Comparison of anterior mitral line and mitral isthmus line for ablation of mitral annular flutter.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular flutter (MAF) is the most common left atrial macro-reentrant arrhythmia following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The best ablation approach for this arrhythmia remains unclear. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study sought to compare the acute and long-term outcomes of patients with MAF treated with an anterior mitral line (AML) versus a mitral isthmus line (MIL). Acute ablation success, complication rates, and long-term arrhythmia recurrence were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 81 patients underwent ablation of MAF (58 with an AML and 23 with a MIL). Acute procedural success defined as bidirectional block was achieved in 88% of the AML and 91% of the MIL patients respectively (p = 1.0). One year freedom from atrial arrhythmias was 49.5% versus 77.5% and at 4 years was 24% versus 59.6% for AML versus MIL, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.82, p = .009). Fewer patients in the MIL group had recurrent atrial flutter when compared to the AML group (HR: 0.32, CI: 0.12-0.83, p = .009). The incidence of recurrent AF, on the other side, was not different between both groups (21.7% vs. 18.9%; p = .76). There were no serious adverse events in either group. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of patients with MAF, a MIL compared to AML was associated with a long-term reduction in recurrent atrial arrhythmias driven by a reduction in macroreentrant atrial flutters.

Membrana de circulación extracorpórea veno-arterial para ablación de tormenta eléctrica en shock cardiogénico: caso clínico / Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) used for support during ablation of ventricular electrical storm: case report

RESUMEN: Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente que presenta un infarto del miocardio con trombolisis no exitosa y posterior implantación de 2 stents coronarios quien desarrolla, algunos días después, una tormenta eléctrica ventricular. Una ablación de la taquicardia se realizó bajo ECMO, con buen resultado. Se detalla la descripción del caso, revisa y discute el tema.

ABSTRAC: A patient with a myocardial infarction whom, following a failed thrombolisis and implantion of 2 stents developed a ventricular electrical storm and hemodynamic instability. A successful ablation of the tachycardia with the use of ECMO was performed. A full description is included, along with a discussion of the subject.

Coagulopathy Management of an Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in a Patient Taking Apixaban.

This paper reports the successful management of a patient with acute type A Penn B thoracic aortic dissection who was on apixaban therapy for atrial fibrillation. Emergency surgery was performed due to the patient's clinical deterioration, with innominate artery compromise and severe aortic valve regurgitation. The anesthesia team used point-of-care rotational thromboelastometry-guided coagulation replacement therapy consisting of prothrombin concentrate, fibrinogen, and platelets. The surgical team used a complementary approach with topical hemostatic agents and a pericardial patch. No additional blood products were required. The patient recovered fully and was discharged home.

Valve Failure in the Gas Monitor: An Unusual Cause of Falsely Low Capnography Values Under General Anesthesia: A Case Report.

We present a case in which the Dräger Primus (Dräger Medical AG&Co KG, Lüberck, Germany) anesthesia monitor displayed false readings of low end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) immediately after intubation. The patient's physical examination, vital signs, and arterial blood gases were normal. The ventilator, circuit, gas sample line, and water trap appeared intact and functional. A second gas analyzer revealed normal EtCO2 readings, correlating with blood gas values. The defective monitor gas flow rates and gas calibration values were inappropriately low. Partial opening of the solenoid zero valve allowed entrainment of room air, which caused artifactual dilution of the gas sample.

Update on long QT syndrome.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disorder characterized by a prolonged QT interval in the 12-lead electrocardiogram and increased risk of malignant arrhythmias in patients with a structurally normal heart. Since its first description in the 1950s, advances in molecular genetics have greatly improved our understanding of the cause and mechanisms of this disease. Sixteen genes linked to LQTS have been described and genetic testing had become an integral part of the diagnosis and risk stratification. This article provides an updated review of the genetic basis, diagnosis, and clinical management of LQTS.

