Efficacy of Respiratory Muscle Training in the Immediate Postoperative Period of Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of respiratory muscle training during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and length of hospital stay. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search on PubMed®, Excerpta Medica Database (or Embase), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (or CINAHL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed. A combination of free-text words and indexed terms referring to cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, respiratory muscle training, and clinical trials was used. A total of 792 studies were identified; after careful selection, six studies were evaluated. Results: The studies found significant improvement after inspiratory muscle training (IMT) (n = 165, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.68, 21.99) and expiratory muscle training (EMT) (n = 135, 95% CI 8.59, 27.07) of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure, respectively. Also, IMT increased significantly (95% CI 19.59, 349.82, n = 85) the tidal volume. However, no differences were found in the peak expiratory flow, functional capacity, and length of hospital stay after EMT and IMT. Conclusion: IMT and EMT demonstrated efficacy in improving respiratory muscle strength during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery. There was no evidence indicating the efficacy of IMT for pulmonary function and length of hospital stay and the efficacy of EMT for functional capacity.

Predicting the Need for Blood Transfusions in Cardiac Surgery: A Comparison between Machine Learning Algorithms and Established Risk Scores in the Brazilian Population

ABSTRACT Introduction: Blood transfusion is a common practice in cardiac surgery, despite its well-known negative effects. To mitigate blood transfusion-associated risks, identifying patients who are at higher risk of needing this procedure is crucial. Widely used risk scores to predict the need for blood transfusions have yielded unsatisfactory results when validated for the Brazilian population. Methods: In this retrospective study, machine learning (ML) algorithms were compared to predict the need for blood transfusions in a cohort of 495 cardiac surgery patients treated at a Brazilian reference service between 2019 and 2021. The performance of the models was evaluated using various metrics, including the area under the curve (AUC), and compared to the commonly used Transfusion Risk and Clinical Knowledge (TRACK) and Transfusion Risk Understanding Scoring Tool (TRUST) scoring systems. Results: The study found that the model had the highest performance, achieving an AUC of 0.7350 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.7203 to 0.7497). Importantly, all ML algorithms performed significantly better than the commonly used TRACK and TRUST scoring systems. TRACK had an AUC of 0.6757 (CI: 0.6609 to 0.6906), while TRUST had an AUC of 0.6622 (CI: 0.6473 to 0.6906). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that ML algorithms may offer a more accurate prediction of the need for blood transfusions than the traditional scoring systems and could enhance the accuracy of predicting blood transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery patients. Further research could focus on optimizing and refining ML algorithms to improve their accuracy and make them more suitable for clinical use.

Hemostasis Using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of present study was to comprehensively explore the efficacy and safety of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) to treat massive bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: PubMed®, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies investigating PCC administration during cardiac surgery published before September 10, 2022. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to analyze continuous data, and dichotomous data were analyzed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. Results: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with other non-PCC treatment regimens, PCC was not associated with elevated mortality (RR=1.18, 95% CI=0.86-1.60, P=0.30, I2=0%), shorter hospital stay (MD=-2.17 days; 95% CI=-5.62-1.28, P=0.22, I2=91%), reduced total thoracic drainage (MD=-67.94 ml, 95% CI=-239.52-103.65, P=0.44, I2=91%), thromboembolic events (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.74-1.65, P=0.63, I2=39%), increase in atrial fibrillation events (RR=0.73, 95% CI=0.52-1.05, P=0.24, I2=29%), and myocardial infarction (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.80-1.51, P=0.57, I2=81%). However, PCC use was associated with reduced intensive care unit length of stay (MD=-0.81 days, 95% CI=-1.48- -0.13, P=0.02, I2=0%), bleeding (MD=-248.67 ml, 95% CI=-465.36- -31.97, P=0.02, I2=84%), and intra-aortic balloon pump/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR=0.65, 95% CI=0.42-0.996, P=0.05, I2=0%) when compared with non-PCC treatment regimens. Conclusion: The use of PCC in cardiac surgery did not correlate with mortality, length of hospital stay, thoracic drainage, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and thromboembolic events. However, PCC significantly improved postoperative intensive care unit length of stay, bleeding, and intra-aortic balloon pump/ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Pioneer of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Luiz Tavares da Silva

