Unexpected Lung Collapse Following Chest Tube Insertion for Pneumothorax Drainage in an Intubated Patient Due to Dislocation of the Endotracheal Tube.

A 67-year-old male patient was admitted to the intensive care unit following an uncomplicated heart operation. The initial postoperative chest X-ray revealed a total pneumothorax on the left side. Despite drainage of the left pleural space, a subsequent chest X-ray unexpectedly showed opacification of the left hemithorax. Partial withdrawal of the endotracheal tube resulted in complete expansion of the left lung. It is important to always consider the possibility of endotracheal tube dislocation in all intubated patients.

When to anatomically excise a benign lung tumor-correspondence regarding the article: "large mesenchymal cystic and chondroid pulmonary hamartoma mimicking lung cancer: case report".

The decision of whether to perform a large anatomic resection for a lung mass that is not definitely malignant comes often forward in the everyday practice of the thoracic surgeon. The general characteristics of the tumor as well as of the patient and the instinct and experience of the surgeon are the ones that dictate the final choice. Such a decision was made in the case of a large pulmonary hamartoma where a right middle lobectomy was performed with the postoperative course justifying the surgeons' choice.

Which Is the Best Way to Treat Massive Hemoptysis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic fibrosis. The severity of hemoptysis varies from mild to moderate to massive hemoptysis and can easily lead to hemodynamic instability and death from suffocation or shock. Nevertheless, the most threatening hemoptysis that is presented to the emergency department and requires hospitalization is the massive one. In these cases, today, the most common way to manage hemoptysis is bronchial artery embolization (BAE). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2017 (with the aim of selecting the newest possible reports in the literature) until May 2023 for studies reporting massive hemoptysis. All studies that included technical and clinical success rates of hemoptysis management, as well as rebleeding and mortality rates, were included. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 30 studies included in this systematic review, 26 used bronchial artery embolization as a means of treating hemoptysis, with very high levels of both technical and clinical success (greater than 73.7% and 84.2%, respectively). However, in cases where it was not possible to use bronchial artery embolization, alternative methods were used, such as dual-vessel intervention (80% technical success rate and 66.7% clinical success rate), customized endobronchial silicone blockers (92.3% technical success rate and 92.3% clinical success rate), antifibrinolytic agents (50% clinical success rate), and percutaneous transthoracic embolization (93.1% technical success rate and 88.9% clinical success rate), which all had high success rates apart from antifibrinolytic agents. Of the 2467 patients included in these studies, 341 experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period, while 354 other complications occurred, including chest discomfort, fever, dysphagia, and paresis. A total of 89 patients died after an episode of massive hemoptysis or during the follow-up period. The results of the meta-analysis showed a pooled technical success of bronchial artery embolization equal to 97.22% and a pooled clinical success equal to 92.46%. The pooled recurrence was calculated to be 21.46%, while the mortality was 3.5%. These results confirm the ability of bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive hemoptysis but also emphasize the high rate of recurrence following the intervention, as well as the risk of death. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, massive hemoptysis can be treated with great clinical and technical success using bronchial artery embolization, reducing mortality. Mortality has now been reduced to a small percentage of cases.

Volumetric Tissue Imaging of Surgical Tissue Specimens Using Micro-Computed Tomography: An Emerging Digital Pathology Modality for Nondestructive, Slide-Free Microscopy-Clinical Applications of Digital Pathology in 3 Dimensions.

OBJECTIVES: Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a novel, nondestructive, slide-free digital imaging modality that enables the acquisition of high-resolution, volumetric images of intact surgical tissue specimens. The aim of this systematic mapping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature on clinical applications of micro-CT tissue imaging and to assess its relevance and readiness for pathology practice. METHODS: A computerized literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. To gain insight into regulatory and financial considerations for performing and examining micro-CT imaging procedures in a clinical setting, additional searches were performed in medical device databases. RESULTS: Our search identified 141 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2021 that described clinical applications of micro-CT tissue imaging. The number of relevant publications is progressively increasing, with the specialties of pulmonology, cardiology, otolaryngology, and oncology being most commonly concerned. The included studies were mostly performed in pathology departments. Current micro-CT devices have already been cleared for clinical use, and a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code exists for reimbursement of micro-CT imaging procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-CT tissue imaging enables accurate volumetric measurements and evaluations of entire surgical specimens at microscopic resolution across a wide range of clinical applications.

