Early Outcomes of the Norwood Procedure in a Reference Center in Brazil. / Resultados Precoces do Procedimento de Norwood em um Centro de Referência no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Only two papers have addressed the early outcomes of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing the Norwood operation, in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patients with HLHS undergoing the first-stage Norwood operation in order to identify the predictive factors for early (within the first 30 days after surgery) and intermediate (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) mortality. METHODS: Patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure from January 2016 through April 2019, in our service, were enrolled. Demographic, anatomical, and surgical data were analyzed. Endpoints were early mortality (within the first 30 days after surgery), intermediate mortality (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) and the need for postoperative ECMO support. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients with HLHS underwent the stage I Norwood procedure. The 30-day survival rate was 91.3% and the intermediate survival rate 81.3%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) required ECMO support. Lower weight (p=0.033), aortic stenosis (vs aortic atresia; p=0.036), and the need for postoperative ECMO support (p=0.009) were independent predictive factors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis (vs mitral valve atresia; p=0.041) was an independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality. CONCLUSION: The present study includes the largest Brazilian cohort of patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure in the recent era. Our survival rates were comparable to the highest survival rates reported globally. Low body weight, aortic valve stenosis, and the need for postoperative ECMO support were independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis was the only independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality.

FUNDAMENTO: Apenas dois artigos abordam os resultados precoces de pacientes com síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SHCE) submetidos à operação de Norwood, no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Avaliamos pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood para identificar os fatores preditivos de mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia) e intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn). MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com SHCE submetidos em nosso serviço ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood de janeiro de 2016 a abril de 2019. Dados demográficos, anatômicos e cirúrgicos foram analisados. Os desfechos foram mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia), mortalidade intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn) e a necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO. Foram realizadas análises univariadas e multivariadas e calculados odds ratios, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Um total de 80 pacientes com SHCE foram submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias foi de 91,3% e a taxa de sobrevida intermediária foi de 81,3%. Quatorze pacientes (17,5%) necessitaram de suporte com ECMO. Menor peso (p=0,033), estenose aórtica (vs atresia aórtica; p=0,036) e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO (p=0,009) foram fatores preditivos independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral ( vs atresia da valva mitral; p=0,041) foi um fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo inclui a maior coorte brasileira de pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood na era recente. Nossas taxas de sobrevida foram comparáveis às mais altas taxas de sobrevida relatadas globalmente. Baixo peso corporal, estenose valvar aórtica e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO foram preditores independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral foi o único fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária.

Resultados Precoces do Procedimento de Norwood em um Centro de Referência no Brasil / Early Outcomes of the Norwood Procedure in a Reference Center in Brazil

Resumo Fundamento Apenas dois artigos abordam os resultados precoces de pacientes com síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SHCE) submetidos à operação de Norwood, no Brasil. Objetivos Avaliamos pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood para identificar os fatores preditivos de mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia) e intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn). Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes com SHCE submetidos em nosso serviço ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood de janeiro de 2016 a abril de 2019. Dados demográficos, anatômicos e cirúrgicos foram analisados. Os desfechos foram mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia), mortalidade intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn) e a necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO. Foram realizadas análises univariadas e multivariadas e calculados odds ratios, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Um total de 80 pacientes com SHCE foram submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias foi de 91,3% e a taxa de sobrevida intermediária foi de 81,3%. Quatorze pacientes (17,5%) necessitaram de suporte com ECMO. Menor peso (p=0,033), estenose aórtica (vs atresia aórtica; p=0,036) e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO (p=0,009) foram fatores preditivos independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral ( vs atresia da valva mitral; p=0,041) foi um fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária. Conclusão O presente estudo inclui a maior coorte brasileira de pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood na era recente. Nossas taxas de sobrevida foram comparáveis às mais altas taxas de sobrevida relatadas globalmente. Baixo peso corporal, estenose valvar aórtica e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO foram preditores independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral foi o único fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária.

