The Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Dose Tranexamic Acid Bolus-Only Protocol Compared with the Moderate-Dose Protocol in Valvular Heart Surgery.

In 873 propensity score-matched pairs of patients undergoing valvular heart surgery, we compared a "moderate dose" of tranexamic acid (TXA) protocol (group 1; median TXA dose: 24 mg/kg body weight) with a 1.5-g "bolus-only" protocol (group 2; median TXA dose: 19 mg/kg body weight). The number of transfused patients was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (74.5 vs 66.0%, p < 0.001), as was the number of transfused red blood cell concentrates (p = 0.001). The risks of re-exploration and convulsive seizures were similar between groups (p > 0.50). Data indicate an impaired efficacy following the "bolus-only" protocol, without a significant safety improvement.

Perioperative Considerations in Management of the Severely Bleeding Coagulopathic Patient.

Inherited and acquired coagulopathy are frequently associated with major bleeding in severe trauma, cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and postpartum hemorrhage. Perioperative management is multifactorial and includes preoperative optimization and discontinuation of anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy in elective procedures. Prophylactic or therapeutic use of antifibrinolytic agents is strongly recommended in guidelines and has been shown to reduce bleeding and need for allogeneic blood administration. In the context of bleeding induced by anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet therapy, reversal strategies should be considered when available. Targeted goal-directed therapy using viscoelastic point-of-care monitoring is increasingly used to guide the administration of coagulation factors and allogenic blood products. In addition, damage control surgery, which includes tamponade of large wound areas, leaving surgical fields open, and other temporary maneuvers, should be considered when bleeding is refractory to hemostatic measures.

Use of the CytoSorb® filter for elimination of residual therapeutic argatroban concentrations during heparinized cardiopulmonary bypass for heart transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: No antidote or established extracorporeal elimination strategy is available for argatroban. Hemadsorption facilitates elimination of smaller drugs. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old patient underwent urgent heart transplantation. Because of a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, preoperative anticoagulation was performed with argatroban. Despite ceasing of the continuous infusion of argatroban 2 h before surgery, concentration only declined from 0.60 µg/ml to 0.58 µg/ml before surgery, and the activated clotting time (ACT) value shortly was 223 s. Microvascular bleeding had been observed when starting surgery. A CytoSorb® absorption column was integrated into the system of the heparin-anticoagulated cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit and a flow of 400 mL/min provided during the 2 h of extracorporeal circulation. The argatroban concentration after weaning from CPB was 0.04 µg/ml and satisfying hemostasis had been achieved after protamine administration. CONCLUSION: Data indicate that the CytoSorb® absorption column might be an effective tool for quick extracorporeal removal of therapeutic concentrations of argatroban.

Moderate Dose of Tranexamic Acid and Complications after Valvular Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In valvular open-heart surgery, data regarding the effect of a moderate dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) on clinical outcomes are limited. METHODS: Out of a cohort of 13,293 patients, we performed a propensity-score-matched analysis in 6,106 patients and assessed the risk of convulsive seizures (CS, primary endpoint), stroke, renal replacement therapy, and mortality (secondary endpoints). In the entire study cohort of 13,293 patients, we also assessed the multivariable-adjusted association of CS with postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The risk of CS was significantly higher in the TXA group (2.4%; n = 72) than in the non-TXA group (1.0%; n = 32), with a relative risk ratio (RR) of 2.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-3.47; p < 0.001). The risk of CS was also higher in patients receiving TXA doses ≥25 mg/kg body weight (3.7%; n = 40) than in patients receiving <25 mg/kg body weight (1.6%; n = 32; p < 0.001). Perioperative secondary clinical endpoints and 1-year mortality did not differ significantly between study groups (p-value > 0.05). Compared with non-CS patients (n = 13,000), patients with nonhemorrhagic, nonembolic CS (n = 253) revealed higher multivariable-adjusted in-hospital risks of stroke (RR: 3.82 [95% CI: 2.44-5.60; p < 0.001]) and mortality (RR: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.23-3.48; p = 0.006]), and a higher 1-year mortality risk (RR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.42-2.41; p < 0.001]). CONCLUSION: A moderate TXA dose was associated with a significantly higher risk of seizure, but not with other clinical complications such as stroke, renal replacement therapy, and mortality. However, in the small group of patients experiencing a seizure, the risks of stroke and short- and mid-term mortality were substantially higher than in patients not experiencing a seizure, indicating that the use of a low-dose TXA protocol (<25 mg/kg body weight) should be considered.

