Mais Complicações em Mulheres após Revascularização do Miocárdio Mesmo com Tempos Cirúrgicos Reduzidos: Atenção por Equidade e Melhoria da Qualidade / More Hospital Complications in Women after Cabg Even for Reduced Surgical Times: Call to Action for Equity in Quality Improvement

Resumo Fundamento Análises em grandes registros apontam desfechos desfavoráveis para mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM), enquanto estudos randomizados sofrem com a falta de representatividade. Objetivo Comparar os resultados hospitalares ajustados entre homens e mulheres submetidos à CRM. Métodos Entre julho de 2017 e junho de 2019, 3991 pacientes foram submetidos à CRM primária isolada, tanto de forma eletiva como de urgência, em 5 hospitais de estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para equilibrar as diferenças entre homens e mulheres, as populações foram ajustadas utilizando o Propensity Score Matching. Os desfechos considerados para análise foram os utilizados pelo STS Adult Database. As análises foram conduzidas no software R, considerando significância valores de p < 0,05. Resultados Após o Propensity Score Matching (1:1), cada grupo incluiu 1089 pacientes. Em relação às variáveis intraoperatórias os homens apresentaram maior tempo de CEC (p<0,001), tempo cirúrgico (p<0,001), número de anastomoses distais (p<0,001) e uso de enxertos arteriais. Em relação aos desfechos as mulheres apresentaram maior incidência de infecção de ferida profunda (p=0,006), tempo prolongado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (p=0,002), maior necessidade do uso de balão intraórtico (p=0,04), maior taxa de transfusão sanguínea (p<0,001), maior readmissão hospitalar em até 30 dias após a cirurgia (p=0,002) e maior taxa de óbitos (p=0,03). Conclusões Apesar dos homens terem apresentado um maior tempo de CEC, maior número de enxertos arteriais e maior número de anastomoses distais, os resultados imediatos após CRM foram piores em mulheres.

Abstract Background Analyses of extensive registries indicate adverse outcomes for women undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, while randomized studies often lack representativeness. Objective To compare adjusted hospital outcomes between men and women undergoing CABG. Methods From July 2017 to June 2019, 3991 patients underwent primary isolated CABG, both electively and urgently, in 5 hospitals in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. To mitigate demographic differences between men and women, populations were adjusted using propensity score matching (PSM). The outcomes considered for analysis were those used by the STS Adult Database. The analyses were performed using R software, with a significance set at p<0.05. Results After PSM (1:1), each group included 1089 patients. Regarding intraoperative variables, men exhibited longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (p<0.001), surgical time (p<0.001), a higher number of distal anastomoses (p<0.001), and increased use of arterial grafts. Regarding outcomes, women had a higher incidence of deep sternal wound infection (p=0.006), prolonged Intensive Care Unit stay (p=0.002), increased need for an intra-aortic balloon pump (p=0.04), higher blood transfusion rates (p<0.001), higher 30-day hospital readmission rates after surgery (p=0.002) and higher mortality rate (p=0.03). Conclusions Although men had longer CPB times, a greater number of arterial grafts, and a greater number of distal anastomoses, immediate results after CABG were poorer in women.

More Hospital Complications in Women after Cabg Even for Reduced Surgical Times: Call to Action for Equity in Quality Improvement. / Mais Complicações em Mulheres após Revascularização do Miocárdio Mesmo com Tempos Cirúrgicos Reduzidos: Atenção por Equidade e Melhoria da Qualidade.

BACKGROUND: Analyses of extensive registries indicate adverse outcomes for women undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, while randomized studies often lack representativeness. OBJECTIVE: To compare adjusted hospital outcomes between men and women undergoing CABG. METHODS: From July 2017 to June 2019, 3991 patients underwent primary isolated CABG, both electively and urgently, in 5 hospitals in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. To mitigate demographic differences between men and women, populations were adjusted using propensity score matching (PSM). The outcomes considered for analysis were those used by the STS Adult Database. The analyses were performed using R software, with a significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: After PSM (1:1), each group included 1089 patients. Regarding intraoperative variables, men exhibited longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (p<0.001), surgical time (p<0.001), a higher number of distal anastomoses (p<0.001), and increased use of arterial grafts. Regarding outcomes, women had a higher incidence of deep sternal wound infection (p=0.006), prolonged Intensive Care Unit stay (p=0.002), increased need for an intra-aortic balloon pump (p=0.04), higher blood transfusion rates (p<0.001), higher 30-day hospital readmission rates after surgery (p=0.002) and higher mortality rate (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although men had longer CPB times, a greater number of arterial grafts, and a greater number of distal anastomoses, immediate results after CABG were poorer in women.