Abstract Background Only two papers have addressed the early outcomes of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing the Norwood operation, in Brazil. Objectives We evaluated patients with HLHS undergoing the first-stage Norwood operation in order to identify the predictive factors for early (within the first 30 days after surgery) and intermediate (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) mortality. Methods Patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure from January 2016 through April 2019, in our service, were enrolled. Demographic, anatomical, and surgical data were analyzed. Endpoints were early mortality (within the first 30 days after surgery), intermediate mortality (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) and the need for postoperative ECMO support. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 80 patients with HLHS underwent the stage I Norwood procedure. The 30-day survival rate was 91.3% and the intermediate survival rate 81.3%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) required ECMO support. Lower weight (p=0.033), aortic stenosis (vs aortic atresia; p=0.036), and the need for postoperative ECMO support (p=0.009) were independent predictive factors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis (vs mitral valve atresia; p=0.041) was an independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality. Conclusion The present study includes the largest Brazilian cohort of patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure in the recent era. Our survival rates were comparable to the highest survival rates reported globally. Low body weight, aortic valve stenosis, and the need for postoperative ECMO support were independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis was the only independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality.

[The role of echocardiography as an isolated method for indicating surgery in patients with congenital heart disease]. / O papel do ecocardiograma como método isolado na indicação cirúrgica de pacientes portadores de cardiopatia congênita.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for indicating surgery without catheterization in patients with congenital heart disease through a prospective analysis and comparison of the echocardiographic diagnosis with the intraoperative findings, or invasive study, or both. METHODS: From February 2000 to January 2001, 493 patients with congenital heart diseases indicated for surgery were followed up. They underwent echocardiography with color-flow mapping for a therapeutic decision. The results were compared with the findings of surgery or catheterization, or both, when the latter were performed for diagnostic reasons. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 94.3% (465 cases) underwent congenital heart disease correction based only on echocardiographic findings, without a diagnostic catheterization. The invasive study was performed for diagnostic reasons in 28 (5.6%) patients, the surgical treatment was performed in more than 95% of the patients, and therapeutic catheterization was performed in 3.6%. The echocardiographic findings were confirmed in 464 (94.1%) patients, which showed the high accuracy of the method. False-positive findings occurred in 8 (1.6%) patients, and false-negative findings in 39 (7.9%). According to surgeons, no diagnostic error led to complications or adversely affected the surgical results. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography proved to be a sensitive and safe method for indicating surgery, making catheterization, often, unnecessary. The invasive study was restricted to diagnostic or therapeutic uses.

[Left internal thoracic artery to left pulmonary artery fistula after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A rare cause of myocardial ischemia]. / Fístula de enxerto coronariano da artéria torácica interna esquerda para artéria pulmonar esquerda após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. Causa rara de isquemia miocárdica.

We report a patient who developed dyspnea on mild exertion six years after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Myocardial ischemia was documented by radionuclide imaging, and coronary angiography showed patency of all grafts and a large fistula between the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the left pulmonary artery (LPA). The patient was submitted to surgical closure of the fistula and made an excellent recovery.

[Ebstein's anomaly: results of the conic reconstruction of the tricuspid valve]. / Anomalia de Ebstein: resultados com a reconstrução cônica da valva tricúspide.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of a technical modification of tricuspid valvuloplasty in Ebstein's anomaly. METHODS: From November 1993 to August 2002, 21 patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, with ages ranging from 20 months to 37 years (mean, 23 years), underwent a new technique of tricuspid valvuloplasty. This technique consisted of total or almost total detachment of the anterior tricuspid megaleaflet from the ventricular wall and valvular ring, transforming it into a cone, whose vertex remained fixed in the right ventricular tip, and the base was sutured to the tricuspid ring, after its plication, adjusting it to the size of the base of the cone (tricuspid ring), including the septal region. RESULTS: One (4.7%) patient with cardiomyopathy caused by chronic hypoxia died in the hospital due to low cardiac output. The mean follow-up lasted 4 years, and the recent echocardiograms showed good morphology of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve with mild or minimal insufficiency in 18 patients and moderate insufficiency in 2 patients. In 2 of the 3 patients with an anomalous bundle, it could be located and sectioned during surgery. No atrioventricular block occurred. CONCLUSION: The technique used was efficient in repairing tricuspid insufficiency and restoring right ventricular morphology, being applicable to all anatomic types of Ebstein's anomaly, except for Carpentier classification type D.