Efficacy of Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States-Recommended Methods of Preparation for Malignant Hyperthermia-Susceptible Patients Using Dräger Zeus Anesthesia Workstations and Associated Costs.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and cost of Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States-recommended methods for preparing Dräger Zeus anesthesia workstations (AWSs) for the malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patient. METHODS: We studied washout profiles of sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane in 3 Zeus AWS following 3 preparation methods. AWS was primed with 1.2 minimum alveolar concentration anesthetic for 2 hours using 2 L/min fresh gas flow, 500 mL tidal volume, and 12/min respiratory rate. Two phases of washout were performed: high flow (10 L/min) until anesthetic concentration was <5 parts per million (ppm) for 20 minutes and then low flow (3 L/min) for 20 minutes to identify the rebound effect. Preparation methods are as follows: method 1 (M1), changing disposables (breathing circuit, soda lime, CO2 line, and water traps); method 2 (M2), M1 plus replacing the breathing system with an autoclaved one; and method 3 (M3), M1 plus mounting 2 activated charcoal filters on respiratory limbs. Primary outcomes are as follows: time to obtain anesthetic concentration <5 ppm in the high-flow phase, peak anesthetic concentrations in the low-flow phase, and for M3 only, peak anesthetic concentration after 70 minutes of low-flow phase, when activated charcoal filters are removed. Secondary outcomes are as follows: cost analysis of time and resources to obtain anesthetic concentration <5 ppm in each method and a vapor-free Zeus AWS. Sensitivity analyses were performed using alternative assumptions regarding the costs and the malignant hyperthermia-susceptible caseload per year. RESULTS: Primary outcomes were as follows: M3 instantaneously decreased anesthetic concentration to <1 ppm with minimal impact of low-flow phase. M1 (median, 88 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 69-112 minutes) was greater than M2 (median, 11 minutes; 95% CI, 9-15 minutes). Means of peak rebound anesthetic concentrations in M1, M2, and M3 were 15, 6, and 1 ppm, respectively (P < .001). Anesthetic concentration increased 33-fold (95% CI, 21-50) after removing charcoal filters (from 0.7 to 20 ppm). The choice of anesthetic agents did not impact the results. Secondary outcomes were as follows: M3 was the lowest cost when the cost of lost operating room (OR) time due to washout was included, and M1 was the lowest cost when it was not included. When the cost of lost OR time due to washout was considered the estimated cost/case of M3 was US $360 (M1, US $2670; M2, US $969; and a "vapor-free" Zeus AWS was US $930). The OR time and equipment costs represent the largest differentiators among the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Institutions in which demand for OR time has exceeded capacity should consider M3, and institutions with surplus OR capacity should consider M1.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Neuromonitoring for Identification of New Neurologic Deficits in Pediatric Spinal Fusion Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) modalities, transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TcMEPs), and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) are accepted methods to identify impending spinal cord injury during spinal fusion surgery. Debate exists over sensitivity and specificity of these modalities. Our purpose was to measure the incidence of new neurologic deficits (NNDs) and estimate sensitivity and specificity of IONM modalities. METHODS: Institutional Ethics Board approval was obtained to review charts of patients younger than 22 years undergoing scoliosis surgery from 2007 to 2014 retrospectively. The definition of true-positive patients included two subgroups: (1) patients with an IONM alert, which did not resolve despite the interventions and had a NND postoperatively; or (2) patients with an IONM alert triggering interventions and the alert resolved with no NND postoperatively. Subgroup 2 of the definition is debatable; thus, we performed a multiple sensitivity analysis with three assumptions. Assumption 1: without interventions, all such patients would have experienced NNDs (assumption used in previous studies); Assumption 2: without intervention, half of these patients would have experienced NNDs; Assumption 3: without intervention, none of these of patients would have experienced NNDs. RESULTS: We included 296 patients. Patients with incomplete charts (n = 3), no IONM monitoring (n = 11), and inadequate baseline IONM (n = 7) were excluded. The incidence of NND was 3.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.1%-6.5%). Successful IONM in at least one modality was obtained in 275 patients (92.9%), of whom 268 (97.5%) and 259 (94.2%) had successful baseline TcMEP or SSEP signals, respectively. Fifty-one (17%) patients had IONM alerts, 41 were only TcMEP, 5 were only SSEP, and 5 were in both modalities. After interventions, 42 (82%) patients recovered, 41 had no NND (true-positive under Assumption (1), but one developed a NND (false-negative). Of the 9 patients with no alert recovery, 6 had a NND (true-positive) and 3 did not (false-positives). Of the remaining 224 patients with no alerts, 221 had no NND (true-negatives) and 3 did (false-negatives). Sensitivity was estimated to be 93.5%, 92.2%, and 46.7% for TcMEPs, combination (either TcMEPs or SSEPs), and SSEPs, respectively. Multiple sensitivity analysis demonstrated that sensitivity and specificity vary markedly with different assumptions. CONCLUSION: TcMEPs are more sensitive than SSEP at detecting an impending NND. IONM modalities are highly specific. Both sensitivity and specificity are impacted substantially by assumptions of the impact of interventions on alerts and NND. Properly designed, controlled, multicenter studies are required to establish diagnostic accuracy of IONM in scoliosis surgery.