ABSTRACT Luis Tavares revolutionized cardiac surgery, always bringing the most modern instruments and equipment from his travels to England - surgical forceps, scissors, scalpels, etc. He always insisted that he was not just a thoracic surgeon, for his work extended over a wide field and created three important cardiac surgery centers which promoted a great development of cardiology. He carried out the first open heart surgery (atrial septal defect) employing extracorporeal circulation and closure of a ventricular septal defect with deep surface hypothermia of north and northeast Brazil. He promoted an intense scientific exchange program between Recife and England, resulting in significant advances in medicine, and participated directly in the creation of HEMOPE), leading to radical changes and improvements in blood therapy in the whole country. The PROCAPE, inaugurated in 2006, was the result of the cardiac center created by him in early 1970 at Hospital Oswaldo Cruz and can be considered the second largest public-university cardiology center in Brazil. He is thus widely regarded as an outstanding name in medicine in the 20th century and one of the fathers of modern cardiac surgery in Brazil.

Access to emergency surgical treatment for congenital heart diseases in the state of São Paulo

Abstract Objective To analyze access to surgical care for congenital heart diseases in public specialized centers in the state of São Paulo before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and availability of surgical care in specialized hospitals, to identify bottlenecks in the care path for neonatal cardiac surgery. Methods This study included 1,437 children, under one year old, with congenital heart disease and formal referral to heart surgery between February 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021. Quantitative data analysis was performed using t-tests or the Mann-Whitney test. Results Approximately 30 % of children with urgent congenital heart disease could not access recommended care, mainly those needing complex surgeries (categories RACHS 4 to 6). The main diagnoses of neonates accessing care were patency of the ductus arteriosus (10.5 %) and coarctation of the aorta (10.1 %). Referral time for children in RACHS 1 to 3 was 4 days (median), while for those in categories 4 to 6, it was 7 days (p< 0.001). Longer referral time (20 days) was associated with court orders. During the pandemic, referral time decreased to 3 days, compared to 5 days (median) in the pre-pandemic period (p< 0.001). Conclusion The emergency surgical treatment supply for congenital heart diseases is insufficient compared to the current demand. Future research should evaluate if access to care in publicly funded hospitals could be improved by better access to prenatal care for pregnant women, increased diagnostic and therapeutic capacity in pediatric cardiology, and financial incentives for complex cardiac surgeries.

Factors associated with increased lactate levels in cardiac surgeries: scoping review / Factores relacionados a la elevación del nivel de lactato en cirugías cardíacas: revisión de ámbito / Fatores associados à elevação do nível de lactato em cirurgias cardíacas: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map the factors associated with increased lactate levels in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation. Methods: this is a scoping review carried out in December 2022, across ten data sources. It was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Results: the most recurrent findings in studies regarding the factors responsible for the increase in lactate were: tissue hypoperfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass time and use of vasoactive drugs. In 95% of studies, increased lactate was related to increased patient mortality. Conclusions: discussing the causes of possible complications in cardiac surgery patients is important for preparing the team and preventing complications, in addition to ensuring quality recovery.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear los factores relacionados a la elevación del nivel de lactato en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca con uso de circulación extracorporea. Métodos: se trata de una revisión de ámbito realizada en diciembre de 2022, en diez fuentes de datos. Fue elaborada conforme las recomendaciones del Instituto Joanna Briggs y del checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: los hallados más recurrentes en los estudios sobre los factores responsables por el aumento del lactato fueron: hipoperfusión tisular, tiempo de circulación extracorporea y uso de fármacos vasoactivos. En 95% de los estudios, el aumento del lactato se relacionó al aumento de la mortalidad de los pacientes. Conclusiones: discutir sobre las causas de posibles complicaciones en pacientes de cirugía cardíaca se hace importante para el preparo del equipo y prevención de intercurrencias, además garantizar recuperación de calidad.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear os fatores associados à elevação do nível de lactato no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca com uso de circulação extracorpórea. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo realizada em dezembro de 2022, em dez fontes de dados. Foi elaborada conforme as recomendações do Instituto Joanna Briggs e do checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: os achados mais recorrentes nos estudos a respeito dos fatores responsáveis pelo aumento do lactato foram: hipoperfusão tecidual, tempo de circulação extracorpórea e uso de fármacos vasoativos. Em 95% dos estudos, o aumento do lactato relacionou-se ao aumento da mortalidade dos pacientes. Conclusões: discutir sobre as causas de possíveis complicações em pacientes de cirurgia cardíaca faz-se importante para o preparo da equipe e prevenção de intercorrências, além de garantir recuperação de qualidade.

