Assessment of Incidence and Factors Associated With Severe Maternal Morbidity After Delivery Discharge Among Women in the US.

Importance: Previous efforts to examine severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in the US have focused on delivery hospitalizations. Little is known about de novo SMM that occurs after delivery discharge. Objective: To investigate the incidence, timing, factors, and maternal characteristics associated with de novo SMM after delivery discharge among women in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this retrospective cohort study, data from the IBM MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid database and the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database were used to construct a sample of women aged 15 to 44 years who delivered between January 1, 2010, and September 30, 2014. Severe maternal morbidity was reported by the timing of diagnosis, and the associated maternal characteristics were examined. Women in the Medicaid and commercial insurance sample were classified into 3 distinct outcome groups: (1) those without any SMM during the delivery hospitalization and the postdelivery period (reference group), (2) those who exhibited at least 1 factor associated with SMM during the delivery hospitalization, and (3) those who exhibited any factor associated with de novo SMM after delivery discharge (defined as SMM that was first diagnosed in the inpatient setting during the 6 weeks [or 42 days] after discharge from the delivery hospitalization, conditional on no factor associated with SMM being identified during delivery). Data were analyzed from February to July 2020. Exposures: Timing of SMM diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Women with SMM were identified using diagnosis and procedure codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification for the 21 factors associated with SMM that were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: A total of 2 667 325 women in the US with delivery hospitalizations between 2010 and 2014 were identified; of those, 809 377 women (30.3%) had Medicaid insurance (30.3%; mean [SD] age, 25.6 [5.5] years; 51.1% White), and 1 857 948 women (69.7%; mean [SD] age, 30.6 [5.4] years; 36.4% from the southern region of the US) had commercial insurance. Among those with Medicaid insurance, 17 584 women (2.2%) experienced SMM during the delivery hospitalization, and 3265 women (0.4%) experienced de novo SMM after delivery discharge. Among those with commercial insurance, 32 079 women (1.7%) experienced SMM during the delivery hospitalization, and 5275 women (0.3%) experienced de novo SMM after hospital discharge. A total of 5275 SMM cases (14.1%) and 3265 SMM cases (15.7%) among women with commercial and Medicaid insurance, respectively, developed de novo within 6 weeks after hospital discharge; of those, 3993 cases (75.7%) in the commercial insurance cohort and 2399 cases (73.5%) in the Medicaid cohort were identified in the first 2 weeks after discharge. The most common factors associated with SMM varied based on the timing of diagnosis. In the Medicaid population, non-Hispanic Black women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.48-1.58), Hispanic women (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.37-1.57), and women of other races or ethnicities (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.33-1.47) had higher rates of SMM during delivery hospitalization than non-Hispanic White women; however, only the disparity between Black and White women (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.57-1.81) persisted into the postdischarge period. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, 15.7% of SMM cases in the Medicaid cohort and 14.1% of SMM cases in the commercial insurance cohort first occurred after the delivery hospitalization, with notable disparities in factors and maternal characteristics associated with the development of SMM. These findings suggest a need to expand the focus of SMM assessment to the postdelivery discharge period.

A case of a critically injured diver with multiorgan failure and severe pulmonary overinflation syndrome in a resource-limited setting.

A diver practicing controlled emergency ascent training on the island of Guam suffered bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, coronary arterial gas embolism, and developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Due to limitations of available resources he was medically managed in the intensive care unit until he could be transferred to University of California San Diego for definitive management. We provide an account of our management of the patient, the pathophysiology of injury as well as a review of the safety of recreational diving skills training, current standards of practice and potential pitfalls when considering proper management of a critically injured diver.