Evaluación de la anticoagulación con rivaroxaban, en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular de reciente diagnóstico / Evaluation of oral anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, in patients with new onset non valvular atrial fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) generates a hypercoagulable state with an increased thrombin generation and raised levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes, which results in a high risk of stroke and thromboembolism. Aim: To evaluate the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban by anti-Xa factor activity and its correlation with thrombin-antithrombin complexes, thrombin generation and prothrombin time in patients newly diagnosed with non-valvular AF. Patients and Methods: Prospective study in patients with indication of anticoagulation. Demographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were recorded. Blood samples were taken at baseline, at 3 and 24 hours after the administration of the drug and at 30 days. Rivaroxaban levels, anti-Xa activity, prothrombin time, thrombin generation and plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes were determined. Results: We studied 20 patients aged 76.3 ± 8.0 years (60% female) with a CHA2DS2-VASc score > 2 points. The anti-Xa factor activity correlated with rivaroxaban plasma levels at 3 hours (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), at 24 hours (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and at 30 days (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), with prothrombin time at 3 hours (r = -0.86, p = 0.019) and at 30 days (r = -0.63, p = 0.02) and with a sustained decrease in thrombin generation at 30 days of follow-up (r = -0.74, p < 0.01). There was no correlation with thrombin-antithrombin complexes (r = -0.02, p = 0.83). Conclusions: Rivaroxaban consistently inhibited the mild pro-coagulant state found in newly diagnosed non-valvular AF patients through the first 24 hours and this effect was maintained at 30 days. Plasma levels of the drug correlated with anti-Xa factor activity, thrombin generation and prothrombin time

The impact of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg positioning on respiratory system mechanics during laparoscopic pelvic surgery in children: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the changes in respiratory system compliance and other measures of respiratory mechanics associated with peritoneal insufflation (12 mmHg pressure) with carbon dioxide (PNP12) and 20° Trendelenburg positioning (TDG20) in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for abdominal cryptorchidism. METHODS: Twelve subjects with abdominal cryptorchidism undergoing orchiopexy were enrolled in the study. General anesthesia was conducted with sevoflurane/O2/air, fentanyl, and rocuronium. Pressure-controlled ventilation with a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 10-15 cm H2O and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O was titrated to achieve a tidal volume (VT/kg) of 6-10 mL·kg(-1) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) of 35-40 mmHg. Adjustments of PIP and respiratory rate (RR) were made to maintain the initial VT/kg and EtCO2 < 50 mmHg. Measurements of weight-corrected dynamic compliance (Cdyn/kg), VT/kg, and EtCO2 were recorded at baseline, after PNP12, at TDG20, and again after deflation and return to the level position. RESULTS: Adjustments in PIP were required in all subjects to maintain the target VT/kg. The Cdyn/kg decreased 42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30 to 51; P < 0.001) after PNP12, and it remained below baseline until deflation. The TDG20 caused only minimal additional reductions in Cdyn/kg (10% decrease; 95% CI: 0 to 19; P = 0.048). The VT/kg decreased 42% (95% CI: 31 to 52; P = 0.048) with PNP12, and after TDG20, it decreased a further 10% (95% CI: 4 to 19; P = 0.038). After deflation, the VT/kg increased by 56% (95% CI: 28 to 90; P = 0.001) and was then adjusted back to the initial values. CONCLUSION: The PNP12 significantly decreases Cdyn/kg and VT/kg in pediatric patients. The use of TDG20 produces a relatively minor additional impact in respiratory mechanics. This study emphasizes the need to adjust ventilator settings to maintain normal gas exchange during this procedure.