Sarcoma sinovial primario de pericardio / Primary pericardial synovial sarcoma

Resumen El sarcoma sinovial primario del pericardio es un tumor muy raro y de mal pronóstico y se sabe poco en cuanto al manejo terapéutico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 51 años a quien se le realizó resección quirúrgica incompleta, quimioterapia y radioterapia. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de un sarcoma sinovial primario de pericardio que luego de operado se mantuvo asintomático durante 5 años hasta que en una TAC de control se le detectaron metástasis cardiacas que comprometían las cavidades derechas y con quimioterapia, la ecocardiografía demostró la reso lución completa de las mismas.

Abstract Primary pericardial synovial sarcoma is an extraor dinarily very rare tumor with a poor prognosis, and little is known about its therapeutic management. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman patient who underwent incomplete surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, no pri mary pericardial synovial sarcoma has been described which, after surgery, remains asymptomatic for 5 years, and until a control CT scan detects cardiac metastases that compromised the lumen of the right cavities and with chemotherapy, echocardiography demonstrated complete resolution of cardiac metastases.

Cirugía de Ross en Chile: Tasa libre de reoperación y supervivencia global en una cohorte de más de 10 años de seguimiento

Antecedentes: El autoinjerto de válvula pulmonar (VP) u operación de Ross (OpR) tiene excelentes resultados a largo plazo. Es superior a otros tipos de reemplazo valvular en jóvenes adultos, aunque no el estándar de primera línea. Un tiempo quirúrgico prolongado o alta morbimortalidad son importantes preocupaciones. Objetivos: Establecer la morbimortalidad asociada a la OpR por un período >10 años, considerando el tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de reoperación y supervivencia global (SG). Métodos: Cohorte prospectiva (1996-2012), en seguimiento hasta agosto-2023. La SG fue estimada desde la OpR hasta la última consulta o deceso. Mediante regresión de Cox (Hazard Ratio, HR) se estimaron factores asociados a la SG. Resultados: La serie consta de 161 pacientes: 118 de etiología congénita (73.3%), 17 infecciosa (10.6%), 26 reumática (16.1%). La lesión fue estenótica en 79 (49.1%), insuficiencia en 40 (24.8%), mixta en 42 (26.1%). La OpR fue urgente en 11 (6.8%). The median time of ECC and the operation was 149 y 232 minutos, respectivamente. Veintisiete pacientes requirieron reoperación (16.8%). Con una mediana de 19.7 años (17.2-22.2), 23 pacientes fallecieron (14.3%): 1/23 asociado a OpR, 17/23 por causa cardiovascular y 5/23 por causas no cardiovasculares. La lesión mixta se asoció a mayor mortalidad (HR 3.07; IC 95% 1.11-8.47; p=.029). Conclusiones: La OpR es un procedimiento con baja morbimortalidad. La lesión mixta es un factor de riesgo independiente de mayor mortalidad. Sin embargo, la mediana de tiempo de CEC y quirúrgico es prolongado frente a otras técnicas de reemplazo valvular.