Prognostic value of combined preoperative phase angle and handgrip strength in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Phase angle (PA) constitutes a bioelectrical impedance measurement, indicating cell membrane health and integrity, hydration, and nutritional status. Handgrip strength (HS) has been also associated with body composition, nutritional status, inflammation, and functional ability in several chronic diseases. Although their prognostic significance as independent biomarkers has been already investigated regarding the outcomes of a cardiac surgery, our study is the first one to assess the combined predictive value of preoperative PA and HS. DESIGN AND METHODS: HS and PA measurements were performed preoperativelyin 195 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The association ofthe combination of HS and PAwith all-cause mortality rates was the primary study outcome, while its association with the intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) was the secondary one. RESULTS: PA was positively correlated with HS (r = 0.446, p < 0.005) and negatively with EuroSCORE II (r = - 0.306 p < 0.005). The combination of PA < 5.15 and HS < 25.5 was associated with higher one-year all-cause mortality (OR = 9.28; 95% CI 2.50-34.45; p = 0.001) compared to patients with PA > 5.15 and HS > 25.5, respectively. Patients with combined lower values of PA and HS (PA < 5.15 and HS < 30.7) were at higher risk of prolonged ICU LOS (OR = 4.02; 95% CI 1.53-10.56; p = 0.005) compared to those with higher PA-HS (PA > 5.15-HS > 30.7). The combination of PA-HS was also significantly linked with EuroSCORE II. CONCLUSION: The combination of low preoperative PA and HS values was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality at 12 months and prolonged ICU LOS; thereby it might serve as a clinically useful prognostic biomarker after cardiac surgery procedures.

Efficacy of Early and Enhanced Respiratory Physiotherapy and Mobilization after On-Pump Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the influence of physical activity and respiratory physiotherapy on zero postoperative day on clinical, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of patients undergoing cardiac surgeries under extracorporeal circulation. METHODS: 78 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or/and valvular heart disease surgeries were randomly assigned into an early and enhanced physiotherapy care group (EEPC group; n = 39) and a conventional physiotherapy care group (CPC group; n = 39). Treatment protocol for the EEPC group included ≤3 Mets of physical activity and respiratory physiotherapy on zero post-operative day and an extra physiotherapy session during the first three post-operative days, whereas the CPC group was treated with usual physiotherapy care after the first post-operative day. The length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were set as the primary study outcomes, while pre- and post-intervention measurements were also performed to assess the oxymetric and hemodynamic influence of early mobilization and physiotherapy. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 51.9 ± 13.8 years. Of them 48 (61.5%) underwent CABG. Baseline and peri-procedural characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The total duration of hospital and ICU stay were significantly higher in the CPC group compared to the EEPC group (8.1 ± 0.4 days versus 8.9 ± 0.6 days and 25.4 ± 3 h versus 23.2 ± 0.6 h, p < 0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences in pre-intervention oxygen saturation, and post-intervention PO2 and lactate levels were also observed between the two groups (p = 0.022, 0.027 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In on-pump cardiac surgery, early and enhanced post-procedural physical activity (≤3 METS) can prevent a prolonged ICU stay and decrease the duration of hospitalization while ameliorating post-operative hemodynamic and oxymetric parameters.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion during Cardiac Surgery to Prevent Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage has been hypothesized to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, but this has not been proved. The procedure can be performed during cardiac surgery undertaken for other reasons. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized trial involving participants with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of at least 2 (on a scale from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater risk of stroke) who were scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery for another indication. The participants were randomly assigned to undergo or not undergo occlusion of the left atrial appendage during surgery; all the participants were expected to receive usual care, including oral anticoagulation, during follow-up. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ischemic stroke (including transient ischemic attack with positive neuroimaging) or systemic embolism. The participants, research personnel, and primary care physicians (other than the surgeons) were unaware of the trial-group assignments. RESULTS: The primary analysis population included 2379 participants in the occlusion group and 2391 in the no-occlusion group, with a mean age of 71 years and a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4.2. The participants were followed for a mean of 3.8 years. A total of 92.1% of the participants received the assigned procedure, and at 3 years, 76.8% of the participants continued to receive oral anticoagulation. Stroke or systemic embolism occurred in 114 participants (4.8%) in the occlusion group and in 168 (7.0%) in the no-occlusion group (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 0.85; P = 0.001). The incidence of perioperative bleeding, heart failure, or death did not differ significantly between the trial groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants with atrial fibrillation who had undergone cardiac surgery, most of whom continued to receive ongoing antithrombotic therapy, the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was lower with concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion performed during the surgery than without it. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and others; LAAOS III ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01561651.).