FUNDAMENTO: Análises em grandes registros apontam desfechos desfavoráveis para mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM), enquanto estudos randomizados sofrem com a falta de representatividade. OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados hospitalares ajustados entre homens e mulheres submetidos à CRM. MÉTODOS: Entre julho de 2017 e junho de 2019, 3991 pacientes foram submetidos à CRM primária isolada, tanto de forma eletiva como de urgência, em 5 hospitais de estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para equilibrar as diferenças entre homens e mulheres, as populações foram ajustadas utilizando o Propensity Score Matching. Os desfechos considerados para análise foram os utilizados pelo STS Adult Database. As análises foram conduzidas no software R, considerando significância valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Após o Propensity Score Matching (1:1), cada grupo incluiu 1089 pacientes. Em relação às variáveis intraoperatórias os homens apresentaram maior tempo de CEC (p<0,001), tempo cirúrgico (p<0,001), número de anastomoses distais (p<0,001) e uso de enxertos arteriais. Em relação aos desfechos as mulheres apresentaram maior incidência de infecção de ferida profunda (p=0,006), tempo prolongado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (p=0,002), maior necessidade do uso de balão intraórtico (p=0,04), maior taxa de transfusão sanguínea (p<0,001), maior readmissão hospitalar em até 30 dias após a cirurgia (p=0,002) e maior taxa de óbitos (p=0,03). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar dos homens terem apresentado um maior tempo de CEC, maior número de enxertos arteriais e maior número de anastomoses distais, os resultados imediatos após CRM foram piores em mulheres.

Age, Renal Failure and Transfusion are Risk Predictors of Prolonged Hospital Stay after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. / Idade, Insuficiência Renal e Transfusão são Preditores de Risco de Longa Permanência Hospitalar após Cirurgia de Revascularização do Miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors in cardiovascular surgery assists in predictability, resulting in optimization of outcomes and cost reduction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk predictors for prolonged hospitalization after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the REPLICCAR II database, a prospective, consecutive, multicenter registry that included CABG surgeries performed between August 2017 and July 2019. The primary outcome was a prolonged hospital stay (PHS), defined as a postoperative period exceeding 14 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors with significance set at p <0.05. RESULTS: The median age was 63 (57-70) years and 26.55% of patients were female. Among the 3703 patients analyzed, 228 (6.16%) had a PHS after CABG, with a median hospital stay of 17 (16-20) days. Predictors of PHS after CABG included age >60 years (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.43-2.87; p<0.001); renal failure (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.29-2.32; p <0.001) and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.07-2.06; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Age >60 years, renal failure, and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion were independent predictors of PHS after CABG. The identification of these variables can help in multiprofessional strategic planning aimed to enhance results and resource utilization in the state of São Paulo.

FUNDAMENTO: A identificação de fatores de riscos na cirurgia cardiovascular auxilia na previsibilidade resultando na otimização de desfechos e redução de custos. OBJETIVO: Identificação dos preditores de risco pré e intraoperatórios para internação prolongada após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) no Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Análise transversal no banco de dados REPLICCAR II, registro prospectivo, consecutivo, multicêntrico que incluiu cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica realizadas entre agosto de 2017 e julho de 2019. O desfecho principal foi o tempo de internação prolongado, definida como período de pós-operatório superior a 14 (quatorze) dias. Para a identificação dos preditores foram realizadas análises de regressão logística uni- e multivariada. Os valores de p menores de 0,05 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi de 63 (57-70) anos e 26,55% eram do sexo feminino. Dos 3703 pacientes analisados, 228 (6,16%) apresentaram longa permanência hospitalar (LPH) após a CRM e a mediana da internação foi de 17 (16-20) dias. Foram preditores da LPH após a CRM: idade >60 anos (OR 2,05; IC95% 1,43 - 2,87; p<0,001); insuficiência renal (OR 1,73; IC95% 1,29 - 2,32; p<0,001) e transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório (OR 1,32; IC 1,07 - 2,06; p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta análise, a idade > 60 anos, insuficiência renal e a transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório foram preditores independentes de LPH após a CRM. A identificação destas variáveis pode ajudar no planejamento estratégico multiprofissional visando melhoria de resultados e otimização de recursos no estado de São Paulo.