Background: Pulmonary valve (PV) autograftor reoperation or Ross surgery (RS), presents excellent long-term results. It is superior to other types of PV replacement in young adults, although it is not the first-line gold standard. A longer operative time or high morbidity and mortality rates are important concerns. Aim: To establish the morbidity and mortality associated with RS for >10 years, considering operative time, reoperation rate and overall survival (OS). Methods: Prospective cohort (1996-2012), with a follow-up until August/2023. The OS was estimated from RS to the last consultation/death. Factors associated to OS were estimated using Cox regression (Hazard Ratio, HR) Results: 161 patients were included: the etiology was congenital (118, 73%), infectious (17, 10.6%), and rheumatic (26,16.1%). The lesion was stenotic in 79 (49.1%), heart failure in 40 (24.8%), mixed in 42 (26.1%). RS was urgent in 11 (6.8%). Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and operative times were 149 and 232 minutes, respectively. Twenty-seven patients required reoperation (16.8%). With a median follow up of 19.7 years (17.2-22.2), 23 patients died (14.3%): 1/23 associated with RS, 17/23 due to cardiovascular causes, and 5/23 due to non-cardiovascular causes. Mixed injury was associated with higher mortality (HR 3.07; 95% CI 1.11-8.47; p=.029). Conclusions: RS is a procedure with low morbidity and mortality. Mixed injury is an independent risk factor for increased mortality. However, the median ECC and operative times were higher compared to other valvular replacement techniques.

Narrative Review of Systemic Inflammatory Response Mechanisms in Cardiac Surgery and Immunomodulatory Role of Anesthetic Agents

Although surgical techniques and perioperative care have made significant advances, perioperative mortality in cardiac surgery remains relatively high. Single? or multiple?organ failure remains the leading cause of postoperative mortality. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common trigger for organ injury or dysfunction in surgical patients. Cardiac surgery involves major surgical dissection, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and frequent blood transfusions. Ischemia?reperfusion injury and contact activation from CPB are among the major triggers for SIRS. Blood transfusion can also induce proinflammatory responses. Here, we review the immunological mechanisms of organ injury and the role of anesthetic regimens in cardiac surgery

Tumores cardíacos benignos operados en un Centro de Cirugía Cardiovascular Regional 2015 - 2021

Introducción: Los tumores cardíacos primarios se caracterizan por su baja prevalencia, son principalmente mixomas y se presentan frecuentemente de forma asintomática. Objetivos: Identificar el tipo histológico más común, edad de presentación, tipo de cirugías y sobrevida de un grupo de pacientes tratados por Tumores Cardíacos Primarios (TCP) en el Hospital Regional de Temuco. Métodos: Revisión de fichas clínicas de 14 pacientes portadores de TCP entre marzo 2015 y diciembre 2021. Resultados: El tipo histológico más común fue el mixoma (85,7%), seguido por el fibroelastomas papilar (14,3%). La edad promedio fue 62 años (39-85), 9 fueron mujeres y 5 hombres. Los antecedentes mórbidos más comunes fueron: Insuficiencia Cardíaca Congestiva (ICC), Hipertensión Arterial (HTA) y Accidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). La localización anatómica más común fue la Aurícula izquierda (92%). El tratamiento en el 92% de los casos fue resección aislada y en el 7% restante resección y reparación con parche. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados son concordantes con la literatura.

Background: primary cardiac tumors are characterized by a low prevalence. Most of them are myxomas and asymptomatic. Aim: To describe the most common histological type, the age of presentation, type of surgery performed and survival of a group of patients operated on for Primary Cardiac Tumors (PCT) in the Hospital Regional de Temuco (Chile). Methods: Review of clinical records of 14 patients with PCT operated on between March 2015 and December 2021. Results: By far the most common histological type was a myxoma (85.7%), followed by a papillary fibroelastoma (14.3%). Mean age was 62 years (39-85), 9 were women and 5 men. The most common associated medical conditions were Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Arterial Hypertension and Stroke The usual anatomical location was the left atrium (92%). Surgical treatment was isolated resection in 92% of cases and along with a patch repair in the remaining patient. Conclusion: good results were obtained, similar to those described in the literature.