Transfusions and early outcomes in anaemic patients undergoing off- or on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

We retrospectively compared transfusion rates and early outcomes in 1621 consecutive patients with preoperative anaemia undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) or on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB) surgery using a propensity score analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting. Endpoints were transfusions, early morbidity, and mortality. Surgeries were performed by 45 dedicated OPCAB and/or ONCAB surgeons during the 10-year study period. Operative data did not differ significantly between study groups with the exception of a more frequent use of bilateral internal mammary artery revascularization approach in OPCAB patients than ONCAB patients. OPCAB was associated with fewer transfusions and lower risk for the need of postoperative renal replacement therapy, but higher risk of wound infections than ONCAB. Perioperative stroke risk and 30-day and 1-year mortality did not differ significantly between the groups. Our data in a 'real-world setting' indicate that in patients with preoperative anaemia both ONCAB and OPCAB are feasible surgical approaches regarding early morbidity and mortality.

Treatment Algorithm for Patients With von Willebrand Syndrome Type 2A and Congenital Heart Disease-A Treatment Algorithm May Reduce Perioperative Blood Loss in Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

OBJECTIVES: In children with congenital heart disease (CHD), excessive perioperative bleeding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thus making adequate perioperative hemostasis crucial. We investigate the prevalence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome type 2A (aVWS) in CHD and develop a treatment algorithm for patients with aVWS and CHD (TAPAC) to reduce perioperative blood loss. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-center study. PATIENTS: A total of 627 patients with CHD, undergoing corrective cardiac surgery between January 2008 and May 2017. INTERVENTIONS: The evaluation of perioperative bleeding risk was based on the laboratory parameters von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen, ristocetin cofactor activity, platelet function analyzer (PFA) closure time adenosine diphosphate, and PFA epinephrine. According to the bleeding risk, treatment was performed with desmopressin or VWF. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: aVWS was confirmed in 63.3 %, with a prevalence of 45.5% in the moderate and 66.3 % in the high-risk group. In addition, prevalence increased with ascending peak velocity above the stenosis (v max ) from 40.0% at less than or equal to 3 m/s to 83.3% at greater than 5 m/s. TAPAC reduced mean blood loss by 36.3% in comparison with a historical control cohort ( p < 0.001), without increasing the number of thrombotic or thromboembolic events during the hospital stay. With ascending v max , there was an increase in perioperative blood loss in the historical cohort ( p < 0.001), which was not evident in the TAPAC cohort ( p = 0.230). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of aVWS in CHD seems to be higher than assumed and leads to significantly higher perioperative blood loss, especially at high v max . Identifying these patients through appropriate laboratory analytics and adequate treatment could reduce blood loss effectively.

Tranexamic Acid and the Risk of Delirium after Off-Pump Surgery.

We investigated whether in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery a single bolus of 1 g tranexamic acid (TXA) impacts the risk of postoperative delirium using the propensity score matching approach. In 2,757 pairs, the risk of delirium was 4.2% (TXA group) and 5.0% (non-TXA group), with a relative risk in the TXA versus the non-TXA group of 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.65-1.07; p = 0.16). There was no significant interaction between TXA administration and renal function on the risk of delirium (p = 0.12). Data indicate that a single bolus of 1 g TXA does not increase the risk of delirium in patients undergoing off-pump surgery.

