimal invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) by combining reduced surgical trauma with minimal physiologic derangements. Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Technologies International Society considers MiECC as a physiologically-based multidisciplinary strategy for performing cardiac surgery that is associated with significant evidence-based clinical benefit that has accrued over the years. Widespread adoption of this technology is thus strongly advocated to obtain additional healthcare benefit while advancing patient care.

Modular minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation ensures perfusion safety and technical feasibility in cardiac surgery; a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Despite extensive evidence that shows clinical of superiority of MiECC, worldwide penetration remains low due to concerns regarding air handling and volume management in the context of a closed system. The purpose of this study is to thoroughly investigate perfusion safety and technical feasibility of performing all cardiac surgical procedures with modular (hybrid) MiECC, as experienced from the perfusionist's perspective. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed perfusion charts of consecutive adult patients undergoing all types of elective, urgent, and emergency cardiac surgery under modular MiECC. The primary outcome measure was perfusion safety and technical feasibility, as evidenced in the need for conversion from a closed to an open circuit. A systematic review of the literature was conducted aiming to ultimately clarify whether there are any safety issues regarding MiECC technology. RESULTS: We challenged modular MiECC use in a series of 403 consecutive patients of whom a significant proportion (111/403; 28%) underwent complex surgery including reoperations (4%), emergency repair of acute type A aortic dissection and composite aortic surgery (1.7%). Technical success rate was 100%. Conversion to an open circuit was required in 18/396 patients (4.5%), excluding procedures performed under circulatory arrest. Open configuration accounted for 40% ± 21% of total procedural perfusion time and was related to significant hemodilution and increase in peak lactate levels. Systematic review revealed that safety of the procedure challenged originated from a single report, while no clinical adverse event related to MiECC was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Use of modular MiECC secures safety and ensures technical feasibility in all cardiac surgical procedures. It represents a type III active closed system, while its stand-by component is reserved for a small (<5%) proportion of procedures and for a partial procedural time. Thus, it eliminates any safety concern regarding air handling and volume management, while it overcomes any unexpected intraoperative scenario.

Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation preserves coagulation integrity.

INTRODUCTION: Coagulopathy after cardiac surgery is a serious multifactorial complication that results in postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion of red blood cells and procoagulant products. Use of cardiopulmonary bypass represents the major contributing factor affecting coagulation. We sought to prospectively investigate the effect of contemporary minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) on coagulation parameters using point-of-care (POC) rotational thromboelastometry and the relation to postoperative bleeding. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery on MiECC were prospectively recruited. Anticoagulation strategy was based on individualized heparin management and heparin level-guided protamine titration. Rotational thromboelastometry testing was performed before induction of anesthesia and after aortic cross-clamp release. A strict POC-guided transfusion protocol was implemented. The primary endpoint was the assessment of viscoelastic properties of the coagulating blood at the end of surgery compared to preoperative values and the relation to postoperative bleeding and 24-hour transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study with a significant proportion having complex surgery. Thirteen patients (26%) required blood transfusion (mean rate: 0.5 ± 1 units per patient), 5/50 (10%) received coagulation factors while no patient received fresh frozen plasma, platelets or fibrinogen. Thromboelastometry analysis showed that the major derangement was CT EXTEM > 100 seconds in 28/50 (56%) and A10 EXTEM < 40 mm in one (2%) patient without clinical significance. Platelet function was preserved throughout surgery. A10-FIBTEM was found predictive of postoperative bleeding at 12 hours. CONCLUSIONS: MiECC preserves clot quality throughout surgery acting in both key determinants of clot strength; fibrinogen and platelets. This is clinically translated into minimal postoperative bleeding and restricted use of blood products and coagulation factors.

Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation preserves platelet function after cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery on conventional cardiopulmonary bypass induces a combination of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction which is strongly related to postoperative bleeding. Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation has been shown to preserve coagulation integrity, though effect on platelet function remains unclear. We aimed to prospectively investigate perioperative platelet function in a series of patients undergoing cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation using point-of-care testing. METHODS: A total of 57 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation were prospectively recruited. Anticoagulation strategy was based on individualized heparin management and heparin level-guided protamine titration performed in all patients with a specialized point-of-care device (Hemostasis Management System - HMS Plus; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Platelet function was evaluated with impedance aggregometry using the ROTEM platelet (TEM International GmbH, Munich, Germany). ADPtest and TRAPtest values were assessed before surgery and after cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: ADPtest value was preserved during surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (58.2 ± 20 U vs. 53.6 ± 21 U; p = 0.1), while TRAPtest was found significantly increased (90 ± 27 U vs. 103 ± 38 U; p = 0.03). Postoperative ADPtest and TRAPtest values were inversely related to postoperative bleeding (correlation coefficient: -0.29; p = 0.03 for ADPtest and correlation coefficient: -0.28; p = 0.04 for TRAPtest). The preoperative use of P2Y12 inhibitors was identified as the only independent predictor of a low postoperative ADPtest value (OR = 15.3; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation is a platelet preservation strategy, which contributes to the beneficial effect of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation in coagulation integrity.

