Management of Diaphragm Paralysis and Eventration.

An elevated diaphragm may be due to eventration or paralysis. Diaphragm elevation is often asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging. Fluoroscopic testing can be used to differentiate eventration (no paradoxic motion) from paralysis (paradoxic motion). Regardless of etiology, a diaphragm plication is indicated in all symptomatic patients with an elevated diaphragm. Plication can be approached either from a thoracic or abdominal approach, though most thoracic surgeons perform minimally invasive thoracoscopic plication. The goal of plication is to improve lung volumes and decrease paradoxic elevation of the hemidiaphragm. Diaphragm plication is safe, has excellent outcomes, and is associated with symptom improvement.

Double-Barrel Vascularized Free Fibula Flap for Reconstruction of Sternal Nonunion with Bone Defect: A Case Report.

CASE: Given the rare incidence of sternal nonunion after traumatic injury, literature describing the management of posttraumatic sternal reconstruction is limited. We present a case of a 54-year-old man with a history of traumatic chest wall injury with multiple unsuccessful attempts at sternal repair who presented with chronic sternal nonunion and persistent bone defect. Sternal reconstruction using a vascularized double-barrel free fibula flap with rigid fixation in multiple planes was performed, with confirmed bony union at 6 months. CONCLUSION: This novel approach to sternal nonunion management allowed effective bridging of posttraumatic sternal bone defects while facilitating osseous integration and long-term stabilization.

Digital spatial profiling to predict recurrence in grade 3 stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Early-stage lung adenocarcinoma is treated with local therapy alone, although patients with grade 3 stage I lung adenocarcinoma have a 50% 5-year recurrence rate. Our objective is to determine if analysis of the tumor microenvironment can create a predictive model for recurrence. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with grade 3 stage I lung adenocarcinoma underwent surgical resection. Digital spatial profiling was used to perform genomic (n = 31) and proteomic (n = 34) analyses of pancytokeratin positive and negative tumor cells. K-means clustering was performed on the top 50 differential genes and top 20 differential proteins, with Kaplan-Meier recurrence curves based on patient clustering. External validation of high-expression genes was performed with Kaplan-Meier plotter. RESULTS: There were no significant clinicopathologic differences between patients who did (n = 14) and did not (n = 20) have recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 806 days; median follow-up with no recurrence was 2897 days. K-means clustering of pancytokeratin positive genes resulted in a model with a Kaplan-Meier curve with concordance index of 0.75. K-means clustering for pancytokeratin negative genes was less successful at differentiating recurrence (concordance index 0.6). Genes upregulated or downregulated for recurrence were externally validated using available public databases. Proteomic data did not reach statistical significance but did internally validate the genomic data described. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic difference in lung adenocarcinoma may be able to predict risk of recurrence. After further validation, stratifying patients by this risk may help guide who will benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Prolonged Ischemia Increases Complications Among High- and Low-Volume Centers in Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of prolonged allograft ischemic time on lung transplant outcomes remains controversial, with most studies associating it with increased mortality, but this effect is partly mitigated by center volume. This study sought to evaluate the mechanism of these findings and clarify the impact of ischemic time on short-term outcomes in a national sample. METHODS: Data on lung transplants (January 2010-Janary 2017) were extracted from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. Ischemic time was dichotomized as prolonged ischemic time (PIT) or no PIT (N-PIT) at 6 hours. High-volume centers were defined as the top quintile. The primary outcome was 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year mortality; secondary outcomes included in-hospital complications and 72-hour oxygenation. RESULTS: Among 11,809 records, there were significant differences between PIT and N-PIT recipients by demographics, lung allocation score, and donor organ metrics. In a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort (n = 6422), PIT recipients had reduced survival compared with N-PIT at 3 years (66.5% vs 68.8%, P = .031). On multivariable analysis, this effect persisted among low-volume but not high-volume centers. PIT recipients were more likely to require reintubation, prolonged (>5 days) mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, longer stay, and acute rejection (all P < .01). Except for reintubation, these disparities were present at both high- and low-volume centers independently. Ischemic time had no effect on 72-hour oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: PIT remains associated with higher rates of postoperative complications and reduced short-term survival. While center volume ameliorated the survival impact, this was not achieved by reducing postoperative complications. Further research is warranted before broadening ischemic time thresholds among low-volume centers.

Assessing donor organ quality according to recipient characteristics in lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: There is a shortage of donor lungs relative to need, but overall donor organ utilization remains low. The most common reason for refusal is organ quality, but the standards applied to selection vary. In this study we sought to characterize differences in lung utilization according to quality across several clinically distinct recipient pools. METHODS: Data on donor lungs recovered (April 2006 to September 2019) were extracted from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. Organs were classified as ideal, standard, or extended quality according to their poorest metric among selected parameters. Subanalyses were performed on the basis of procedure type, age, lung allocation score, era, and alternative definitions of extended quality. Recipient traits and survival according to organ quality were assessed. RESULTS: Of 156,022 lungs analyzed during the study period, 25,777 (16.5%) were transplanted. There was no difference in quality distribution for single and bilateral transplants. Young candidates were more likely to receive ideal (14.7% vs 12.3%) or standard (9.5% vs 8.2%) lungs, but not extended lungs (75.9% vs 79.5%; all P < .01). Absolute differences in distribution according to lung allocation score quartile were small (<2%). Extended quality donor utilization increased over time. Survival according to donor category was similar at 1 and 3 years post transplant in unadjusted and Cox regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Extended quality lungs comprise an increasing share of transplants in a national sample. Organ selection varies according to recipient age and lung allocation score. However, absolute differences in quality distribution are small, and adverse effects on outcomes are limited to organs with multiple extended qualifying characteristics.