Idade, Insuficiência Renal e Transfusão são Preditores de Risco de Longa Permanência Hospitalar após Cirurgia de Revascularização do Miocárdio / Age, Renal Failure and Transfusion are Risk Predictors of Prolonged Hospital Stay after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Resumo Fundamento: A identificação de fatores de riscos na cirurgia cardiovascular auxilia na previsibilidade resultando na otimização de desfechos e redução de custos. Objetivo: Identificação dos preditores de risco pré e intraoperatórios para internação prolongada após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) no Estado de São Paulo. Métodos: Análise transversal no banco de dados REPLICCAR II, registro prospectivo, consecutivo, multicêntrico que incluiu cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica realizadas entre agosto de 2017 e julho de 2019. O desfecho principal foi o tempo de internação prolongado, definida como período de pós-operatório superior a 14 (quatorze) dias. Para a identificação dos preditores foram realizadas análises de regressão logística uni- e multivariada. Os valores de p menores de 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: A mediana de idade foi de 63 (57-70) anos e 26,55% eram do sexo feminino. Dos 3703 pacientes analisados, 228 (6,16%) apresentaram longa permanência hospitalar (LPH) após a CRM e a mediana da internação foi de 17 (16-20) dias. Foram preditores da LPH após a CRM: idade >60 anos (OR 2,05; IC95% 1,43 - 2,87; p<0,001); insuficiência renal (OR 1,73; IC95% 1,29 - 2,32; p<0,001) e transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório (OR 1,32; IC 1,07 - 2,06; p=0,01). Conclusão: Nesta análise, a idade > 60 anos, insuficiência renal e a transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório foram preditores independentes de LPH após a CRM. A identificação destas variáveis pode ajudar no planejamento estratégico multiprofissional visando melhoria de resultados e otimização de recursos no estado de São Paulo.

Abstract Background: Identifying risk factors in cardiovascular surgery assists in predictability, resulting in optimization of outcomes and cost reduction. Objective: This study aimed to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk predictors for prolonged hospitalization after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the REPLICCAR II database, a prospective, consecutive, multicenter registry that included CABG surgeries performed between August 2017 and July 2019. The primary outcome was a prolonged hospital stay (PHS), defined as a postoperative period exceeding 14 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors with significance set at p <0.05. Results: The median age was 63 (57-70) years and 26.55% of patients were female. Among the 3703 patients analyzed, 228 (6.16%) had a PHS after CABG, with a median hospital stay of 17 (16-20) days. Predictors of PHS after CABG included age >60 years (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.43-2.87; p<0.001); renal failure (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.29-2.32; p <0.001) and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.07-2.06; p=0.01). Conclusion: Age >60 years, renal failure, and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion were independent predictors of PHS after CABG. The identification of these variables can help in multiprofessional strategic planning aimed to enhance results and resource utilization in the state of São Paulo.

Most deaths in low-risk cardiac surgery could be avoidable.

It is observed that death rates in cardiac surgery has decreased, however, root causes that behave like triggers of potentially avoidable deaths (AD), especially in low-risk patients (less bias) are often unknown and underexplored, Phase of Care Mortality Analysis (POCMA) can be a valuable tool to identify seminal events (SE), providing valuable information where it is possible to make improvements in the quality and safety of future procedures. Our results show that in São Paul State, only one third of AD in low-risk cardiac surgery was related to specific surgical problems. After a revisited analysis, 75% of deaths could have been avoided, which in the pre-operative phase, the SE was related judgment, patient evaluation and preparation. In the intra-operative phase, most occurrences could have been avoided if other surgical technique had been used. Sepsis was responsible for 75% of AD in the intensive care unit. In the ward phase, the recognition/management of clinical decompensations and sepsis were the contributing factors. Logistic regression model identified age, previous coronary stent implantation, coronary artery bypass grafting + heart valve surgery, ≥ 2 combined heart valve surgery and hospital-acquired infection as independent predictors of AD.