Optimal treatment strategies for hepatic portal venous gas: A retrospective assessment.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) generally indicates poor prognoses in patients with serious intestinal damage. Although surgical removal of the damaged portion is effective, some patients can recover with conservative treatments. AIM: To establish an optimal treatment strategy for HPVG, we attempted to generate computed tomography (CT)-based criteria for determining surgical indication, and explored reliable prognostic factors in non-surgical cases. METHODS: Thirty-four cases of HPVG (patients aged 34-99 years) were included. Necessity for surgery had been determined mainly by CT findings (i.e. free-air, embolism, lack of contrast enhancement of the intestinal wall, and intestinal pneumatosis). The clinical data, including treatment outcomes, were analyzed separately for the surgical cases and non-surgical cases. RESULTS: Laparotomy was performed in eight cases (surgical cases). Seven patients (87.5%) survived but one (12.5%) died. In each case, severe intestinal damage was confirmed during surgery, and the necrotic portion, if present, was removed. Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia was the most common cause (n = 4). Twenty-six cases were treated conservatively (non-surgical cases). Surgical treatments had been required for twelve but were abandoned because of the patients' poor general conditions. Surprisingly, however, three (25%) of the twelve inoperable patients survived. The remaining 14 of the 26 cases were diagnosed originally as being sufficiently cured by conservative treatments, and only one patient (7%) died. Comparative analyses of the fatal (n = 10) and recovery (n = 16) cases revealed that ascites, peritoneal irritation signs, and shock were significantly more frequent in the fatal cases. The mortality was 90% if two or all of these three clinical findings were detected. CONCLUSION: HPVG related to intestinal necrosis requires surgery, and our CT-based criteria are probably useful to determine the surgical indication. In non-surgical cases, ascites, peritoneal irritation signs and shock were closely associated with poor prognoses, and are applicable as predictors of patients' prognoses.

Generation of microbubbles in extracorporeal life support and assessment of new elimination strategies.

Occurrence of microbubbles (MB) is a major problem during venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with partially severe clinical complications. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro ECLS setup for the generation and detection of MB. Furthermore, we assessed different MB elimination strategies. Patient and ECLS circuit were simulated using reservoirs, a centrifugal pump, a membrane oxygenator, and an occluder (modified roller pump). The system was primed with a glycerin solution of 44%. Three different revolution speeds (2500, 3000, and 3400 rpm) were applied. For MB generation, the inflow line of the pump was either statically or dynamically (15 rpm) occluded. A bubble counter was used for MB detection. The effectiveness of the oxygenator and dynamic bubble traps (DBTs) was evaluated in regard to MB elimination capacities. MB generation was highly dependent on negative pressure at the inflow line. Increasing revolution speeds and restriction of the inflow led to increased MB activity. The significant difference between inflow and outflow MB volume identified the centrifugal pump as a main source. We could show that the oxygenator's ability to withhold larger MB is limited. The application of one or multiple DBTs leads to a significant reduction in MB count and overall gas volume. The application of DBT can significantly reduce the overall gas volume, especially at high flow rates. Moreover, large MB can effectively be broken down for faster absorption. In general, the incidence of MBs is significantly dependent on pump speed and restriction of the inflow. The centrifugal pump was identified as a major source of MB generation.

Exploring the use of single-port surgery in the conservative management of hepatic portal vein gas: A case report.

RATIONALE: Hepatic portal vein gas (HPVG) is known as a sign of a lethal condition resulting from bowel necrosis. Recently, the detection rate of non-life-threatening cases of HPVG has increased due to the technological development of imaging, i.e., computed tomography (CT). However, it is difficult to determine accurately whether surgical treatment is necessary because of its lethal potential. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 74-year-old woman suddenly complained about lower abdominal pain and vomiting after an operation for cervical spondylosis myelopathy. Her vital signs were slightly unstable and she was perspiring and exhibited pallor. Muscular defense was not clear, though her abdomen was tender and slightly distended. DIAGNOSIS: CT results showed massive HPVG. However, laboratory investigation did not clearly indicate bowel necrosis. Also, a contrast-CT scan was not performed due to her chronic renal dysfunction and asthma. INTERVENTION: Exploration was performed by single-port surgery (SPS) instead of exploratory laparotomy. OUTCOME: This approach showed no ischemic bowel and so conservative therapies were undertaken with confidence. The HPVG disappeared 2 days later, and she recover completely from the illness. LESSONS: HPVG requires immediate and reliable decision for management. However, unnecessary exploratory laparotomy should be avoided. Hence, a novel strategy should be considered in light of innovative surgical procedures. Our experience suggested that SPS was useful as an exploratory tool for the management of HPVG.