Therapeutic options to minimize allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in cardiac surgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Allogeneic blood is an exhaustible therapeutic resource. New evidence indicates that blood consumption is excessive and that donations have decreased, resulting in reduced blood supplies worldwide. Blood transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as higher hospital costs. This makes it necessary to seek out new treatment options. Such options exist but are still virtually unknown and are rarely utilized. OBJECTIVE: To gather and describe in a systematic, objective, and practical way all clinical and surgical strategies as effective therapeutic options to minimize or avoid allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in surgical cardiac patients. METHODS: A bibliographic search was conducted using the MeSH term "Blood Transfusion" and the terms "Cardiac Surgery" and "Blood Management." Studies with titles not directly related to this research or that did not contain information related to it in their abstracts as well as older studies reporting on the same strategies were not included. RESULTS: Treating anemia and thrombocytopenia, suspending anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, reducing routine phlebotomies, utilizing less traumatic surgical techniques with moderate hypothermia and hypotension, meticulous hemostasis, use of topical and systemic hemostatic agents, acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage, anemia tolerance (supplementary oxygen and normothermia), as well as various other therapeutic options have proved to be effective strategies for reducing allogeneic blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: There are a number of clinical and surgical strategies that can be used to optimize erythrocyte mass and coagulation status, minimize blood loss, and improve anemia tolerance. In order to decrease the consumption of blood components, diminish morbidity and mortality, and reduce hospital costs, these treatment strategies should be incorporated into medical practice worldwide.

Horizontal right axillary minithoracotomy: aesthetic and effective option for atrial and ventricular septal defect repair in infants and toddlers.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart defects treatment shows progressive reduction in morbidity and mortality, however, the scar, resulting from ventricular (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, may cause discomfort. Right axillary minithoracotomy approach, by avoiding the breast growth region, is an option for correction of these defects that may provide better aesthetic results at low cost. Since October 2011, we have been using this technique for repairing VSD and ASD defects as well as associated defects. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of this method in children undergoing correction of VSD and ASD, to compare perioperative clinical outcomes with those repaired by median sternotomy, and to evaluate the aesthetic result. METHODS: Perioperative clinical data of 25 patients submitted to axillary thoracotomy were compared with data from a paired group of 25 patients with similar heart defects repaired by median sternotomy, from October 2011 to August 2012. RESULTS: Axillary approach was possible even in infants. There was no mortality and the main perioperative variables were similar in both groups, except for lower use of blood products in the axillary group (6/25) vs. control (13/25), with statistical difference (P =0.04). The VSD size varied from 7 to 15 mm in axillary group. Cannulation of the aorta and vena cavae was performed through the main incision, whose size ranged from 3 to 5 cm in the axillary group, with excellent aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: The axillary thoracotomy was effective, allowing for a heart defect repair similar to the median sternotomy, with more satisfactory aesthetic results and reduced blood transfusion, and it can be safely used in infants.

Heart retransplantation in children without the use of blood product.

This article reports a case of a cardiac retransplantation without the use of blood products, in a 6 year old, with severe dilated cardiomyopathy after chronic graft rejection and refractory to clinical treatment. To avoid a blood transfusion in this surgery a multidisciplinary approach was planned, which involved the use of preoperative erythropoietin, acute normovolemic hemodilution and intraoperative cell savage with autologous blood recovery system, as well as a meticulous hemostasis and reduced postoperative phlebotomy.