Preoperative Risk Factors and Early Outcomes of Delirium in Valvular Open-Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Compared with coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, data regarding postoperative delirium are scant in valvular open-heart surgery. Therefore, the goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the incidence, preoperative risk factors, and early outcomes of delirium in a large group of patients undergoing valvular open-heart surgery. METHODS: In 13,229 patients with isolated valvular or combined valvular and bypass surgery, the incidence of postoperative delirium was assessed until discharge. Independent risk factors of delirium were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Moreover, we assessed the multivariable-adjusted risk of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (>48 hours) and in-hospital mortality in patients with delirium. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence of postoperative delirium was 8.4%. The incidence in patients experiencing a postoperative stroke or seizure was 23.1 and 29.7%, respectively. Twelve preoperative risk factors, mostly nonmodifiable, were independently associated with the risk of delirium, including advanced age, renal impairment, stroke, the need for emergency surgery, and severe preoperative anemia (hemoglobin < 9 g/dL). Postoperative delirium was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of prolonged ICU stay of 9.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.96-11.30). Adjusted in-hospital mortality was, however, significantly lower in patients with delirium versus patients without delirium (OR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38-0.83). CONCLUSION: In valvular open-heart surgery, postoperative delirium is a frequent neurological complication that is associated with other postoperative neurological complications and several, mostly nonmodifiable, preoperative risk factors. Although postoperative delirium was associated with a significantly increased risk of prolonged ICU stay, this did not translate into an increased short-term mortality.

Risk-adjusted analysis of long-term outcomes after on- versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: Recent data suggested that off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) may carry a higher risk for mortality in the long term when compared to on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB). We, therefore, compared long-term survival and morbidity in patients undergoing ONCAB versus OPCAB in a large single-centre cohort. METHODS: A total of 8981 patients undergoing isolated elective/urgent coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2009 and December 2019 were analysed. Patients were stratified into 2 groups (OPCAB n = 6649/ONCAB n = 2332). The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included repeat revascularization, stroke and myocardial infarction. To adjust for potential selection bias, 1:1 nearest neighbour propensity score (PS) matching was performed resulting in 1857 matched pairs. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was applied in the entire study cohort using multivariable- and PS-adjusted Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: In the PS-matched cohort, 10-year mortality was similar between study groups [OPCAB 36.4% vs ONCAB 35.8%: hazard ratio (HR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.12; P = 0.84]. While 10-year outcomes of secondary endpoints did not differ significantly, risk of stroke (OPCAB 1.50% vs ONCAB 2.8%: HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.83; P = 0.006) and mortality (OPCAB 3.1% vs ONCAB 4.8%: HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.91; P = 0.011) at 1 year was lower in the OPCAB group. In the multivariable- and the PS-adjusted model, mortality at 10 years was not significantly different (OPCAB 34.1% vs ONCAB 35.7%: HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87-1.08; P = 0.59 and HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.90-1.13; P = 0.91, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Data do not provide evidence that elective/urgent OPCAB is associated with significantly higher risks of mortality, repeat revascularization, or myocardial infarction during late follow-up when compared to ONCAB. Patients undergoing OPCAB may benefit from reduced risks of stroke and mortality within the first year postoperatively.

Associations of preoperative stroke and tranexamic acid administration with convulsive seizures in valvular open-heart surgery.

In cardiac surgery, use of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) and acute perioperative stroke are both associated with convulsive seizures. We hypothesized that an older (preoperative) stroke increases the risk of TXA-associated seizures as well. To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively analyzed data from 16,110 patients who had undergone open-heart valvular surgery at our institution between 2009 and 2020. The dosing of TXA was moderate. Use of TXA and a history of stroke were both independently associated with convulsive seizure with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.40 (95%CI: 1.71-3.37) and 1.79 (95%CI: 1.27-2.54), respectively. Compared to patients without TXA administration, the adjusted OR of experiencing a seizure in TXA patients without a history of stroke was 2.44 (95%CI: 1.71-3.46) and in patients receiving TXA with a history of stroke 4.30 (95%CI: 2.65-6.99). However, there was no significant interaction between TXA use and preoperative stroke on convulsive seizures (P = 0.77). Compared to patients without seizure, for patients with seizure, the inverse probability-weighted ORs of in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were 3.58 (95%CI: 2.20-5.83) and 4.04 (95%CI: 2.34-6.98), respectively. We conclude that, in patients undergoing open-heart surgery, a history of stroke is independently associated with convulsive seizures but is not a contraindication for TXA use.

How would we treat our own heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during cardiac surgery?

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in cardiac surgery. The management of HIT patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is complex and requires an interdisciplinary and patient-tailored approach because available evidence is limited and current anticoagulation strategies have potential risks. An index case is used to discuss both the established and new perioperative therapeutic options in HIT patients undergoing urgent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.