[Diving accidents]. / Tauchunfälle.

Decompression injuries occur on account of the special hyperbaric effects during the emerge phase and require superior therapeutic knowledge. Vitally important is emergency treatment with high concentrated oxygen at an early stage. Sever decompression injuries require oxygenation in a hyperbaric treatment chamber.

Size distribution of air bubbles entering the brain during cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Thousands of air bubbles enter the cerebral circulation during cardiac surgery, but whether high numbers of bubbles explain post-operative cognitive decline is currently controversial. This study estimates the size distribution of air bubbles and volume of air entering the cerebral arteries intra-operatively based on analysis of transcranial Doppler ultrasound data. METHODS: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound recordings from ten patients undergoing heart surgery were analysed for the presence of embolic signals. The backscattered intensity of each embolic signal was modelled based on ultrasound scattering theory to provide an estimate of bubble diameter. The impact of showers of bubbles on cerebral blood-flow was then investigated using patient-specific Monte-Carlo simulations to model the accumulation and clearance of bubbles within a model vasculature. RESULTS: Analysis of Doppler ultrasound recordings revealed a minimum of 371 and maximum of 6476 bubbles entering the middle cerebral artery territories during surgery. This was estimated to correspond to a total volume of air ranging between 0.003 and 0.12 mL. Based on analysis of a total of 18667 embolic signals, the median diameter of bubbles entering the cerebral arteries was 33 µm (IQR: 18 to 69 µm). Although bubble diameters ranged from ~5 µm to 3.5 mm, the majority (85%) were less than 100 µm. Numerous small bubbles detected during cardiopulmonary bypass were estimated by Monte-Carlo simulation to be benign. However, during weaning from bypass, showers containing large macro-bubbles were observed, which were estimated to transiently affect up to 2.2% of arterioles. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed analysis of Doppler ultrasound data can be used to provide an estimate of bubble diameter, total volume of air, and the likely impact of embolic showers on cerebral blood flow. Although bubbles are alarmingly numerous during surgery, our simulations suggest that the majority of bubbles are too small to be harmful.

Vacuum-assisted venous drainage, angel or demon: PRO?

Vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) was proposed to optimize venous drainage during bypass through femoral venous cannulation. It is currently used in both adult and pediatric surgery when siphon gravity venous drainage is suboptimal. In pediatric surgery, the major advantages of VAVD are a significant decrease in cardiopulmonary bypass prime volume and an improved drainage with all collateral benefits. To limit gravity drainage, we use a two-level heart-lung machine dedicated to pediatric perfusion. The top level of the cardiotomy reservoir is positioned at the patient atrial level, making it possible to downsize the length and diameter of venous and arterial lines. Since 2008, a negative pressure of approximately -30 mmHg has been used for all patients. Initiation of bypass is performed in a classical way with a cardiotomy reservoir open; vacuum is added as soon as the maximal gravity drainage is reached. During bypass, when the blood level in the reservoir decreases to the safety limit level, a small increase in negative pressure is used to improve venous drainage. For weaning from bypass, the negative pressure is gradually decreased to zero, then the reservoir is opened and the venous line progressively closed. Prime volumes were significantly reduced to 100 mL for small neonates, 125 mL for infants, and 175 mL for older children with flow up to 1.5 L/min(-1). A low prime volume is expected to improve blood conservation and decrease donor exposure, prevent drawbacks of transfusion (immunomodulation, infection), increase the incidence of blood-free surgery in smaller babies, and decrease whole body systemic inflammation by decreasing surface of foreign material in contact with blood and inflammation associated with blood transfusion. The main drawbacks described have been retrograde flow in the venous line with cerebral air embolus and an increased incidence of gaseous microemboli. These drawbacks are avoidable through appropriate training of perfusionists. When negative pressure is "reasonable," complications are more theoretical than significant in clinical practice. A technique with a benefit/drawback ratio of 1:0 is utopian, but the advantages of VAVD far outweigh any potential drawbacks when applied properly.