Role of echocardiography in the ventricular assessment of the transplanted heart versus heart rejection.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is an alternative for individuals with end-stage heart disease. However, episodes of heart rejection (HR) are frequent and increase morbidity and mortality, requiring the use of an accurate non-invasive exam for their diagnosis, since endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is not a complication-free procedure. OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters obtained by use of Doppler echocardiography in a group of transplanted patients with HR (TX1) and another group of transplanted patients without rejection (TX0), having as reference a control group (CG) and observing the behavior of the left ventricular systo-diastolic function expressed as the myocardial performance index (MPI) METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiographies were performed from January 2006 to January 2008 to prospectively assess 47 patients divided into three groups: CG (36.2%); TX0 (38.3%); and TX1 (25.5%). The MPI was compared between the groups, and data were analyzed by use of Fisher exact test and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, both with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The groups did not differ regarding age, weight, height, and body surface. When compared to GC, TX0 and TX1 showed a change in the left ventricular systo-diastolic function, expressed as an increase in MPI, which was greater in TX1 [0.38 (0.29 - 0.44); 0.47 (0.43 - 0.56); 0.58 (0.52 - 0.74), respectively; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography was a very accurate test to detect changes in the systo-diastolic function of the transplanted heart; however, it did not prove to be reliable to replace BEM in the safe diagnosis of HR.

Atypical truncus arteriosus operated at 28 years of age: importance of differential diagnosis.

This is the case of 28 year-old adult with suspected congenital heart disease since birth, not treated in childhood at the his family's choice. At 27 years old, he was diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and systemic-pulmonary collaterals, where surgery was contraindicated. A new review in our department showed that it was an atypical form of truncus arteriosus. The fact that a common arterial trunk with left-right shunt was viewed by echocardiography was a crucial fact for the indication of new catheterization, opening the prospect of surgical correction. Currently, the patient is well, with 7 years of postoperative outcome.

Cone reconstruction in Ebstein's anomaly repair: early and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: The main Ebstein anomaly (EA) repairs are based on the monocusp reconstruction of the tricuspid valve and are limited by the frequent need for replacement or the high recurrence of valve regurgitation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of anatomical repair of Ebstein's anomaly using the cone reconstruction technique on patients' clinical evaluation, tricuspid valve function and right ventricular morphology. METHODS: We compared the clinical, echocardiographic and radiological data of 52 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 18.5 ± 13.8 years, submitted to the cone reconstruction technique, obtained in the preoperative, early postoperative (EPO) and long-term (LPO) periods. RESULTS: There were two in-hospital deaths (3.8%) and two more during the follow-up. Mean functional class of pre-operative heart failure improved from 2.2 to 1.2 after 57 months of mean follow up of 97% of patients (p <0.001). The mean degree of preoperative tricuspid regurgitation decreased from 3.6 to 1.6 in the EPO (p <0.001), remaining at 1.9 in LPO period (p> 0.05). The indexed RV functional area increased from 8.53 ± 7.02 cm²/m² preoperatively to 21.01 ± 6.87 cm²/m² in the EPO (p <0.001) and remained unchanged at 20.28 ± 5.26 cm²/m² in LPO period (p> 0.05). The mean cardiothoracic ratio was decreased from 0.66 ± 0.09 to 0.54 ± 0.06 (p <0.001) in the long term. CONCLUSION: The cone technique showed low in-hospital mortality, resulting in an effective and long-lasting repair of tricuspid regurgitation, restoring the functional area of the right ventricle and allowing reverse remodeling of the heart and clinical improvement in most patients in the long term.

The hypoplastic left heart syndrome is not a risk factor for Fontan operation.

OBJECTIVE: To show the mortality rate of children undergoing to Fontan operation and determine whether the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a risk factor for hospital mortality. METHODS: From August 2001 to June 2008, 76 patients underwent Fontan operation and were divided into two groups: group A with 54 patients, 31 (40.7%) patients with tricuspid atresia and variants, six (7.8%) of double-inlet left ventricle, four (5.3%) and atrioventricular septal defect and total 13 (17.1%) of other complex congenital heart disease and group B all patients with HLHS a total of 22 (28.9%) patients. RESULTS: Group A patients had a mean age of 6.47 years ± 4.83 and group B of 2.08 years ± 0.24 P <0.001, the average weight was 22.42 ± 11.04 against 12.99 ± 1.2 P = 0.016, the mean CPB time was 119.5 min versus 113.3 min P = 0.0, with a mean clamping time of 74.8 min and 73.5 min p = 0.75. The mean ICU stay was 4.1 days for group A versus 7.52 days for group B p = 0.0003. In total (group A + B) three patients died, with hospital mortality of 3.9%, and one patient with HLHS (4.54%) (P <0.001, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.228). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite higher morbidity in HLHS is not a risk factor for hospital mortality.