Single Value of NephroCheck� Performed at 4 Hours After Surgery Does Not Predict Acute Kidney Injury in Off?Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: Quantification of urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase?2 (TIMP?2) and insulin?like growth factor binding protein (IFGBP?7), which is commercially known as NephroCheck�(NC) test have been suggested as promising tools for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery involving cardio?pulmonary bypass (CPB). Objectives: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that single value of postoperative NC test performed at 4 hours after surgery can predict AKI in off?pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) surgery. Setting and Design: This prospective single?center study was conducted at the tertiary cardiac center in India from December 2017 to November 2018. Methods: Ninety adult patients of both sex undergoing elective OPCABG were included. Anesthesia was standardized to all patients. Urine samples were collected preoperatively and at 4 hours after surgery for NC test. Urine output, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also measured. AKI staging was based on kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Statistical Analysis: To assess the predictability of NC test for the primary endpoint, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), was calculated. Results: Thirteen patients developed AKI in the study cohort (14.4%) out of which 7 patients (7.8%) developed stage 2/3 AKI and the remaining stage 1 AKI. Baseline renal parameters were similar between AKI and non?AKI group. The area under curve (AUC) of NC test at 4 hours after surgery was 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42?0.77]. Postoperative NC test performed at 4 hours after surgery did not predict AKI in this study population (P = 0.24). There were no significant differences in duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care stay and hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: NephroCheck� test performed at 4 hours after surgery did not identify patients at risk for developing AKI following OPCABG surgery

Factors Predicting Difficulty in Insertion of Real?Time?Three?Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Background:Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion may be associated with many complications. Demographic factors and airway conditions such as high Mallampati scores (MMC) and Cormack-Lehane grades (MCLG) are likely to have an impact on its ease of insertion. The primary aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors for difficult real-time-three-dimensional TEE probe insertion. Methods: A total of 153 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively evaluated. The upper airway manipulations required for TEE probe placement were jaw thrust, reverse Sellick抯 maneuver, and laryngoscopy. All the patients who required airway manipulations were grouped under difficult TEE probe placement group. We evaluated the patients� predictive factors such as demographic characteristics and factors related to difficult intubation. Results: Out of 153 patients, 123 were males and 30 were females. Overall, 27.5% (n = 42) patients had difficulty in probe placement. About 31.7% (n = 39) males had difficulty in TEE probe placement against 13% (n = 4) females (P?value 0.045). Difficulty in TEE probe placement was found in 72.7% (n = 16) of obese patients (body mass index [BMI] > 30), compared to 18.6% (n = 17) in the patients with BMI less than 25 (P-value < 0.001). Probe insertion was significantly more difficult in the presence of MMC III and IV (50%, n = 18) compared to class I (19.2%, n = 10) (P?value 0.001) and MCLG III (73.3%, n = 22) compared to grade I (11.1%, n = 7) (P-value 0.001). Conclusion: Male gender, obesity, higher grades of MMC and MCLG were found to be the risk factors for difficult TEE probe placement in anesthetized patients.

Acute Acquired Immune Thrombocytopenia After Cardiac Surgery: A Challenging Case

Thrombocytopenia is a common condition that recognizes an infinite number of possible causes, especially in specific settings like the one covered in this case report: the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. We report a case of an old male with multiple comorbidities who underwent a coronary angioplasty procedure and aortic valve replacement. He showed severe thrombocytopenia in the postoperative days. Differential diagnosis required a big effort, also for the experts in the field. Our goal was to aggressively treat the patient with prednisolone, platelets, and intravenous immunoglobulins to maximize the prognosis. Our patient developed no complications and was discharged successfully

Comparison of Glucose Control by Added Liraglutide to Only Insulin Infusion in Diabetic Patient Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Preliminary Randomized?Controlled Trial

Background: Liraglutide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has been investigated for safety and effectiveness for blood glucose (BG) control in a surgical setting. However, there are only a few studies specific to cardiac surgery patients. Aims: To primarily compare perioperative 1) BG and 2) glycemic variability (GV) between added liraglutide and only insulin infusion in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Setting and Design: A randomized control trial was conducted in DM patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Inclusion criteria were age 20� years and DM Type 2. Material and Methods: The recruited patients were randomly assigned to Group 1 (added liraglutide with insulin infusion) and Group 2 (insulin infusion). Insulin infusion was based on institutional protocol. Point of care testing (POCT) glucose was used for the adjustment of insulin and BG analysis. Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was for GV analysis (using Standard deviation: SD). Statistics: t?test, Chi?square or Fisher?exact test, or Mann朩hitney U test. Results: Finally, 60 patients were in our study (Group 1 = 32 vs Group 2 = 28). Perioperative mean BG levels of Group 1 were significantly lower than Group 2 with a mean difference of 15.9 mg/dL. Nine patients (18.7% vs 10.7%, P = 0.384) had BG of 60� with mean BGs (109.1 vs 147.9, P = 0.001) in the morning. Thirteen patients (9.4% vs 35.7%, P = 0.025) had BG >180 mg/dL at the 1st operative hour. SDs were increasing, but lower SD of Group 1 were observed at the postoperative period. Mean of SDs at postoperative day 2 were 23.65 vs 32.79 mg/dL, P = 0.018. Conclusions: Liraglutide added with insulin infusion can attenuate perioperative BG and is beneficial in the aspect of lowering GV together with BG at the postoperative period in DM patients. Liraglutide can be applied in cardiac surgery but a rearrangement of time and dosage should be further investigated.