Vacuum assist: angel or demon CON.

Vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) to enhance venous return during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was described as early as 1958 but was not widely used until the late 1990s. VAVD was initially used to facilitate the use of smaller cannulas with ministernotomy but was increasingly used to allow reduction in CPB circuit size while maintaining CPB flow rates. This innovation was made without planned consideration to CPB circuit design, most critically that of the venous reservoir. Clinical reports of prime reduction facilitated by VAVD in both adult and pediatric CPB were associated with reduced nadir hematocrit and rates of transfusion that encouraged the proliferation of VAVD in CPB. Concomitantly, investigators have reported both in vitro and in vivo significantly increased arterial emboli associated with the use of VAVD, mostly related to accelerated venous air entrainment. In vitro studies continue to confirm this association and likely underestimate the resulting embolic load as a result of flawed study design. While the evidence for VAVD is equivocal, our understanding of the clinical impact of gaseous microemboli in CPB is similarly limited, most likely confined to blood-brain barrier disruption. It is only after two decades that CPB component design is receiving serious attention in terms of air handling. The ethics of innovation in the field of CPB warrant careful consideration. The application of VAVD is not without consequence.

Incidence and management of venous air embolisms during awake deep brain stimulation surgery in a large clinical series.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Venous air embolism (VAE) is a potential complication during neurosurgical procedures, particularly in the sitting position. The diagnosis and management of VAE in patients undergoing awake deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead implantation in the sitting position are underreported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 467 consecutive DBS surgeries at the University of California, San Francisco. Data was collected for patient demographics, diagnosis, intraoperative events, and postoperative course. RESULTS: Six cases of clinically diagnosed VAE were found, amounting to a total incidence of 1.3% per procedure. We did not observe a statistical association with patient age, diagnosis, or DBS target. The most common symptoms of intraoperative VAE were coughing, oxygen desaturation, and hypotension. In all cases, VAE was treated by copious irrigation of the surgical field and lowering the patient's head. In 4 cases, DBS implantation was abandoned because of ongoing symptoms of VAE. The respiratory outcome in all patients was good after several days of close observation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of VAE during DBS procedures is small, but prompt recognition and management of VAE are critical to avoid further associated complications.

Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of a new de-airing technique with a standardized carbon dioxide insufflation technique in open left heart surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We have compared the effectiveness, time required for de-airing, and safety of a newly developed de-airing technique for open left heart surgery (Lund technique) with a standardized carbon dioxide insufflation technique. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing elective open aortic valve surgery were randomized prospectively to the Lund technique (Lund group, n = 10) or the carbon dioxide insufflation technique (carbon dioxide group, n = 10). Both groups were monitored intraoperatively during de-airing and for 10 minutes after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass by transesophageal echocardiography and online transcranial Doppler for the severity and the number of gas emboli, respectively. The systemic arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide and pH were also monitored in both groups before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: The severity of gas emboli observed on transesophageal echocardiography and the number of microembolic signals recorded by transcranial Doppler were significantly lower in the Lund group during the de-airing procedure (P = .00634) and in the first 10 minutes after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (P = .000377). Furthermore, the de-airing time was significantly shorter in the Lund group (9 vs 15 minutes, P = .001). The arterial pH during the cooling phase of cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly lower in the carbon dioxide group (P = .00351), corresponding to significantly higher arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P = .005196) despite significantly higher gas flows (P = .0398) in the oxygenator throughout the entire period of cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSIONS: The Lund de-airing technique is safer, simpler, and more effective compared with the carbon dioxide insufflation technique. The technique is also more cost-effective because the de-airing time is shorter and no extra expenses are incurred.