Validation and quality measurements for STS, EuroSCORE II and a regional risk model in Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe a novel statewide registry for cardiac surgery in Brazil (REPLICCAR), to compare a regional risk model (SPScore) with EuroSCORE II and STS, and to understand where quality improvement and safety initiatives can be implemented. METHODS: A total of 11 sites in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, formed an online registry platform to capture information on risk factors and outcomes after cardiac surgery procedures for all consecutive patients. EuroSCORE II and STS values were calculated for each patient. An SPScore model was designed and compared with EuroSCORE II and STS to predict 30-day outcomes: death, reoperation, readmission, and any morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 5222 patients were enrolled in this study between November 2013 and December 2017. The observed 30-day mortality rate was 7.6%. Most patients were older, overweight, and classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III; 14.5% of the patient population had a positive diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease, 10.9% had insulin-dependent diabetes, and 19 individuals had a positive diagnosis of Chagas disease. When evaluating the prediction performance, we found that SPScore outperformed EuroSCORE II and STS in the prediction of mortality (0.90 vs. 0.76 and 0.77), reoperation (0.84 vs. 0.60 and 0.56), readmission (0.84 vs. 0.55 and 0.51), and any morbidity (0.80 vs. 0.65 and 0.64), respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The REPLICCAR registry might stimulate the creation of other cardiac surgery registries in developing countries, ultimately improving the regional quality of care provided to patients.

REPLICCAR II Study: Data quality audit in the Paulista Cardiovascular Surgery Registry.

The quality of data in electronic healthcare databases is a critical component when used for research and health practice. The aim of the present study was to assess the data quality in the Paulista Cardiovascular Surgery Registry II (REPLICCAR II) using two different audit methods, direct and indirect. The REPLICCAR II database contains data from 9 hospitals in São Paulo State with over 700 variables for 2229 surgical patients. The data collection was performed in REDCap platform using trained data managers to abstract information. We directly audited a random sample (n = 107) of the data collected after 6 months and indirectly audited the entire sample after 1 year of data collection. The indirect audit was performed using the data management tools in REDCap platform. We computed a modified Aggregate Data Quality Score (ADQ) previously reported by Salati et al. (2015). The agreement between data elements was good for categorical data (Cohen κ = 0.7, 95%CI = 0.59-0.83). For continuous data, the intraclass coefficient (ICC) for only 2 out of 15 continuous variables had an ICC < 0.9. In the indirect audit, 77% of the selected variables (n = 23) had a good ADQ score for completeness and accuracy. Data entry in the REPLICCAR II database proved to be satisfactory and showed competence and reliable data for research in cardiovascular surgery in Brazil.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in Brazil: analysis of the national reality through the bypass registry

Abstract Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most frequently performed heart surgery in Brazil. Recent international guidelines recommend that national societies establish a database on the practice and results of CABG. In anticipation of the recommendation, the BYPASS Registry was introduced in 2015. Objective: To analyze the profile, risk factors and outcomes of patients undergoing CABG in Brazil, as well as to examine the predominant surgical strategy, based on the data included in the BYPASS Registry. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2292 patients undergoing CABG surgery and cataloged in the BYPASS Registry up to November 2018. Demographic data, clinical presentation, operative variables, and postoperative hospital outcomes were analyzed. Results: Patients referred to CABG in Brazil are predominantly male (71%), with prior myocardial infarction in 41.1% of cases, diabetes in 42.5%, and ejection fraction lower than 40% in 9.7%. The Heart Team indicated surgery in 32.9% of the cases. Most of the patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (87%), and cardioplegia was the strategy of myocardial protection chosen in 95.2% of the cases. The left internal thoracic artery was used as a graft in 91% of the cases; the right internal thoracic artery, in 5.6%; and the radial artery in 1.1%. The saphenous vein graft was used in 84.1% of the patients, being the only graft employed in 7.7% of the patients. The median number of coronary vessels treated was 3. Operative mortality was 2.8%, and the incidence of cerebrovascular accident was 1.2%. Conclusion: CABG data in Brazil provided by the BYPASS Registry analysis are representative of our national reality and practice. This database constitutes an important reference for indications and comparisons of therapeutic procedures, as well as to propose subsequent models to improve patient safety and the quality of surgical practice in the country.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Brazil: Analysis of the National Reality Through the BYPASS Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most frequently performed heart surgery in Brazil. Recent international guidelines recommend that national societies establish a database on the practice and results of CABG. In anticipation of the recommendation, the BYPASS Registry was introduced in 2015. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile, risk factors and outcomes of patients undergoing CABG in Brazil, as well as to examine the predominant surgical strategy, based on the data included in the BYPASS Registry. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 2292 patients undergoing CABG surgery and cataloged in the BYPASS Registry up to November 2018. Demographic data, clinical presentation, operative variables, and postoperative hospital outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients referred to CABG in Brazil are predominantly male (71%), with prior myocardial infarction in 41.1% of cases, diabetes in 42.5%, and ejection fraction lower than 40% in 9.7%. The Heart Team indicated surgery in 32.9% of the cases. Most of the patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (87%), and cardioplegia was the strategy of myocardial protection chosen in 95.2% of the cases. The left internal thoracic artery was used as a graft in 91% of the cases; the right internal thoracic artery, in 5.6%; and the radial artery in 1.1%. The saphenous vein graft was used in 84.1% of the patients, being the only graft employed in 7.7% of the patients. The median number of coronary vessels treated was 3. Operative mortality was 2.8%, and the incidence of cerebrovascular accident was 1.2%. CONCLUSION: CABG data in Brazil provided by the BYPASS Registry analysis are representative of our national reality and practice. This database constitutes an important reference for indications and comparisons of therapeutic procedures, as well as to propose subsequent models to improve patient safety and the quality of surgical practice in the country.