Acute Kidney Injury among Post Cardiac Surgery Patients : A Retrospective Study

Background : Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common complication Post Cardiac Surgery with reported incidence of 20-70%. Various studies have been conducted worldwide on risk factors contributing to the etiology of AKI in Cardiac surgery patients. We undertook similar study to understand the etiology and risk factors associated with AKI at Goa Medical College hence we undertook this study. Methodology : A retrospective record based observational study was conducted at Goa Medical College; wherein records of 419 patients who underwent Cardiac Surgery during the study period were analyzed for pre-operative, intra-operative and postoperative variables. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria were used to study the incidence of AKI. The Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Chi-square test and Student t test were used as a test of significance. Results : Out of 419 patient records reviewed; 40.3% patients developed AKI after Cardiac Surgery. Age, Sex, h/o previous Cardiac Surgery, CPB duration, Aortic Cross Clamp Time, addition of vasopressor etc. were some of the significant risk factors associated. AKI associated with Cardiac Surgery was associated with a mortality of 8.3%. Mean duration of ventilation 38.48�.27 hrs. and ICU stay 6.12�15 days was comparatively longer than patients without AKI (P<0.001). Conclusion : We concur that AKI is a serious complication in patients undergoing Cardiac Surgery and has significant impact on the outcome of the patients in terms of duration of ICU stay, duration of ventilation and mortality. There is need to identify modifiable risk factors at the earliest and develop approaches to improve the outcome and decrease the AKI associated morbidity and mortality

A Rare Catastrophe: Three Cases of Aortic Root Dehiscence after Surgery

Abstract Ascending aortic pathologies may be life-threatening. Postoperative aortic root dehiscence is a very rare but extremely dangerous complication with a high mortality rate, and redo surgery is mandatory due to high risk of spontaneous rupture. We present three cases that had undergone Bentall procedure and had postoperative aortic root dehiscence. One of the patients presented with hemiplegia caused by septic embolus while the others had mild symptoms. Dr. Yakut's modified Bentall procedure, the flanged technique, was performed for each patient in redo surgery. Two patients were successfully discharged from the hospital, but one died due to intracranial hemorrhage and multiple organ failure.

Perspectives in Training and Professional Practice of Cardiac Surgery in Latin America

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a lack of information about cardiac surgery training and professional practice in Latin American (LATAM) countries. This study is the first comparative analysis of cardiac surgical training and professional practice across LATAM and provides the fundamentals for future academic projects of the Latin American Association of Cardiac and Endovascular Surgery (LACES). Methods: International survey-based comparative analysis of the training and professional practice of cardiac surgeons across LATAM. Trainees (residents/fellows) and staf (graduated) surgeons from LATAM countries were included. Results: A total of 289 respondents (staf surgeons N=221 [76.5%]; residents/fellows N=68 [23.5%]) from 18 different countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons (N=92 [45.3%]) reported being unsatisfied with their salaries. Most respondents (N=181 [62.6%]) stated that it was difficult to obtain a leadership position, and 149 (73.8%) stated that it was difficult to find a job after completing training. Only half of the trainee respondents (N=32 [47.1%]) reported that their program had all resident spots occupied. Only 22.1% (N=15) of residents/fellows were satisfied with their training programs. The majority (N=205 [70.9%]) of respondents would choose cardiac surgery as their specialty again. Most surgeons (N=129 [63.9%]) and residents/fellows (N=52 [76.5%]) indicated that the establishment of a LATAM cardiac surgery board examination would be beneficial. Conclusion: Modernization and standardization of training, as well as greater access to opportunities, may be required in LATAM to increase professional satisfaction of cardiac surgeons and to reduce disparities in the specialty. Such changes may enhance the regional response to the dynamic challenges in the feld.