Angiography contrast injector safety. Visualizing the marketplace.

The most common risk associated with angiography contrast injectors is air embolism. Injector manufacturers have attempted to address this concern by adding air detection systems and other safety features. Find out which injectors do the best job of protecting patients.

Surgeon involvement in the care of patients deemed to have "preventable" conditions.

BACKGROUND: As of October 1, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stopped payment for 8 "preventable" conditions: retained foreign body, air embolism, blood incompatibility, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, pressure ulcer, vascular catheter-associated infection, mediastinitis, and hospital fall. Our hypothesis was that surgeons are frequently involved in the care of patients deemed to have "preventable" conditions. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort of patients with "preventable" conditions identified from 2004 California and New York discharge data. The proportion of patients who required a surgical procedure during the index hospital stay was then determined. RESULTS: "Preventable" conditions were identified in 286,509 (4%) of 6,618,637 total patient discharges, of which 224,073 (78.2%) were insured by Medicare or Medicaid. A surgical procedure was performed in 168,886 (59.5%) patients. In the subset that developed a "preventable" condition during the index hospital stay, 1 or more surgical procedures were performed in 100% of patients with mediastinitis; 96% of patients with retained foreign bodies; 96% of patients with air embolism; 92% of patients with vascular catheter-associated infections; 79% of patients with blood incompatibility; 70% of patients with catheter-associated urinary tract infections; and 65% of patients with pressure ulcers. The most common surgical procedures were cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of patients are coded as having "preventable" conditions, and surgeons are frequently involved in their care. Nonpayment for "preventable" conditions may lead hospitals and surgeons to avoid complex procedures, refuse care to high-risk patients, or both.

Retinal angiography: noninvasive, real-time bubble assessment from the ocular fundus.

Formation of bubbles in tissue and vasculature from a sudden reduction in ambient pressure is likely an underlying cause of the clinical symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS). Thus, tools detecting bubbles in the vasculature may be important for evaluating DCS. Sheep were air-compressed to 6.0 ATA (30 minutes bottom time) then rapidly decompressed to the surface. A fundus camera was quickly positioned for continuous observation of the retinal vasculature. Bubbles were observed in the retinal vasculature of 25.8% (n = 31) of the sheep. Bubble onset time ranged from 5-22 minutes post-chamber and lodge time ranged from 0-70+ minutes. Bubbles were visualized mostly in the arteries of the retinal circulation. Severe vasoconstriction was captured using red-free angiography in two sheep. In two other sheep, fluorescein angiography demonstrated occluded blood flow caused by arterial gas emboli. This study demonstrates that retinal angiography is a practical tool for real-time, noninvasive detection of bubbles in the retinal circulation, a visible window to the cerebral circulation. Thus retinal angiography may prove invaluable in the early detection of arterial gas emboli in the cerebral circulation, the resolution of which is imperative to favorable neurological outcomes. This study also presents for the first time images of bubbles in the retinal circulation associated with DCS captured by a fundus camera.

Shoulder arthroscopy positioning: lateral decubitus versus beach chair.

Since the introduction of the beach chair position for shoulder arthroscopy, orthopaedic surgeons have debated whether the beach chair or lateral decubitus is superior. Most surgeons use the same patient position to perform all of their arthroscopic shoulder procedures, regardless of the pathology. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. The evidence regarding the efficiency, efficacy, and risks of the lateral decubitus and the beach chair positions for shoulder arthroscopy does not show one position to be superior. This review presents a comparison of these positions with regard to setup, surgical visualization, access, and patient risk.

Clinical gaseous microemboli assessment of an oxygenator with integral arterial filter in the pediatric population.