The Brazilian Registry of Adult Patient Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery, the BYPASS Project: Results of the First 1,722 Patients.

Objective: To report the early results of the BYPASS project - the Brazilian registrY of adult Patient undergoing cArdiovaScular Surgery - a national, observational, prospective, and longitudinal follow-up registry, aiming to chart a profile of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery in Brazil, assessing the data harvested from the initial 1,722 patients. Methods: Data collection involved institutions throughout the whole country, comprising 17 centers in 4 regions: Southeast (8), Northeast (5), South (3), and Center-West (1). The study population consists of patients over 18 years of age, and the types of operations recorded were: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), mitral valve, aortic valve (either conventional or transcatheter), surgical correction of atrial fibrillation, cardiac transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and congenital heart diseases in adults. Results: 83.1% of patients came from the public health system (SUS), 9.6% from the supplemental (private insurance) healthcare systems; and 7.3% from private (out-of -pocket) clinic. Male patients comprised 66%, 30% were diabetics, 46% had dyslipidemia, 28% previously sustained a myocardial infarction, and 9.4% underwent prior cardiovascular surgery. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were 54.1% and 31.5% to valve surgery, either isolated or combined. The overall postoperative mortality up to the 7th postoperative day was 4%; for CABG was 2.6%, and for valve operations, 4.4%. Conclusion: This first report outlines the consecution of the Brazilian surgical cardiac database, intended to serve primarily as a tool for providing information for clinical improvement and patient safety and constitute a basis for production of research protocols.

The brazilian registry of adult patient undergoing cardiovascular surgery, the bypass project: results of the first 1,722 patients

Abstract Objective: To report the early results of the BYPASS project - the Brazilian registrY of adult Patient undergoing cArdiovaScular Surgery - a national, observational, prospective, and longitudinal follow-up registry, aiming to chart a profile of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery in Brazil, assessing the data harvested from the initial 1,722 patients. Methods: Data collection involved institutions throughout the whole country, comprising 17 centers in 4 regions: Southeast (8), Northeast (5), South (3), and Center-West (1). The study population consists of patients over 18 years of age, and the types of operations recorded were: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), mitral valve, aortic valve (either conventional or transcatheter), surgical correction of atrial fibrillation, cardiac transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and congenital heart diseases in adults. Results: 83.1% of patients came from the public health system (SUS), 9.6% from the supplemental (private insurance) healthcare systems; and 7.3% from private (out-of -pocket) clinic. Male patients comprised 66%, 30% were diabetics, 46% had dyslipidemia, 28% previously sustained a myocardial infarction, and 9.4% underwent prior cardiovascular surgery. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were 54.1% and 31.5% to valve surgery, either isolated or combined. The overall postoperative mortality up to the 7th postoperative day was 4%; for CABG was 2.6%, and for valve operations, 4.4%. Conclusion: This first report outlines the consecution of the Brazilian surgical cardiac database, intended to serve primarily as a tool for providing information for clinical improvement and patient safety and constitute a basis for production of research protocols.