Efficacy of proning in acute respiratory distress syndrome on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objectives: Proning patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been associated with increased survival, although few data exist evaluating the safety and feasibility of proning patients with ARDS on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of all patients with ARDS placed on ECMO between March 1 and May 31, 2020, was performed. All proning events were evaluated for complications, as well as change in compliance, sweep, oxygenation, and flow. The primary outcome of this study was the rate major morbidity associated with proning while on ECMO. Results: In total, 30 patients were placed on ECMO for ARDS, with 12 patients (40%) proned while on ECMO. A total of 83 proning episodes occurred, with a median of 7 per patient (interquartile range, 3-9). No ECMO cannula-associated bleeding, cannula displacement, or endotracheal tune dislodgements occurred (0%). Oropharyngeal bleeding occurred twice (50%). Four patients were proned with chest tubes in place, and none had complications (0%). Lung compliance improved after proning in 70 events (84%), from a mean of 15.4 mL/mm Hg preproning to 20.6 mL/mm Hg postproning (P < .0001). Sweep requirement decreased in 36 events (43%). Oxygenation improved in 63 events (76%), from a mean partial pressure of oxygen of 86 preproning to 103 postproning (P < .0001). Mean ECMO flow was unchanged. Conclusions: Proning in patients with ARDS on ECMO is safe with an associated improvement in lung mechanics. With careful planning and coordination, these data support the practice of appropriately proning patients with severe ARDS, even if they are on ECMO.

One-Year Outcomes With Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in patients in whom conventional mechanical ventilatory support has failed. To date, published data have focused on survival from ECMO and survival to discharge. In addition to survival to discharge, this study reports 1-year follow-up data for patients who were successfully discharged from the hospital. METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective review of all patients with severe COVID-19 who were cannulated for VV-ECMO between March 10, 2020 and May 1, 2020 was performed. A multidisciplinary ECMO team evaluated, selected, and managed patients with ECMO support. The primary outcome of this study was survival to discharge. Available 1-year follow-up data are also reported. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were supported with VV-ECMO, and 27 patients (90%) survived to discharge. All patients were discharged home or to acute rehabilitation on room air, except for 1 patient (3.7%), who required supplemental oxygen therapy. At a median follow-up of 10.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 8.9-14.4 months) since ECMO cannulation, survival was 86.7%, including 1 patient who underwent lung transplantation. Of the patients discharged from the hospital, 44.4% (12/27) had pulmonary function testing, with a median percent predicted forced expiratory volume of 100% (IQR, 91%-110%). For survivors, a 6-minute walk test was performed in 59.3% (16/27), with a median value of 350 m (IQR, 286-379 m). CONCLUSIONS: A well-defined patient selection and management strategy of VV-ECMO support in patients with severe COVID-19 resulted in exceptional survival to discharge that was sustained at 1-year after ECMO cannulation.

Discharging Patients by Postoperative Day One After Robotic Anatomic Pulmonary Resection.

BACKGROUND: Our objective is to assess the feasibility and safety of discharging patients by postoperative day one (POD1) after robotic segmentectomy and lobectomy, and to describe outcomes for patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of a prospectively collected database of a quality improvement initiative by a single surgeon. Factors associated with discharge by POD1 were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: From January 2018 to July 2020, of 253 patients who underwent robotic anatomic pulmonary resection, 134 (53%) were discharged by POD1, 67% after segmentectomy and 41% after lobectomy. Discharge by POD1 improved with experience and was achieved in 97% of patients after segmentectomy and 68% after lobectomy in the final quartile. Thirty-one patients (12%) were discharged home with a chest tube, including 7 (2.8%) on POD1. On multivariate analysis, never smokers and segmentectomy were associated with discharge by POD1. Conversely, decreased baseline performance status and perioperative complications were associated with discharge after POD1. There were 10 minor morbidities (4%), 6 major morbidities (2.4%), and no 30- or 90-day mortality. There were 4 readmissions (1.6%), of which 1 (0.4%) was after POD1 discharge. Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: With experience and communication, select patients can be discharged home on POD1 after robotic segmentectomy and lobectomy with excellent outcomes and high satisfaction. Discharge by POD1 was associated with never smokers and segmentectomy, and inversely associated with decreased baseline performance status and perioperative complications.