The use of an arterial line filter (ALF) within the pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit is not a new concept. It has always presented the perfusionist with a circuit component that while valuable, increased prime volume. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in prime volume and emboli between a conventional oxygenator with separate ALF and a new generation oxygenator with integral arterial filter (AF). We performed a clinical, non-randomized retrospective evaluation of the Terumo Capiox RX15 (Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI) (n = 10) in conjunction with the Terumo Capiox AF125X ALF or the Capiox AF02 vs. the Terumo Capiox FX15 oxygenator with integral AF (n = 10). The above circuit components, in combination with the LUNA EDAC (emboli detection and classification) Quantifier (LUNA Innovations, Blacksburg, VA) were placed at various locations within each patient's CPB circuit to establish and quantify the presence and volume of gaseous emboli during all phases of cardiopulmonary bypass. The EDAC system is available/used for all patients undergoing CPB at this institution. When compared to a more conventional CPB circuit, the Capiox FX15 primes more easily as it does not require a carbon dioxide flush while still providing a 32 microm AF. There was no statistical difference in air handling between the tested oxygenators and their associated circuits. During this review it was determined that use of the Capiox FX15 simplifies the arterial limb of the pediatric CPB circuit. Removal of the separate ALF led to the removal of several, now unnecessary, arterial connectors and additional tubing (arterial line filter bypass). Removal of these components led to a reduction in prime volume and decreased the hemodilutional effect. The FX15 provided a safe, simplified pediatric CPB circuit and was as effective in gaseous microemboli removal as was the more traditional RX15 with separate ALF during this review.

Transcranial Doppler and acoustic pressure fluctuations for the assessment of cavitation and thromboembolism in patients with mechanical heart valves.

The formation and collapse of vapor-filled bubbles near a mechanical heart valve is called cavitation. Such microbubbles are suspected to have strong pro-coagulant effects. Therefore, cavitation may be a contributing factor to the pro-thrombotic effects of mechanical valves. Herein, we systematically review the available evidence linking cavitation and thrombosis. We also critically appraise the potential usefulness of transcranial Doppler and other new non-invasive diagnostic methods to study cavitation and cerebral embolism in mechanical valve patients. Experimental studies indicate that cavitation microbubbles cause platelet aggregation, complement-activation, fibrinolysis, release of tissue-factor, and endothelial damage. Administration of 100% oxygen to mechanical valve patients during transcranial Doppler examination can transiently decrease the counts of Doppler-detected cerebral microemboli compared with room air. This is associated with removal of most circulating gaseous emboli from cavitation. This method may therefore be applied to the study of cavitation and thromboembolism. Additionally, the analysis of high-frequency acoustic-pressure fluctuations detected from the implosion of cavitation bubbles is a promising method for assessment of cavitation in vivo; however, this requires further development. A better understanding of cavitation is important in order to adequately investigate its role in the overall pro-thrombotic effects in mechanical valve patients. Such studies may allow establishing guidelines for new valve designs.

Using HFMEA to assess potential for patient harm from tubing misconnections.

BACKGROUND: Reported cases of tubing misconnections and other tubing errors prompted Columbus Children's Hospital to study their potential for harm in its patient population. A Health Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA) was conducted in October 2004 to determine the risks inherent in the use and labeling of various enteral, parenteral, and other tubing types in patient care and the potential for patient harm. METHODS: An assessment of the practice culture revealed considerable variability among nurses and respiratory therapists within and between units. Work on an HFMEA culminated in recommendations of risk reduction strategies. These included standardizing the process of labeling of tubing throughout the organization, developing an online pictorial catalog to list available tubing supplies with all aliases used by staff, and conducting an inventory of all supplies to identify products that need to be purchased or discontinued. Three groups are working on implementing each of the recommendations. RESULTS: Most of the results already realized occurred in labeling of tubing. The pediatric intensive care unit labels all tubing with infused medications 85% of the time; tubings inserted during surgery or in interventional radiology are labeled 53% and 93% of the time. Pocket-size cards with printed labels were tested in three units. DISCUSSION: This proactive risk assessment project has identified failure modes and possible causes and solutions; several recommendations have been implemented. No tubing misconnections have been reported.