Effect of a Quality Improvement Intervention With Daily Round Checklists, Goal Setting, and Clinician Prompting on Mortality of Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: The effectiveness of checklists, daily goal assessments, and clinician prompts as quality improvement interventions in intensive care units (ICUs) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multifaceted quality improvement intervention reduces the mortality of critically ill adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study had 2 phases. Phase 1 was an observational study to assess baseline data on work climate, care processes, and clinical outcomes, conducted between August 2013 and March 2014 in 118 Brazilian ICUs. Phase 2 was a cluster randomized trial conducted between April and November 2014 with the same ICUs. The first 60 admissions of longer than 48 hours per ICU were enrolled in each phase. INTERVENTIONS: Intensive care units were randomized to a quality improvement intervention, including a daily checklist and goal setting during multidisciplinary rounds with follow-up clinician prompting for 11 care processes, or to routine care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: In-hospital mortality truncated at 60 days (primary outcome) was analyzed using a random-effects logistic regression model, adjusted for patients' severity and the ICU's baseline standardized mortality ratio. Exploratory secondary outcomes included adherence to care processes, safety climate, and clinical events. RESULTS: A total of 6877 patients (mean age, 59.7 years; 3218 [46.8%] women) were enrolled in the baseline (observational) phase and 6761 (mean age, 59.6 years; 3098 [45.8%] women) in the randomized phase, with 3327 patients enrolled in ICUs (n = 59) assigned to the intervention group and 3434 patients in ICUs (n = 59) assigned to routine care. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the intervention group and the usual care group, with 1096 deaths (32.9%) and 1196 deaths (34.8%), respectively (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.82-1.26; P = .88). Among 20 prespecified secondary outcomes not adjusted for multiple comparisons, 6 were significantly improved in the intervention group (use of low tidal volumes, avoidance of heavy sedation, use of central venous catheters, use of urinary catheters, perception of team work, and perception of patient safety climate), whereas there were no significant differences between the intervention group and the control group for 14 outcomes (ICU mortality, central line-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection, mean ventilator-free days, mean ICU length of stay, mean hospital length of stay, bed elevation to ≥30°, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, diet administration, job satisfaction, stress reduction, perception of management, and perception of working conditions). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among critically ill patients treated in ICUs in Brazil, implementation of a multifaceted quality improvement intervention with daily checklists, goal setting, and clinician prompting did not reduce in-hospital mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01785966.

A cluster randomized trial of a multifaceted quality improvement intervention in Brazilian intensive care units: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The uptake of evidence-based therapies in the intensive care environment is suboptimal, particularly in limited-resource countries. Checklists, daily goal assessments, and clinician prompts may improve compliance with best practice processes of care and, in turn, improve clinical outcomes. However, the available evidence on the effectiveness of checklists is unreliable and inconclusive, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. We aim to evaluate whether the use of a multifaceted quality improvement intervention, including the use of a checklist and the definition of daily care goals during multidisciplinary daily rounds and clinician prompts, can improve the in-hospital mortality of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Our secondary objectives are to assess the effects of the study intervention on specific processes of care, clinical outcomes, and the safety culture and to determine which factors (the processes of care and/or safety culture) mediate the effect of the study intervention on mortality. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a cluster randomized trial involving 118 ICUs in Brazil conducted in two phases. In the observational preparatory phase, we collect baseline data on processes of care and clinical outcomes from 60 consecutive patients with lengths of ICU stay longer than 48 h and apply the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) to 75% or more of the health care staff in each ICU. In the randomized phase, we assign ICUs to the experimental or control arm and repeat data collection. Experimental arm ICUs receive the multifaceted quality improvement intervention, including a checklist and definition of daily care goals during daily multidisciplinary rounds, clinician prompting, and feedback on rates of adherence to selected care processes. Control arm ICUs maintain usual care. The primary outcome is in-hospital mortality, truncated at 60 days. Secondary outcomes include the rates of adherence to appropriate care processes, rates of other clinical outcomes, and scores on the SAQ domains. Analysis follows the intention-to-treat principle, and the primary outcome is analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression. DISCUSSION: This is a large scale, pragmatic cluster-randomized trial evaluating whether a multifaceted quality improvement intervention, including checklists applied during the multidisciplinary daily rounds and clinician prompting, can improve the adoption of proven therapies and decrease the mortality of critically ill patients. If this study finds that the intervention reduces mortality, it may be widely adopted in intensive care units, even those in limited-resource settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01785966.