Managing Scarcity: Innovation and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a disruptive force upon the health care system, with particular import for thoracic surgery given the pulmonary pathophysiology and disease implications of the virus. The rapid and severe onset of disease required expedient innovation and change in patient management and novel approaches to care delivery and nimbleness of workforce. In this review, we detail our approaches to patients with COVID-19, including those that required surgical intervention, our expedited and novel approach to bronchoscopy and tracheostomy, and our expansion of telehealth. The pandemic has created a unique opportunity to reflect on our delivery of care in thoracic surgery and apply lessons learned during this time to "rethink" how to optimize resources and deliver excellent and cutting-edge patient care.

Hemoadsorption for management of patients on veno-venous ECMO support for severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop a profound cytokine-mediated pro-inflammatory response. This study reports outcomes in 10 patients with COVID-19 supported on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) who were selected for the emergency use of a hemoadsorption column integrated in the ECMO circuit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre and posttreatment, clinical data, and inflammatory markers were assessed to determine the safety and feasibility of using this system and to evaluate the clinical effect. RESULTS: During hemoadsorption, median levels of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, and IL-10 decreased by 54%, 86%, and 64%, respectively. Reductions in other markers were observed for lactate dehydrogenase (-49%), ferritin (-46%), d-dimer (-7%), C-reactive protein (-55%), procalcitonin (-76%), and lactate (-44%). Vasoactive-inotrope scores decreased significantly over the treatment interval (-80%). The median hospital length of stay was 53 days (36-85) and at 90-days post cannulation, survival was 90% which was similar to a group of patients without the use of hemoadsorption. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of hemoadsorption to VV-ECMO in patients with severe COVID-19 is feasible and reduces measured cytokine levels. However, in this small series, the precise impact on the overall clinical course and survival benefit still remains unknown.

Dynamic Management of Lung Cancer Care During Surging COVID-19.

Management of patients with lung cancer continues to be challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the increased risk of complications in this subset of patients. During the COVID-19 surge in New York City, New York University Langone Health adopted triage strategies to help with care for lung cancer patients, with good surgical outcomes and no transmission of COVID-19 to patients or healthcare workers. Here, we will review current recommendations regarding screening and management of lung cancer patients during both a non-surge phase and surge phase of COVID-19.

Postoperative Air Leaks After Lung Surgery: Predictors, Intraoperative Techniques, and Postoperative Management.

Postoperative air leak is one of the most common complications after pulmonary resection and contributes to postoperative pain, complications, and increased hospital length of stay. Several risk factors, including both patient and surgical characteristics, increase the frequency of air leaks. Appropriate intraoperative tissue handling is the most important surgical technique to reduce air leaks. Digital drainage systems have improved the management of postoperative air leak via objective data, portability, and ease of use in the outpatient setting. Several treatment strategies have been used to address prolonged air leak, including pleurodesis, blood patch, placement of endobronchial valves, and reoperative surgery.

Extended Robotic Pulmonary Resections.

While lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, surgery for curative intent continues to be a mainstay of therapy. The robotic platform for pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been utilized for more than a decade now. With respect to more localized resections, such as wedge resection or lobectomy, considerable data exist demonstrating shorter length of stay, decreased postoperative pain, improved lymph node dissection, and overall lower complication rate. There are a multitude of technical advantages the robotic approach offers, such as improved optics, natural movement of the operator's hands to control the instruments, and precise identification of tissue planes leading to a more ergonomic and safe dissection. Due to the advantages, the scope of robotic resections is expanding. In this review, we will look at the existing data on extended robotic pulmonary resections, specifically post-induction therapy resection, sleeve lobectomy, and pneumonectomy. Additionally, this review will examine the indications for these more complex resections, as well as review the data and outcomes from other institutions' experience with performing them. Lastly, we will share the strategy and outlook of our own institution with respect to these three types of extended pulmonary resections. Though some controversy remains regarding the use and safety of robotic surgery in these complex pulmonary resections, we hope to shed some light on the existing evidence and evaluate the efficacy and safety for patients with NSCLC.

Thoracic surgery outcomes for patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019.

OBJECTIVE: As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic continues, appropriate management of thoracic complications from Coronavirus Disease 2019 needs to be determined. Our objective is to evaluate which complications occurring in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 require thoracic surgery and to report the early outcomes. METHODS: This study is a single-institution retrospective case series at New York University Langone Health Manhattan campus evaluating patients with confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection who were hospitalized and required thoracic surgery from March 13 to July 18, 2020. RESULTS: From March 13 to August 8, 2020, 1954 patients were admitted to New York University Langone Health for Coronavirus Disease 2019. Of these patients, 13 (0.7%) required thoracic surgery. Two patients (15%) required surgery for complicated pneumothoraces, 5 patients (38%) underwent pneumatocele resection, 1 patient (8%) had an empyema requiring decortication, and 5 patients (38%) developed a hemothorax that required surgery. Three patients (23%) died after surgery, 9 patients (69%) were discharged, and 1 patient (8%) remains in the hospital. No healthcare providers were positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 after the surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Given the 77% survival, with a majority of patients already discharged from the hospital, thoracic surgery is feasible for the small percent of patients hospitalized with Coronavirus Disease 2019 who underwent surgery for complex pneumothorax, pneumatocele, empyema, or hemothorax. Our experience also supports the safety of surgical intervention for healthcare providers who operate on patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019.