Bajos niveles de colesterol HDL es un predictor de mortalidad y de fibrilación auricular postoperatoria posterior a la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica / Low HDL level is a predictor of post operative atrial fibrillation and mortality after coronary artery bypass surgery

Introducción: Se ha demostrado que bajos niveles de colesterol HDL (C-HDL) se asocian a una mayor incidencia de fibrilación auricular y de mortalidad global y cardiovascular. En un estudio observacional previo en nuestro centro, encontramos que un bajo nivel de C-HDL se asoció a mayor riesgo de fibrilación auricular postoperatoria (FAPO) en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM). Objetivo: Evaluar si el bajo nivel de C-HDL se asocia a mayor incidencia de FAPO y mortalidad en un seguimiento a un año en un estudio controlado. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó a 100 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a CRM por enfermedad coronaria estable sin antecedentes de FA y que ingresaron a la UCI Cardio-quirúrgica en ritmo sinusal. Se definió FAPO como FA con duración mayor a 5 minutos o 5 episodios de FA mayores a 30 segundos de duración en los primeros 5 días post operatorios. Se consideró bajo nivel de C-HDL a un valor < 30mg/dL. Los pacientes se siguieron por un año. Se utilizó un análisis univariado y multivaria-do para identificar factores predisponentes de FAPO y mortalidad. Resultados: 31 pacientes presentaron FAPO. El análisis multivariado mostró un incremento de FAPO con C-HDL <30mg/dL (OR 5.01, IC95% 1.3-18.8, p=0,017) y con albúmina <3,5 gr/dL (OR 6.42, IC95% 1.58-26.0, p=0,009). En un seguimiento de 14.1±1.7 meses. La mortalidad global fue 6% y un C-HDL <30mg/dL resultó ser un predictor independiente (HR 11.1, IC95% 1.1-38.4, p=0,039). Conclusión: En nuestra serie un C-HDL menor a 30mg/dL es un predictor independiente de FAPO y mortalidad posterior a la CRM.

Background: Low C-HDL level has been associated to an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiovascular mortality. Previously, we have observed that low C-HDL had the same type of association with post operative AF (POAF) and mortality following surgery for coronary artery disease. Aim: to evaluate whether a low C-HDL level is a predictor of POAF and mortality following revascularization surgery in a controlled study. Method: A prospective observational study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing revascularization surgery for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) in sinus rhythm and no prior AF. POAF was defined as AF sustained for more than 5 min or the occurrence of 5 or more episodes of AF extending for more than 5 seconds during the first 5 post operative days. A value <30 mg/dl was considered low C-HDL. Patients were followed for one year. Uni and multivariate analysis were used to identify predictors of POAF and mortality. Results: 31 patients developed POAF. A significant (p=0.017) OR of 5.01 (95% CI 1.3 - 18.8) between low C-HDL and POAF was shown. A similar association linked low serum albumin level to POAF (OR 6.4, C.I. 1.6 - 26). After 14.1 ± 1.7 months of follow-up global mortality was 6%. Low C-HDL turned out to be a significant predictor of mortality (H.R. 11.1, C.I. 1.1 - 38.4, p=0.04). Conclusion: Low C-HDL is an independent predictor of POAF and mortality after coronary artery revascularization surgery.

Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento anticoagulante oral con antagonistas de vitamina k en pacientes con prótesis valvulares cardíacas / Safety and efficacy of anticoagulation with vitamin k antagonists in patients with prosthetic heart valves

Introducción: Los pacientes con válvulas mecánicas cardíacas (VMC) representan una proporción significativa del total de pacientes que requieren anticoagulación. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que comparen la efectividad de la anticoagulación con distintos antagonistas de vitamina K (AVK). Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento con warfarina y acenocumarol en pacientes con VMC. Métodos: Estudio observacional de pacientes en po-liclínico de anticoagulación UC sometidos a recambio valvular entre los años 2005 y 2013. Se estandarizó las dosis de AVK con software Isaza Hytwin Biostac 2.0. Se evaluaron registros de hemorragia mayor y menor (seguridad) y accidentes vasculares y embolías sistémicas (efectividad). La efectividad se analizó mediante el tiempo en rango terapéutico (TTR) con método de Ro-sendaal. Resultados: Se incluyó 365 pacientes con edad promedio de 64,1 +/- 13,2 años, 53,9 por ciento de sexo femenino. El seguimiento promedio fue de 33,3 +/- 18 meses; La mortalidad registrada fue 2,1 por ciento. El promedio de TTR fue 68 +/- 13,3 por ciento (recambio aórtico TTR 66,1 +/- 12,6 por ciento, recambio mitral TTR 65,8 +/- 13,8 por ciento y recambio mitro-aórtico TTR 61,2 +/- 12 por ciento). Acenocumarol presentó un TTR menor que warfarina (65,1 +/- 13,1 vs. 71,2 +/- 13,6, p = 0,001), sin aumento del riesgo de complicaciones. Conclusión: Aunque warfarina ofrece un mejor perfil de TTR, no existen diferencias significativas en la eficacia o seguridad al compararla con acenocumarol.