Quantification of Operational Learning in Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation.

Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) has initiated important new efforts within science and technology towards a more physiologic perfusion. In this study, we aim to investigate the learning curve of our center regarding MiECC. We studied a series of 150 consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting by the same surgical team during the initial phase of MiECC application. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A (n = 75) included patients operated on MiECC, while group B (n = 75) included patients operated with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (cCPB). The primary end-point of the study was to identify whether there is a learning curve when operating on MiECC. The following parameters were unrelated with increasing experience, even though the results favored MiECC use: reduced CPB duration (102.9 ± 25 vs. 122.2 ± 33 min, P <0.001), peak troponin release (0.07 ± 0.02 vs. 0.1 ± 0.04 ng/mL, P < 0.01), peak creatinine levels (0.97 ± 0.24 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (14.1 ± 7.2 vs. 36.9 ± 59.8 h, P < 0.01) and ICU stay (2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 4.4 ± 6.4 days, P < 0.01). However, need for intraoperative blood transfusion showed a trend towards a gradual decrease as experience with MiECC system was accumulating (R2 = 0.094, P = 0.007). Subsequently, operational learning applied to postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (R2 = 0.098, P = 0.006). We identified that advantages of MiECC technology in terms of reduced hemodilution and improved end-organ protection and clinical outcome are evident from the first patient. Optimal results are obtained with 50 cases; this refers mainly to significant reduction in the need for intraoperative blood transfusion. Teamwork from surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists is of paramount importance in order to maximize the clinical benefits from this technology.

A multidisciplinary perioperative strategy for attaining "more physiologic" cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is, by definition, a "non-physiologic" intervention associated with systemic adverse effects. Despite advances in surgical technique, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology as well as anaesthesia management and patient care, there is still significant morbidity and subsequent mortality. AIM: We consider that the contemporary demand for further improving patient outcome mandates the upgrade from optimal perfusion during the procedure as the gold standard to the concept of a "more physiologic" cardiac surgery. Our policy is a multidisciplinary perioperative strategy based on goal-directed perfusion throughout surgery incorporating in-line monitoring. This translates to "prevent rather than correct" malperfusion through real-time adjustment rather than correction of derangement detected late by incremental evaluation. METHOD: The strategy is based on continuous monitoring of cardiac index, SvO2, DO2i, DO2i/VCO2i and rSO2. Data acquisition is followed by action when needed; this includes stepwise: transfusion, increase of cardiac output and initiation of inotropic/vasoactive support. Moreover, implementation of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) is considered as a fundamental component of physiologic perfusion when on-CPB, providing improved circulatory support and end-organ protection. CONCLUSION: We consider that, with this strategy which establishes optimal perfusion perioperatively, we attain the goal of a "more physiologic" cardiac surgery.

The Efficacy of the Combination of Continuous Femoral Nerve Block and Intravenous Parecoxib on Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The optimal strategy for the management of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains challenging, while its treatment is crucial to increase patients' outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of parecoxib as add-on therapy, in a standard postoperative pain management protocol, represented by the continuous femoral nervous block. We studied its influence on rehabilitation indices and pain scores in patients undergoing TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. All patients were operated with the use of subarachnoid anesthesia, and divided into two groups for postoperative analgesia. Both groups received a continuous femoral nerve block. One of the groups received intravenous parecoxib, while the other received a placebo. The primary investigated outcome was the range of motion (ROM). Recordings were noted at different times postoperatively. Bromage score (BS), visual analog scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included and analyzed. ROM was significantly better (p<0.001) and pain scores were significantly lower (p=0.007) in the parecoxib group. No statistically significant difference was found with regard to BS between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between ROM and VAS pain scores at 12 hours (p=0.02), while ROM was inversely correlated with STAI postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intravenous parecoxib is effective in improving rehabilitation indices and provides decreased postoperative pain scores after TKA.

Enhanced recovery after elective coronary revascularization surgery with minimal versus conventional extracorporeal circulation: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: A minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) circuit integrates the advances in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology into a single circuit and is associated with improved short-term outcome. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate MECC compared with conventional CPB in facilitating fast-track recovery after elective coronary revascularization procedures. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: All patients scheduled for elective coronary artery surgery were evaluated, excluding those considered particularly high risk for fast-track failure. The fast-track protocol included careful preoperative patient selection, a fast-track anesthetic technique based on minimal administration of fentanyl, surgery at normothermia, early postoperative extubation in the cardiac recovery unit, and admission to the cardiothoracic ward within the first 24 hours postoperatively. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty patients were assigned randomly into 2 groups (60 in each group). INTERVENTIONS: Group A included patients who were operated on using the MECC circuit, whereas patients in Group B underwent surgery on conventional CPB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Incidence of fast-track recovery was significantly higher in patients undergoing MECC (25% v 6.7%, p = 0.006). MECC also was recognized as a strong independent predictor of early recovery, with an odds ratio of 3.8 (p = 0.011). Duration of mechanical ventilation and cardiac recovery unit stay were significantly lower in patients undergoing MECC together with the need for blood transfusion, duration of inotropic support, need for an intra-aortic balloon pump, and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation and renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: MECC promotes successful early recovery after elective coronary revascularization procedures, even in a nondedicated cardiac intensive care unit setting.