Microorganismos aislados en pacientes con mediastinitis poscirugía cardiaca en un hospital de cardiología de la Ciudad de México / Microorganisms isolated in patients with post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis at a cardiology hospital of Mexico City

Resumen Introducción: La mediastinitis posterior a cirugía cardiovascular deriva en estancia hospitalaria prolongada e incremento de los costos de la atención médica, y se asocia a elevada letalidad hospitalaria. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica, incluyendo los microorganismos aislados, perfil de resistencia y supervivencia hospitalaria. Métodos: Estudio transversal de pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica bacteriológicamente confirmada, atendidos en un hospital de cardiología de la Ciudad de México entre enero de 2017 y marzo de 2019. Resultados: Se incluyeron 58 casos de mediastinitis. La mediana de edad fue de 67 años. La mayoría de los sujetos fueron varones sometidos a revascularización miocárdica. Durante el seguimiento hospitalario, la letalidad por todas las causas y la secundaria a la mediastinitis fueron de 27.6 y 20.7 %, respectivamente. Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis y Escherichia coli. Se encontró alta resistencia a meticilina en los estafilococos coagulasa negativos y alta expresión de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en cepas de Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica analizados se observó alta letalidad e importante resistencia antimicrobiana.

Abstract Introduction: Mediastinitis after cardiovascular surgery gives rise to prolonged hospital stay and increased medical care costs, and is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with post-surgical mediastinitis, including the isolated microorganisms, resistance profile, and in-hospital survival. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with bacteriologically-confirmed post-surgical mediastinitis cared for at a cardiology hospital in Mexico City between January 2017 and March 2019. Results: Fifty-eight cases of mediastinitis were included. Median age was 67 years. Most subjects were males who underwent myocardial revascularization. During in-hospital follow-up, all-cause and mediastinitis-related mortality were 27.6% and 20.7%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated microorganisms. High resistance to methicillin was found in coagulase-negative staphylococci, as well as high expression of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Conclusions: High mortality and significant antimicrobial resistance were found in patients with post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis.

Risk Factors of Thrombocytopenia After Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative thrombocytopenia is common in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and its risk factors are unclear. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 3,175 adult patients undergoing valve surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 1, 2017 to December 30, 2018 in our institute. Postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as the first postoperative platelet count below the 10th quantile in all the enrolled patients. Outcomes between patients with and without postoperative thrombocytopenia were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors of postoperative thrombocytopenia were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The 10th quantile of all enrolled patients (75×109/L) was defined as the threshold for postoperative thrombocytopenia. In-hospital mortality was comparable between thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia groups (0.9% vs. 0.6%, P=0.434). Patients in the thrombocytopenia group had higher rate of postoperative blood transfusion (5.9% vs. 3.2%, P=0.014), more chest drainage volume (735 [550-1080] vs. 560 [430-730] ml, P<0.001), and higher incidence of acute kidney injury (12.3% vs. 4.2%, P<0.001). Age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.345-3.765, P=0.002], preoperative thrombocytopenia (OR 18.671, 95% CI 13.649-25.542, P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.059-1.117, P<0.001) were positively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Body surface area (BSA) (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.114-0.538, P<0.001) and isolated mitral valve surgery (OR 0.475, 95% CI 0.294-0.77) were negatively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Positive predictors for thrombocytopenia after valve surgery included age > 60 years, small BSA, preoperative thrombocytopenia, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. BSA and isolated mitral valve surgery were negative predictors.

De-Airing Maneuvers After Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted Intracardiac Procedures

ABSTRACT In the setting of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted intracardiac procedures, de-airing requires further technical considerations due to limited access to the pericardial space and the subsequent difficulty of directly manipulating the heart. We summarize the technical steps for de-airing according to different cannulation strategies for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted intracardiac procedures.