Background: Patients with cardiac mechanical valves (MHV) represent a significant proportion of all patients requiring anticoagulation. However, there are few studies comparing safety and efficacy of different vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of warfarin and acenocoumarol in patients with MHV. Methods: Observational study of patients who had a mitral and /or aortic valve replacement between 2005 and 2013, followed at the Catholic University anticoagulation clinics. VKA dose adjustments were performed using the Isaza Hytwin Biostac 2.0 software. Major and minor bleeding (safety) and stroke and systemic embolism (effectiveness) were evaluated. The efficacy was estimated by the time in therapeutic range (TTR) with the Rosendaal method. Results: 365 patients were included with a mean age of 64.1 +/- 13.2 years, 53.9 percent of them were females. Mean follow-up was 33.3 +/- 18 months Overall mortality rate was 2.1 percent, which is similar to that of patients treated with VKA for other reasons. The average TTR was 68 +/- 13.3 percent (66,1 +/- 12,6 percent for aortic valves, 65,8 +/- 13,8 percent for mitral valves and 61,2 +/- 12 percent for aortic and mitral valves). TTR was lower with acenocoumarol compared to warfarin (65.1 +/- 13.1 vs. 71.2 +/- 13.6 , p = 0.001 ), However, the risk of complications was not different between groups. Conclusions: Although warfarin provides a better profile of TTR , there were no significant differences in efficacy or safety when compared with acenocoumarol.

Síndrome carcinoide y compromiso valvular cardíaco / Carcinoid syndrome anf heart valve involvemen

El carcinoide es un tumor neuroendocrino raro que se origina típicamente en el tracto gastrointestinal y que puede resultar en un amplio espectro de síntomas mediado por sustancias vasoactivas. La enfermedad carcinoide con compromiso cardíaco es caracterizada por el depósito de tejido fibroso en forma de placas, afectando más frecuentemente las válvulas cardíacas derechas y el endocardio. El compromiso valvular izquierdo ocurre en menos del 10 por ciento de los casos y es casi siempre asociado a un cortocircuito de derecha a izquierda o a un carcinoide bronquial primario. Los pacientes con falla cardíaca derecha sintomáticos tienen limitadas opciones terapéuticas diferentes a la cirugía cardíaca. El reemplazo valvular cardíaco es el único tratamiento efectivo para la enfermedad valvular carcinoide y debiese ser considerada en pacientes sintomáticos, en los cuales la enfermedad metastásica y los síntomas del síndrome carcinoide se encuentran bien controlados. Por estos motivos, se recomienda un enfoque multidisciplinario en un centro de experiencia para este tipo de pacientes. El presente artículo es una revisión actualizada de la literatura al respecto, tratando de clarificar las principales dudas con respecto al manejo de estos pacientes.

Carcinoid is a rare neuroendocrine tumor typically originating in the gastrointestinal tract and which may result in a broad spectrum of symptoms mediated by vasoactive substances. Carcinoid heart disease is characterized by plaque-like deposits of fibrous tissue, most frequently affecting the right heart valves and endocardium. Left-sided valve disease occurs in less than 10 percent of patients with cardiac involvement and is almost always associated with an atrial right-to-left shunt or a primary bronchial carcinoid. Patients with symptomatic right heart failure have limited therapeutic options other than cardiac surgery. Cardiac valve replacement is the only effective treatment for carcinoid heart disease and should be considered for symptomatic patients whose metastatic carcinoid disease and symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are well controlled. A multidisciplinary approach at an experienced center is recommended for the care of these patients.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa, período 2003-2010 en el hospital de Temuco, Chile / Profile of patients with infective endocarditis admitted to a Chilean regional hospital