Monitoring the Cerebral Oximetry Index Along With In-line Cardiopulmonary Bypass Parameters in a High-Risk Patient Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report.

The quest to minimize the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing cardiac surgery is ongoing. Impaired cerebral autoregulation and tissue malperfusion are linked with neurological complications. The cerebral oximetry index (COx) has been introduced as an index of cerebral autoregulation, while in-line monitoring enables the detection and prevention of metabolic disturbances during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This report presents the case of a 58-year-old female patient scheduled for aortic valve replacement under minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC). Her medical history consisted of epilepsy, multiple ischemic strokes, heavy smoking, and brachiocephalic artery stenosis. We sought to investigate the limits of autoregulation and the role of metabolic indices of perfusion on COx. Mean arterial blood pressure (ABP), cerebral oximetry (rSO2), and in-line perfusion data during CPB were recorded at 10s intervals. The lower limit of autoregulation was 44mmHg on both sides and the upper limit was 98mmHg on the right and 107mmHg on the left side. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify any potential predictors of COx values. Hemoglobin (Hb), PCO2, flow, DO2 index (DO2i), Ο2 extraction ratio (O2ER), and perfusion ratio (PR) were included in the analysis. Significant equations were found on both sides. Predicted COx left was equal to 5.8 - 11.04O2ER - 0.04Hb (p=0.001, R2= 0.15). Predicted COx right was equal to 3.06 - 0.3flow - 6.8O2ER -0.03Hb + 0.02PCO2 + 0.004DO2i(p=0.03, R2=0.13). Targeting physiological perfusion and monitoring perfusion during CPB may have an additional impact on cerebral autoregulation and should be studied further.

Post-Operative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia and Incidence of Major Complications according to Specific Safety Standardized Documentation: A Large Retrospective Dual Center Experience.

(1) Background: Thoracic epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard in post-operative pain management following thoracic surgery. This study was designed to explore the safety of thoracic epidural analgesia and to quantify the incidence of its post-operative complications and side effects in patients undergoing thoracotomy for major surgery, such as resection of lung malignancies and lung transplantation. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective, dual-center observational study including patients that underwent major thoracic surgery including lung transplantation and received concurrent placement of thoracic epidural catheters for post-operative analgesia. An electronic system of referral and documentation of complications was used, and information was retrieved from our electronic critical care charting system. (3) Results: In total, 1145 patients were included in the study. None of the patients suffered any major complication, including hematoma, abscess, or permanent nerve damage. (4) Conclusions: the present study showed that in experienced centers, post-operative epidural analgesia in patients with thoracotomy is a safe technique, manifesting minimal, none-serious complications.

Coagulation Profile of COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease is a viral infection that can affect multiple systems and be expressed with many-or no-symptoms. The viral infection begins when the virus binds to the host's receptor and from that point on, it is transmitted to the rest of the body, where it causes inflammatory reactions. Among other tissues and systems, SARS-CoV-2 impacts the coagulation system, where it triggers the immunothrombotic response. Its effects are rather intense and can lead to many complications. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is frequently observed in hospitalized patients, especially ICU patients, and can be proven detrimental. It is usually accompanied by other complications, such as sepsis-induced coagulopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation and venous thromboembolism. Since all these conditions lead to poor prognosis for severely ill patients, thromboprophylaxis and coagulopathy prognosis are just as important as the therapeutic handling of these patients. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many biomarkers have been considered useful when trying to assess the thrombotic risk of hospitalized patients or evaluate the severity of their situation. At the same time, many drugs have already been tested-while others are still being trialed-in order to find the optimal therapy for each urgent situation.

Hybrid approach of ventricular assist device and autologous bone marrow stem cells implantation in end-stage ischemic heart failure enhances myocardial reperfusion.