Cardiogenic shock due to cytomegalovirus myocarditis: successful clinical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) systemic disease and myocarditis in healthy persons is infrequently reported in the literature, although in increasing numbers in recent years. The importance of the recognition of the syndrome that usually has an initial picture of a mononucleosis like infection in an otherwise healthy person, is the available therapeutic agent, ganciclovir, that can cure the infectious disease. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical result of pulsotherapy with steroids in a patient with CMV myocarditis after 7 days of etiological treatment, with ganciclovir, intravenous vasodilators, and the conventional treatment for congestive heart failure. RESULTS: The clinical condition of the patient improved accordingly to the better function of the left ventricle, and the ganciclovir was kept for 21 days, most of it in an out patient basis. The patient was dismissed from the hospital, with normal myocardial function. CONCLUSION: Potentially curable forms of myocarditis, like M pneumoniae and CMV, for example, can have an initial disproportionate aggression to the myocardium, by the acute inflammatory reaction, that can by itself make worse the damage to the LV function. In our opinion, the blockade of this process by pulsotherapy with steroids can help in the treatment of these patients. We understand that the different scenario of immunosuppressive treatments for the possible auto immunity of the more chronic forms of the presumably post viral cardiomyopathy has been in dispute in the literature, and has stolen the focus from the truly acute cases.

[Experience with heterotopic heart transplantation in patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance: late follow-up].

BACKGROUND: Along the past few years the number of papers on heterotopic cardiac transplant has been very scarce in the medical literature, including at the international level; this is particularly true in reference to the long term follow-up of these patients and the reason which led to the presentation of our report. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial clinical experience and late evolution of 4 patients undergoing heterotopic heart transplantation, indications for this procedure and its major complications. METHODS: The surgeries were performed between 1992 and 2001, and all had as indication for heterotopic transplantation the PVR, which ranged from 4.8 WU to 6.5 WU, with a transpulmonary gradient above 15 mmHg. In the 3rd patient, a direct anastomosis between the pulmonary arteries was performed without the use of a prostetic tube, and a mitral valvuloplasty and a LV aneurysmectomy were performed in the native heart. The immediate immunosuppressive regimens were double, with cyclosporine and azathioprine in the first 3 patients, and cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil in the 4th patient. RESULTS: One immediate death occurred from graft failure, one death occurred after 2 (1/2) years, from endocarditis in an intraventricular thrombus in the native heart, and a third death occurred 6 years after transplantation, from post-operative complications of the aortic valve surgery in the native heart. The remaining patient is well, 15 years after the transplantation. This patient is in functional class II (NYHA), 6 years after a surgical occlusion of the native heart aortic valve. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic heart transplantation results are inferior to those of orthotopic heart transplantation because they present higher RVP. The intraventricular thrombi, in the native heart, which require prolonged anticoagulation, and aortic valve complications, also in the native heart, may require surgical treatment. However, a patient's 15-year survival has demonstrated a long-term effectiveness of this option for selected patients.

Balloon atrial septostomy guided by echocardiography in a neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: The bedside two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D ECHO) has been successfully used to guide the balloon atrial septostomy, speeding up the procedure and preventing the risks of transportation to the hemodynamics laboratory. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of the bedside balloon atrial septostomy in cyanotic neonates. METHODS: Between January/1997 and July/2008, 102 atrioseptostomies by balloon catheter guided by echocardiography were carried out and saturation levels, defect diameter, oxygen saturation, clinical-laboratory response and complications related to the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 102 cases of bedside Rashkind septostomy, 98 met the inclusion criteria, with 90 neonates in Group A (Rashkind procedure in the preoperative phase) and 8 in Group B (procedure at the postoperative phase). There was a predominance of the male sex (75%), mean age was 8.3 ± 9.3 days and the mean weight was 3,100 ± 1,100 g; the transposition of the great arteries was the most frequent congenital heart disease (n = 74). When comparing the levels of saturation pre and post-procedure (65.9 ± 19.5% and 86 ± 9.7%) and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect pre and post-procedure (2.3 ± 1.0 mm and 5.5 ± 1.3 mm) there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). When comparing the levels of saturation and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect between the group of survivors vs non-survivor, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The balloon atrial septostomy guided by the echocardiography reduces the risks by allowing the effective palliative procedure to be carried out promptly in cyanotic neonates, in addition to presenting lower hospital costs.