Background: Mortality due to infective endocarditis (IE) in Chile is close to 30%. Aim: To report the experience with patients admitted with the diagnosis of IE in a regional tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of 107 patients aged 50 ± 16years (75% males) discharged with a definitive diagnosis of IE according to modified DUKE criteria, between years 2003 and 2010. Demographic variables, severity scores, clinical characteristics, bacteriology and hospital evolution were recorded. Results: Fifty nine percent of patients had concomitant cardiovascular problems. APACHE II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores on admission were 8.4 ± 4.7 and 2.7 ± 2.8 respectively. Native valves were affected in 91% of cases (aortic and mitral valves in 62% and 50% of cases respectively). Prosthetic valves were affected in 9.3% of cases. Rheumatic heart disease was the predominant primary lesion in 10% of patients. Antibiotics were used in 45.1% before blood cultures were performed. In 68% of patients blood cultures were positive. S. viridans (30.8%), S.aureus (18.6%) and coagulase negative Streptocicci (5.6%) were the identified microorganisms. Intensive care unit admission was required in 48% of patients. Renal, heart and neurological deterioration was observed in 53, 34 and 14% of patients, respectively. Twenty percent of patients developed systemic embolism and 37% required heart surgery. Mean hospital stay was 28.3 ± 19.1 days and 27% of patients died. Conclusions: In this series of patients, IE has a high mortality. Most patients studied were admitted in bad conditions.

[Profile of patients with infective endocarditis admitted to a Chilean regional hospital]. / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa, período 2003-2010 en el hospital de Temuco, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Mortality due to infective endocarditis (IE) in Chile is close to 30%. AIM: To report the experience with patients admitted with the diagnosis of IE in a regional tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 107 patients aged 50 ± 16 years (75% males) discharged with a definitive diagnosis of IE according to modified DUKE criteria, between years 2003 and 2010. Demographic variables, severity scores, clinical characteristics, bacteriology and hospital evolution were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty nine percent of patients had concomitant cardiovascular problems. APACHE II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores on admission were 8.4 ± 4.7 and 2.7 ± 2.8 respectively. Native valves were affected in 91% of cases (aortic and mitral valves in 62% and 50% of cases respectively). Prosthetic valves were affected in 9.3% of cases. Rheumatic heart disease was the predominant primary lesion in 10% of patients. Antibiotics were used in 45.1% before blood cultures were performed. In 68% of patients blood cultures were positive. S. viridans (30.8%), S.aureus (18.6%) and coagulase negative Streptococci (5.6%) were the identified microorganisms. Intensive care unit admission was required in 48% of patients. Renal, heart and neurological deterioration was observed in 53, 34 and 14% of patients, respectively. Twenty percent of patients developed systemic embolism and 37% required heart surgery. Mean hospital stay was 28.3 ± 19.1 days and 27% of patients died. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, IE has a high mortality. Most patients studied were admitted in bad conditions.

Continuous lumbar transversus abdominis plane block may spread to supraumbilical dermatomes.

PURPOSE: The transversus abdominis plane block is an interfascial block intended to target nerves supplying the abdominal wall. It has been shown to reduce pain and postoperative opioids in abdominal surgeries. We present the case of a high-risk patient in whom bilateral continuous lumbar transversus abdominis plane blocks provided effective postoperative analgesia following infraumbilical midline laparotomy. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 59-yr-old woman with coronary artery disease, severe peripheral vascular disease, and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection via an infraumbilical midline laparotomy. Bilateral ultrasound-guided lumbar transversus abdominis plane blocks with catheters were sited intraoperatively. Using only a continuous local anesthetic infusion in the postoperative period, the patient required no systemic opioids or acetaminophen for 81 hr. A sensory block level of T6-L1, higher than that reported following a single-shot technique, remained for 24 hr following infusion discontinuation and finally normalized after 33 hr. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar transversus abdominis plane blocks with continuous infusions may offer an effective alternative to epidural blockade and systemic opioids in high-risk patients. Additionally, given the extensive somatosensory block, this technique may have an analgesic role following abdominal incisions involving not only the infraumbilical region but also supraumbilical sites.

A transesophageal echocardiography examination clarifies the cause of cardiovascular collapse during scoliosis surgery in a child.