We challenge the hypothesis of enhanced myocardial reperfusion after implanting a left ventricular assist device together with bone marrow mononuclear stem cells in patients with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy. Irreversible myocardial loss observed in ischemic cardiomyopathy leads to progressive cardiac remodelling and dysfunction through a complex neurohormonal cascade. New generation assist devices promote myocardial recovery only in patients with dilated or peripartum cardiomyopathy. In the setting of diffuse myocardial ischemia not amenable to revascularization, native myocardial recovery has not been observed after implantation of an assist device as destination therapy. The hybrid approach of implanting autologous bone marrow stem cells during assist device implantation may eventually improve native cardiac function, which may be associated with a better prognosis eventually ameliorating the need for subsequent heart transplantation. The aforementioned hypothesis has to be tested with well-designed prospective multicentre studies.

Use of minimized extracorporeal circulation system in noncoronary and valve cardiac surgical procedures-a case series.

The aim of this report is to explore application of minimized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits in areas of cardiac surgery other than coronary bypass grafting and aortic valve surgery. We report three cases operated under minimal extracorporeal circulation support. Replacement of the descending thoracic aorta was performed in two patients; one with a descending aortic aneurysm and one with pseudoaneurysm formation after previous coarctation repair. We have also implanted a left ventricular assist device for destination therapy. The minimized extracorporeal circulation system provides optimal circulatory support, while it is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity, minimizing the side effects from the use of CPB. Moreover, when off-pump technique is attempted, it can be used as a standby circuit connected to the patient so as to enhance safety of the procedure. Minimized extracorporeal circulation systems can be used with safety and efficacy in a wide range of cardiac surgeries including descending aorta pathology and assist device implantation.

Intraoperative infusion of S(+)-ketamine enhances post-thoracotomy pain control compared with perioperative parecoxib when used in conjunction with thoracic paravertebral ropivacaine infusion.

OBJECTIVE: The authors explored the use of continuous postoperative subpleural paravertebral ropivacaine alone combined with intraoperative S(+)-ketamine or perioperative parecoxib as a new approach to pain control after major thoracotomy. DESIGN: A randomized study. SETTINGS: A single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty patients underwent elective thoracotomy under general anesthesia. METHODS: Study patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: group K (n = 27) received intraoperative S(+)-ketamine (0.5 mg/kg as a preincisional bolus followed by a continuous infusion 400 µg/kg/h), group P (n = 27) received perioperative parexocib (40 mg before extubation and 12 hours postoperatively), and group C (n = 26) served as the control group. At the end of surgery, all patients received a subpleural paravertebal infusion of ropivacaine. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pain was assessed by visual analog scores and supplemental morphine consumption with PCA up to 48 hours postoperatively. The duration of stay and postoperative functional parameters also were collected. Compared with ropivacaine alone, S(+)-ketamine significantly reduced pain scores at rest and during movement at 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Moreover, at 24 and 48 hours, pain was less after S(+)-ketamine compared with parexocib. S(+)-ketamine also reduced morphine needs in comparison to placebo at 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours and in comparison to parexocib at 48 hours after thoracotomy. There were no differences in parameters for lung or bowel function, mobilization time, or ICU and hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with thoracotomy, postoperative paravertebral ropivacaine combined with intraoperative S(+)-ketamine provided better early postoperative pain relief than ropivacaine and perioperative parexocib or ropivacaine alone.

From less invasive to minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation.

Development of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) served the purpose of performing surgery while avoiding the surgical stress triggered by a full median sternotomy. Minimizing surgical trauma is associated with improved cosmesis and enhanced recovery leading to reduced morbidity. However, it has to be primarily appreciated that the extracorporeal circulation (ECC) stands for the basis of nearly all MICS procedures. With some fundamental modification and advancement in perfusion techniques, the use of ECC has become the enabling technology for the development of MICS. Less invasive cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) techniques are based on remote cannulation and optimization of perfusion techniques with assisted venous drainage and use of centrifugal pump, so as to facilitate the demanding surgical maneuvers, rather than minimizing the invasiveness of the CPB. This is reflected in the increased duration of CPB required for MICS procedures. Minimal invasive Extracorporeal Circulation (MiECC) represents a major breakthrough in perfusion. It integrates all contemporary technological advancements that facilitate best applying cardiovascular physiology to intraoperative perfusion. Consequently, MiECC use translates to improved end-organ protection and clinical outcome, as evidenced in multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses. MICS performed with MiECC provides the basis for developing a multidisciplinary intraoperative strategy towards a "more physiologic" cardiac surgery by combining small surgical trauma with minimum body's physiology derangement. Integration of MiECC can advance MICS from non-full sternotomy for selected patients to a "more physiologic" surgery, which represents the real face of modern cardiac surgery in the transcatheter era.

Minimal extracorporeal circulation circuit standby for "off-pump" left ventricular assist device implantation.

We propose, as an addition to the off-pump technique for implantation of an axial flow left ventricular assist device, the use of a minimal extracorporeal circuit for circulatory support, in the setting of hemodynamic instability during implantation. Thus, the use of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass could be avoided. This set-up provides simplicity and effectiveness and enhanced safety of the off-pump implantation while it may offer adequate circulatory support if required.