Opções terapêuticas para minimizar transfusões de sangue alogênico e seus efeitos adversos em cirurgia cardíaca: Revisão sistemática / Therapeutic options to minimize allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in cardiac surgery: A systematic review

Introdução: O sangue alogênico é um recurso terapêutico esgotável. Novas evidências demonstram um consumo excessivo de sangue e uma diminuição das doações, resultando em estoques de sangue reduzidos em todo o mundo. As transfusões de sangue estão relacionadas a aumento na morbimortalidade e maiores custos hospitalares. Deste modo, torna-se necessário procurar outras opções de tratamento. Estas alternativas existem, porém são pouco conhecidas e raramente utilizadas. Objetivo: Reunir e descrever de maneira sistemática, objetiva e prática todas as estratégias clínicas e cirúrgicas, como opções terapêuticas eficazes para minimizar ou evitar transfusões de sangue alogênico e seus efeitos adversos nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Foi efetuada uma pesquisa bibliográfica com busca ao descritor “Blood transfusion” (MeSH) e aos termos “Cardiac surgery” e “Blood management”. Estudos com títulos não relacionados diretamente ao tema da pesquisa, estudos que não continham nos resumos dados relacionados à pesquisa, estudos mais antigos que relataram estratégias repetidas foram excluídos. Resultados: Tratar anemia e plaquetopenia, suspender anticoagulantes e antiplaquetários, reduzir flebotomias rotineiras, técnica cirúrgica menos traumática com hipotermia e hipotensão moderada, hemostasia meticulosa, uso de agentes hemostáticos sistêmicos e tópicos, hemodiluição normovolêmica aguda, recuperação sanguínea intraoperatória, tolerância à anemia (oxigênio suplementar e normotermia), bem como várias outras opções terapêuticas mostram ser estratégias eficazes em reduzir transfusões de sangue alogênico. Conclusão: Existem múltiplas estratégias clínicas e cirúrgicas para otimizar a massa eritrocitária e o estado de coagulação, minimizar a perda de sangue e melhorar tolerância à anemia. Estes recursos terapêuticos deveriam ser incorporados à prática médica mundial, visando diminuir o consumo de hemocomponentes, ...

Introdution: Allogeneic blood is an exhaustible therapeutic resource. New evidence indicates that blood consumption is excessive and that donations have decreased, resulting in reduced blood supplies worldwide. Blood transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as higher hospital costs. This makes it necessary to seek out new treatment options. Such options exist but are still virtually unknown and are rarely utilized. Objective: To gather and describe in a systematic, objective, and practical way all clinical and surgical strategies as effective therapeutic options to minimize or avoid allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in surgical cardiac patients. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted using the MeSH term “Blood Transfusion” and the terms “Cardiac Surgery” and “Blood Management.” Studies with titles not directly related to this research or that did not contain information related to it in their abstracts as well as older studies reporting on the same strategies were not included. Results: Treating anemia and thrombocytopenia, suspending anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, reducing routine phlebotomies, utilizing less traumatic surgical techniques with moderate hypothermia and hypotension, meticulous hemostasis, use of topical and systemic hemostatic agents, acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage, anemia tolerance (supplementary oxygen and normothermia), as well as various other therapeutic options have proved to be effective strategies for reducing allogeneic blood transfusions. Conclusion: There are a number of clinical and surgical strategies that can be used to optimize erythrocyte mass and coagulation status, minimize blood loss, and improve anemia tolerance. In order to decrease the consumption of blood components, diminish morbidity and mortality, and reduce hospital costs, these treatment strategies should be incorporated ...