Effect of methylprednisolone on acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with a cardiopulmonary bypass pump: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative corticosteroid use may reduce acute kidney injury. We sought to test whether methylprednisolone reduces the risk of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prespecified substudy of a randomized controlled trial involving patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (2007-2014); patients were recruited from 79 centres in 18 countries. Eligibility criteria included a moderate-to-high risk of perioperative death based on a preoperative score of 6 or greater on the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation I. Patients (n = 7286) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous methylprednisolone (250 mg at anesthetic induction and 250 mg at initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass) or placebo. Patients, caregivers, data collectors and outcome adjudicators were unaware of the assigned intervention. The primary outcome was postoperative acute kidney injury, defined as an increase in the serum creatinine concentration (from the preoperative value) of 0.3 mg/dL or greater (≥ 26.5 µmol/L) or 50% or greater in the 14-day period after surgery, or use of dialysis within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Acute kidney injury occurred in 1479/3647 patients (40.6%) in the methylprednisolone group and in 1426/3639 patients (39.2%) in the placebo group (adjusted relative risk 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 1.11). Results were consistent across several definitions of acute kidney injury and in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease. INTERPRETATION: Intraoperative corticosteroid use did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with a moderate-to-high risk of perioperative death who had cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Our results do not support the prophylactic use of steroids during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT00427388.

Coexistence of squamous cell tracheal papilloma and carcinoma treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Papillomatosis presents, most frequently, as multiple lesions of the respiratory tract, which are usually considered benign. Malignant degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma is quite common, although curative approaches vary a lot in modern literature. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 66-year-old male patient with the coexistence of multiple squamous cell papilloma and carcinoma in the upper trachea with severe airway obstruction that was diagnosed through bronchoscopy and treated by performing an urgent tracheostomy, followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There was no evidence of recurrence after a 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the diagnostic and therapeutic value of bronchoscopy as well as multimodality palliative treatment in such cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe an immediate treatment protocol with tracheostomy and concurrent chemotherapy/radiotherapy in a patient with squamous cell tracheal papilloma and carcinoma.