PURPOSE: The prone position is required for posterior spinal fusion surgery and may be associated with cardiovascular changes, including a decrease in venous return and cardiac index. We report a case of a patient who developed cardiovascular collapse, increased central venous pressure (CVP), and massive bleeding during posterior spinal fusion surgery. A transesophageal echocardiography examination (TEE) documented a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction associated with the use of transverse bolsters. CLINICAL FEATURES: We describe a case of a healthy 14-yr-old male with idiopathic scoliosis who developed severe intraoperative cardiovascular instability and massive bleeding. The surgery was suspended, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. The patient subsequently underwent TEE in the supine and prone positions. The echocardiogram appeared normal in the supine position; however, in the prone position with transverse bolsters, we identified a significant decrease in the diameter of the RVOT that worsened with pressure applied against the thoracic spine. The central venous pressure increased from 10-24 mmHg simultaneously. We found appreciably less impact to the RVOT, RV size and flow, and CVP (10 to 14 mmHg) using longitudinal bolsters both with and without pressure to the back. This position was recommended for the patient's reoperation, which was uneventful. CONCLUSION: A TEE confirmed a RVOT obstruction in the prone position that was associated, in this case, with the use of transverse bolsters. The RVOT obstruction was explained by the chest deformity, compliant chest cage, bolstering, and pressure applied to the patient's back by the surgeon. This positional RVOT obstruction may explain the increase in the CVP and the secondary massive bleeding during the first operation. The TEE was useful to diagnose the patient's condition and to guide his positioning for the second operation.

Case report: management of immediate post-cardiopulmonary bypass massive intra-cardiac thrombosis.

PURPOSE: To describe the management of severe acute intracardiac thrombosis in a patient who underwent redo multiple valve replacement and valvular repair. The diagnostic features, associated risk factors, and anesthetic management are reviewed. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 67-yr-old woman undergoing redo mitral and aortic mechanical valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty under aprotinin prophylaxis exhibited severe refractory hypotension that began immediately after protamine reversal of intraoperative heparin anticoagulation following separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe thrombosis in the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The patient was managed by immediate reheparinization and return to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), surgical thrombectomy, and intraoperative administration of recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator. After removal of the thrombi, and separation from CPB, no further protamine was given. One hundred units of blood products and two surgical re-explorations were required to manage subsequent massive postoperative bleeding. Acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) was ruled out using sensitive assays for HIT antibodies. After 16 days in the intensive care unit and 30 more days in hospital, the patient was subsequently transferred to a chronic care facility and succumbed several weeks later. CONCLUSION: Acute intraoperative thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was essential for rapid diagnosis in this case. Multiple interacting prothrombotic factors (e.g., aprotinin use, acquired antithrombin deficiency, long pump time, post-protamine status, transfusion of blood components) were likely contributing factors related to this rare complication.

Ventilación mecánica dirigida a objetivos

La ventilación es un soporte vital avanzado moderno que ha evolucionado en los últimos años, desde el voluminoso ventilador de presiones negativas o "pulmón de hierro" de principios de siglo, hasta los ventiladores procesados por computador con diferentes posibilidades de terapia. Estos se clasifican de acuerdo al sistema que los cical, en ventiladores de presión, de volumen o de tiempo. Los ventiladores modernos permiten una combinación de diferentes modos y terapias ventilatorias. La instauración de la ventilación mecánica debe hacerse juzgando el riesgo con el beneficio y teniendo objetivos claros. Aunque en los últimos años se han deescrito diferentes formas de manipulación de la terapía ventilatoria, los métodos convencionales como la Ventilación Mandatoria Controlada (CMV, del inglés Controlled Mandatory Ventilation), la Ventilación Mandatoria Intermitente Sincronizada (SIMV, del inglés Synchronized Intermitent Mandatory Ventilation), la Presión Positiva al Final de Espiración (PEEP), del inglés Positive End Espiratory Pressure) y el Soporte de Presión Ventilatoria (PSV, del inglés Pressure Support Ventilation) siguen siendo los modos más utilizados. El modo controlado debe limitarse al mínimo tiempo posible, pasando al paciente a modos asistidos con la mayor brevedad. La ventilación mandatoria intermitente sincrozada sigue siendo el modo de retiro progesivo más empleado, especialmente en combinación con el soporte de presión