Heart transplantation in primary amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a disease with a gloom life expectancy after the beginning of the symptomatic phase, usually with sudden death as the final event. The aggression to other organs, although, can make heart transplantation a disputable form of treatment taking into consideration the shortage of donor organs. The aim is to report the evolution with a survival of seven years after heart transplantation and in very fair condition of a patient with amyloidosis. One year after the heart transplantation, there was indication of renal transplantation also from the aggression from the disease. This patient compares' favorable with three other patients also from our service, who died early after de diagnosis. Even considering the multi systemic nature of amyloidosis, we can accept that in peculiar patients justified the heart transplantation, taking in the consideration the very bad prognosis of the disease.

Horizontal right axillary minithoracotomy: aesthetic and effective option for atrial and ventricular septal defect repair in infants and toddlers / Minitoracotomia axilar direita horizontal: opção estética e eficaz para correção de comunicação interventricular e interatrial em lactentes e crianças

Introduction: Congenital heart defects treatment shows progressive reduction in morbidity and mortality, however, the scar, resulting from ventricular (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, may cause discomfort. Right axillary minithoracotomy approach, by avoiding the breast growth region, is an option for correction of these defects that may provide better aesthetic results at low cost. Since October 2011, we have been using this technique for repairing VSD and ASD defects as well as associated defects. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of this method in children undergoing correction of VSD and ASD, to compare perioperative clinical outcomes with those repaired by median sternotomy, and to evaluate the aesthetic result. Methods: Perioperative clinical data of 25 patients submitted to axillary thoracotomy were compared with data from a paired group of 25 patients with similar heart defects repaired by median sternotomy, from October 2011 to August 2012. Results: Axillary approach was possible even in infants. There was no mortality and the main perioperative variables were similar in both groups, except for lower use of blood products in the axillary group (6/25) vs. control (13/25), with statistical difference (P =0.04). The VSD size varied from 7 to 15 mm in axillary group. Cannulation of the aorta and vena cavae was performed through the main incision, whose size ranged from 3 to 5 cm in the axillary group, with excellent aesthetic results. Conclusion: The axillary thoracotomy was effective, allowing for a heart defect repair similar to the median sternotomy, with more satisfactory aesthetic results and reduced blood transfusion, and it can be safely used in infants. .

Introdução: O tratamento dos defeitos cardíacos apresenta progressiva redução da morbimortalidade, porém, a cicatriz, sequela aparente do tratamento da comunicação interatrial (CIA) e interventricular (CIV), pode causar incômodo. A abordagem por minitoracotomia axilar é opção para correção destes defeitos, com possível melhor estética e baixo custo, além de evitar a região de crescimento da mama. Desde outubro de 2011, empregamos esta técnica para correção de CIA, CIV e defeitos associados. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do método em crianças submetidas à correção de CIV e CIA, avaliar a evolução clínica perioperatória em comparação à esternotomia mediana e avaliar o resultado estético. Métodos: Dados clínicos perioperatórios de 25 pacientes submetidos à minitoracotomia axilar foram comparados com dados de grupo de 25 pacientes submetidos à correção de defeitos cardíacos semelhantes por esternotomia mediana, de outubro de 2011 a agosto de 2012. Resultados: A correção dos defeitos via axilar foi factível inclusive em lactentes. Não houve mortalidade e as principais variáveis perioperatórias foram similares em ambos os grupos, exceto pelo menor uso de hemoderivados no grupo axilar (6/25) x controle (13/25), com diferença estatística (P=0,04). A sequela ventricular nos pacientes do grupo axilar variou de 7 a 15 mm. A canulação da aorta e veias cavas foi realizada através da incisão principal, cujo tamanho variou de 3 a 5 cm no grupo axilar, com resultado estético excelente. Conclusão: A minitoracotomia axilar foi eficaz, permitiu correção do defeito cardíaco semelhante à esternotomia mediana, com resultado estético mais ...