Methylprednisolone in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (SIRS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass initiates a systemic inflammatory response syndrome that is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Steroids suppress inflammatory responses and might improve outcomes in patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. We aimed to assess the effects of steroids in patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: The Steroids In caRdiac Surgery (SIRS) study is a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. We used a central computerised phone or interactive web system to randomly assign (1:1) patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality from 80 hospital or cardiac surgery centres in 18 countries undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to receive either methylprednisolone (250 mg at anaesthetic induction and 250 mg at initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass) or placebo. Patients were assigned with block randomisation with random block sizes of 2, 4, or 6 and stratified by centre. Patients aged 18 years or older were eligible if they had a European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation of at least 6. Patients were excluded if they were taking or expected to receive systemic steroids in the immediate postoperative period or had a history of bacterial or fungal infection in the preceding 30 days. Patients, caregivers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and a composite of death and major morbidity (ie, myocardial injury, stroke, renal failure, or respiratory failure) within 30 days, both analysed by intention to treat. Safety outcomes were also analysed by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00427388. FINDINGS: Patients were recruited between June 21, 2007, and Dec 19, 2013. Complete 30-day data was available for all 7507 patients randomly assigned to methylprednisolone (n=3755) and to placebo (n=3752). Methylprednisolone, compared with placebo, did not reduce the risk of death at 30 days (154 [4%] vs 177 [5%] patients; relative risk [RR] 0·87, 95% CI 0·70-1·07, p=0·19) or the risk of death or major morbidity (909 [24%] vs 885 [24%]; RR 1·03, 95% CI 0·95-1·11, p=0·52). The most common safety outcomes in the methylprednisolone and placebo group were infection (465 [12%] vs 493 [13%]), surgical site infection (151 [4%] vs 151 [4%]), and delirium (295 [8%] vs 289 [8%]). INTERPRETATION: Methylprednisolone did not have a significant effect on mortality or major morbidity after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The SIRS trial does not support the routine use of methylprednisolone for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Steroids In caRdiac Surgery (SIRS) trial: acute kidney injury substudy protocol of an international randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Steroids In caRdiac Surgery trial (SIRS) is a large international randomised controlled trial of methylprednisolone or placebo in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass pump. At the time of surgery, compared with placebo, methylprednisolone divided into two intravenous doses of 250 mg each may reduce the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: With respect to the study schedule, over 7000 substudy eligible patients from 81 centres in 18 countries were randomised in December 2013. The authors will use a logistic regression to estimate the adjusted OR of methylprednisolone versus placebo on the primary outcome of AKI in the 14 days following surgery (a postoperative increase in serum creatinine of ≥50%, or ≥26.5 µmol/L, from the preoperative value). The stage of AKI will also be considered, as will the outcome of AKI in those with and without preoperative chronic kidney disease. After receipt of grant funding, the authors began to record additional perioperative serum creatinine measurements in consecutive patients enrolled at substudy participating centres, and patients were invited to enroll in a 6-month serum creatinine collection. In these trial subpopulations, the authors will consider the outcome of AKI defined in alternate ways, and the outcome of a 6-month change in kidney function from the preoperative value. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The authors were competitively awarded a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for this SIRS AKI substudy. Ethics approval was obtained for additional serum creatinine recordings in consecutive patients enrolled at participating centres. The additional kidney data collection first began for patients enrolled after 1 March 2012. In patients who provided consent, the last 6-month kidney outcome data will be collected in 2014. The results will be reported no later than 2015. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number NCT00427388.

Ranolazine enhances the antiarrhythmic activity of amiodarone by accelerating conversion of new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Ranolazine is a relatively novel antiischemic/antianginal compound with antiarrhythmic properties. We investigated its ability to shorten the time to conversion of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) when added to amiodarone after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In this prospective, randomized, allocation-concealed, single-blind, single-site clinical trial, we enrolled consecutive eligible patients who developed POAF after elective on-pump CABG surgery. Participants were randomized to receive either ranolazine 375 mg twice daily orally plus intravenous amiodarone (active group) or intravenous amiodarone alone (control group). We enrolled 41 patients; 20 in the active and 21 in the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, procedural duration, extracorporeal circulation time, and aortic cross-clamp time. Mean time of conversion was significantly shorter in the active group (19.9 ± 3.2 vs 37.2 ± 3.9 hours, P < .001), suggesting that compared to amiodarone alone, the ranolazine-amiodarone combination had a superior antiarrhythmic effect against POAF.