Tratamento cirúrgico das taquiarritmias: qual o paciente ideal?: [revisão] / Surgical treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia: which one is the ideal patients?: [review]

Ischemic heart disease is the main cause of congestive heart failure. Left ventricularaneurysm resection has been recommended to treat congestive heart failure, fatal arrhythmias, toprevent thromboembolic complications, and angina. We describe our experience with left ventricularaneurysmectomy, preservig the elliptical form, with heart beating continuously. Many patients hadindication of cardiodesfibrilator implant prior the surgery and 70% became free from this device afterthe aneurysmectomy. The method is safe, reprodutible, with low mortality and morbidity.

A doença isquêmica do coração é a maior responsável pelos casos de Insuficiência Cardíaca. A ressecção do aneurisma de ventrículo esquerdo tem sido preconizada para tratar a insuficiência cardíaca, controlar arritmias fatais, prevenir tromboembolismo e tratar a angina. Descrevemos um método original de tratamento dos aneurismas do ventrículo esquerdo, mantendo a forma elipsoidal do VE, com o coração batendo ininterruptamente. Vários pacientes foram enviados para implante de cardiodesfibrilador e 70% deles foram curados com a cirurgia de ressecção do aneurisma do VE, confirmado por estudo eletrofisiológico pré e pós-operatório. O método se mostrou seguro...

Seven years' outcome of simultaneous surgical treatment of atrial septal defect and atrial flutter in 2 children: case reports.

We describe 2 children who had long-standing type 1 atrial flutter and atrial septal defect. The simultaneous surgical treatment of these 2 conditions consisted of transmural incision from the inferior edge of the septal defect to the tricuspid ring, transmural incision from the medial-superior edge of the septal defect to the tricuspid ring, and closure of the septal defect with a bovine pericardial patch. There was no arrhythmia recurrence during a 7-year follow-up period.

EuroSCORE and the patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery at Santa Casa de São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the European Risk System in Cardiac Operations (EuroSCORE) model to predict mortality in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization at the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Santa Casa de São Paulo Medical School. METHODS: From May 2005 to November 2006, 100 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The records of these patients were reviewed in order to retrieve those variables included in the EuroSCORE risk scoring method. The correlation of predicted and observed mortality was compared. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test for univariate analysis and Hosmer-Lemeshow Test for logistic regression model. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 5%. For EuroSCORE univariate analysis, findings were as follows: score 0-2 predicted mortality 0.40%, observed 0.00%; score 3-5 predicted mortality 1.45%, observed 0.00%; score greater than 6 predicted mortality 3.15%, observed 7.94%. Although these differences, p-value was 0.213 with no statistical significance. The p-value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test was < 0.001 indicating poor calibration of the model for this sample. CONCLUSION: The EuroSCORE model is a simple, objective system to estimate hospital mortality. However, to validate the logistic regression analysis, it is necessary hundreds of patients, which limit its widespread application.

[Off-pump myocardial revascularization in the elderly: analysis of morbidity and mortality]. / Revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea em idosos: análise da morbidade e mortalidade.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the in-hospital outcome of elderly patients aged 70 years and older who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery with an intraluminal shunt in urgent, emergent, and elective coronary revascularizations. METHODS: From July 1989 to July 2005, we analyzed 87 patients ranging in age from 70 to 92 years. Of the 87 patients enrolled, 50 (57.5%) patients had unstable angina, with three (3.4%) acute myocardial infarction; thirty-one (35.6%) patients underwent urgent and emergent surgery; thirteen (14.9%) patients had myocardial infarction in less than 30 days, and 34 (39.1%) in more than 30 days. RESULTS: The main postoperative complications were: atrial fibrillation (32.2%), heart failure (12.6%), pneumonia (10.3%), septicemia (3.4%), acute myocardial infarction (2.3%), mediastinitis (1.1%) transient ischemic attack (1.1%), and pneumothorax (1.1%). The mean extubation time was 18.50+/-19.09 hours, the length of stay in the intensive care unit was 2.92+/-2.03 days, and hospital length of stay was 10.55+/-7.16 days. Packed red cells were given to nine (10.34%) patients and none of them was operated due to bleeding. The in-hospital mortality was 4.6%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients over 70 years-old, elective and non-elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with intracoronary shunt showed to be safe and effective, associated with low rates of postoperative complications and mortality in relation to the studied population.