Aortic valve replacement with different types of prosthesis: are there differences in the outcomes during hospital phase?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze intraoperative data and possible differences in clinical evolution during postoperative hospital phase for aortic valve replacement surgery using different types of prosthesis. METHODS: Analysis of 60 patients divided into three groups. Valve replacement with bioprosthesis (20), mechanical prosthesis (20) and homologous valve (20). The mean age was 51.1, 60% were male and 40% female patients; 86.7 % were in NYHA II or III; 63.3% presented arterial hypertension and 18.3% had diabetes. Aetiology of valve disease was degenerative for 39%, rheumatic for 36% and endocarditis for 15%. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 5%; there were no differences in the incidence of septic or cardiogenic shock, acute renal failure, rhythms disorders during surgery or intensive care, neither for total time in intensive care and mechanical ventilation. However, there was statistical differences as regards the cardiopulmonary bypass total time (P=0.02) and the aortic clamping time (P<0.0001) unfavorable to homograft valve group. The ward admission time was greater for mechanical valve group (P=0.05) as well as for total admission time, but without statistical significance. It was observed that patients with preoperative hematocrit smaller than 38.1% used 2.73 units of blood components, and with postoperative hematocrit smaller than 32% used 1,79 units of blood components. Echocardiography control showed minimal evolutional differences. CONCLUSION: The use of different types of prosthesis for this study does not cause differences in the results of postoperative hospital phase. The use of homograft valve is a feasible option with good clinical applicability.

Papel do ecocardiograma na avaliação ventricular do coração transplantado versus rejeição cardíaca / Role of echocardiography in the ventricular assessment of the transplanted heart versus heart rejection

FUNDAMENTO: O Transplante Cardíaco (TC) é uma alternativa para os indivíduos com doença cardíaca terminal. Na evolução pós-transplante, a ocorrência de episódios de Rejeição Cardíaca (RC) é evento frequente que aumenta a morbimortalidade, sendo necessário o emprego de exame não invasivo com boa acurácia para seu diagnóstico, pois a Biópsia Endomiocárdica (BEM) não é um procedimento isento de complicações. OBJETIVO: Comparar parâmetros obtidos com o princípio Doppler, entre os pacientes transplantados com RC (TX1) e os pacientes transplantados sem rejeição (TX0); utilizando como referência o Grupo Controle (GC) e observando o comportamento da função sistodiastólica ventricular esquerda expressa por meio do Índice de Performance Miocárdica (IPM). MÉTODOS: Foram realizados ecocardiogramas transtorácicos no período de janeiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2008, para a avaliação prospectiva de 47 pacientes, subdivididos em GC (36,2%), TX0 (38,3%) e TX1 (25,5%), comparando-se o IPM entre eles. Para a análise dos dados foram realizados os testes exato de Fisher e o não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, ambos com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os grupos não diferiram em relação a idade, peso, altura e superfície corpórea. Quando comparado ao GC, TX0 e TX1 apresentaram alteração da função sistodiastólica ventricular esquerda, expressa como aumento do IPM, que foi mais intenso no TX1 [0,38 (0,29 - 0,44) X 0,47 (0,43 - 0,56) X 0,58 (0,52 - 0,74) p < 0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: O ecocardiograma mostrou-se como exame de boa acurácia na detecção das alterações da função sistodiastólica do coração transplantado; entretanto, não foi confiável como método substituto da BEM para o diagnóstico seguro de RC.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is an alternative for individuals with end-stage heart disease. However, episodes of heart rejection (HR) are frequent and increase morbidity and mortality, requiring the use of an accurate non-invasive exam for their diagnosis, since endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is not a complication-free procedure. OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters obtained by use of Doppler echocardiography in a group of transplanted patients with HR (TX1) and another group of transplanted patients without rejection (TX0), having as reference a control group (CG) and observing the behavior of the left ventricular systo-diastolic function expressed as the myocardial performance index (MPI) METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiographies were performed from January 2006 to January 2008 to prospectively assess 47 patients divided into three groups: CG (36.2%); TX0 (38.3%); and TX1 (25.5%). The MPI was compared between the groups, and data were analyzed by use of Fisher exact test and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, both with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The groups did not differ regarding age, weight, height, and body surface. When compared to GC, TX0 and TX1 showed a change in the left ventricular systo-diastolic function, expressed as an increase in MPI, which was greater in TX1 [0.38 (0.29 - 0.44); 0.47 (0.43 - 0.56); 0.58 (0.52 - 0.74), respectively; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography was a very accurate test to detect changes in the systo-diastolic function of the transplanted heart; however, it did not prove to be reliable to replace BEM in the safe diagnosis of HR.