Pregnant woman with severe subaortic stenosis successfully treated with open-heart surgery resection: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Subaortic stenosis (SubAS) is a type of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Pregnancy is a hemodynamically stressful event that can undercover a previous undiagnosed severe SubAS. In this article, we present a case of pregnant woman with SubAS successfully treated with heart surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 34-year-old primigravida at gestational week 19, was admitted to the emergency department with a highly symptomatic severe SubAS refractory to medical treatment. Obstetric evaluation showed normal fetal development. The patient was treated with heart surgery to resect the subaortic membrane. She recovered satisfactorily after surgery and held the gestation until 39 weeks giving birth to a healthy baby. DISCUSSION: Heart diseases are the main cause of non-obstetric deaths in pregnant women. Patients with SubAS typically develop symptoms after the first decade of life as the disease progresses over time. Pregnancy can act as a trigger for the development of symptoms, sometimes requiring urgent treatment. Surgical treatment in pregnant woman is a high-risk condition for the fetus and should be reserved to the refractory cases. CONCLUSION: SubAS in pregnancy may be successfully managed through open heart surgery. Careful consideration of maternal and fetal risks, together with multidisciplinary collaboration, is essential in guiding management decisions.

When innovation meets patient blood management - a new way to see bleeding.

The first step in innovation is to identify a problem of real relevance and systematically address it to deliver a sophisticated and viable solution. Disruptive innovation is a process where technology, products, or services are transformed or replaced by a better innovative solution. This superiority must be perceived by users as being more accessible, simple, or convenient. Patient Blood Management (PBM) suggests the notion of the timely application of evidence-based medical and surgical concepts designed to maintain hemoglobin concentration, optimize hemostasis and minimize blood loss thus improving patient outcomes, that is, they are aimed at changing patient care, assisting healthcare professionals in disease treatment and cure as well as risk reduction. Thus, innovation in PBM is a new frontier to be pursued. The management of patient's blood and preparation for surgical procedures is an enormous challenge that helps minimize anemia and control blood loss during hospitalization, ensuring they are discharged in adequate clinical conditions. Until 2016, there was no standard definition or classification for the severity of intraoperative bleeding or hemostasis. The development of a PBM program when combined to the development of a bleeding scale such as the validated Intraoperative Bleeding (VIBe) Scale, represents a new solution that balances perioperative blood loss and more importantly, enables a critical cultural change which can be useful to help surgeons communicate anticipated hemostatic needs throughout a case and therefore enhance efficiency leading to better outcomes.

Colchicine in Patients With Coronary Disease Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Recent randomized evidence has shown that low-dose colchicine lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Colchicine has also been used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with individual studies suggesting protective effects for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). We performed a meta-analysis of studies assessing the effect of colchicine on outcomes in CABG surgery. We systematically searched 3 libraries (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library), selecting all randomized control trials including patients who underwent CABG and were randomized for perioperative administration of colchicine versus standard of care. The primary outcome was incidence of POAF. The inverse variance method (DerSimonian&Laird) and random-effects model were performed. The leave-one-out analysis was carried out as a sensitivity analysis to address possible outliers. From 205 screened studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria and were selected. The data from 839 patients were included in the final analysis. The included studies were published between 2014 and 2022. The perioperative administration of colchicine was associated with the reduction of POAF rates after CABG compared with standard of care (relative risk 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.73, p <0.01). The leave-one-out analysis confirmed the robustness of the analysis, with minimal variations of the confidence interval. This meta-analysis of randomized studies suggests that the perioperative administration of colchicine is associated with significant reduction of POAF after CABG.

Predictors of 30-Day Hospital Readmission Following CABG in a Multicenter Database: A Cross-Sectional Study. / Preditores de Readmissão Hospitalar até 30 Dias de CRM em Banco de Dados Multicêntrico: Estudo de Coorte Transversal.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of indicators such as hospital readmission rates is crucial for improving the quality of services and management of hospital processes. OBJECTIVES: To identify the variables correlated with hospital readmission up to 30 days following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort study by REPLICCAR II database (N=3,392) from June 2017 to June 2019. Retrospectively, 150 patients were analyzed to identify factors associated with hospital readmission within 30 days post-CABG using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Analysis was conducted using software R, with a significance level of 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Out of 3,392 patients, 150 (4,42%0 were readmitted within 30 days post-discharge from CABG primarily due to infections (mediastinitis, surgical wounds, and sepsis) accounting for 52 cases (34.66%). Other causes included surgical complications (14/150, 9.33%) and pneumonia (13/150, 8.66%). The multivariate regression model identified an intercept (OR: 1.098, p<0.00001), sleep apnea (OR: 1.117, p=0.0165), cardiac arrhythmia (OR: 1.040, p=0.0712), and intra-aortic balloon pump use (OR: 1.068, p=0.0021) as predictors of the outcome, with an AUC of 0.70. CONCLUSION: 4.42% of patients were readmitted post-CABG, mainly due to infections. Factors such as sleep apnea (OR: 1.117, p=0.0165), cardiac arrhythmia (OR: 1.040, p=0.0712), and intra-aortic balloon pump use (OR: 1.068, p=0.0021) were predictors of readmission, with moderate risk discrimination (AUC: 0.70).

FUNDAMENTO: A análise de indicadores como taxa de readmissão hospitalar é crucial para aprimorar a qualidade dos serviços e gestão em processos hospitalares. OBJETIVO: Identificar as variáveis correlacionadas a readmissão hospitalar até 30 dias após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte transversal no banco de dados Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II)(N=3.392), de junho de 2017 a junho de 2019. Avaliaram-se retrospectivamente 150 pacientes para identificar os fatores correlacionados a readmissão hospitalar até 30 dias após-CRM via regressão logística univariada e multivariada. As análises foram realizadas no software R, com significância de 0,05 e intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Cento e cinquenta pacientes foram readmitidos até 30 dias após a alta hospitalar de CRM (150/3.392, 4,42%) principalmente por infecções (mediastinite, ferida operatória e sepse) totalizando 52 casos (52/150, 34,66%), outras causas foram: complicações cirúrgicas (14/150, 9,33%) e pneumonia (13/150, 8,66%). Os preditores de readmissão identificados foram: O modelo de regressão multivariada apontou intercepto (OR: 1,098, p<0,00001), apneia do sono (OR: 1,117, p=0,0165), arritmia cardíaca (OR: 1,040, p=0,0712) e uso de balão intra-aórtico (OR: 1,068, p=0,0021) como preditores do desfecho, com uma AUC de 0,70. CONCLUSÃO: 4,42% dos pacientes foram readmitidos pós-CRM, principalmente por infecções. Fatores como apneia do sono (OR: 1,117, p=0,0165), arritmia cardíaca (OR: 1,040, p=0,0712) e uso de balão intra-aórtico (OR: 1,068, p=0,0021) foram preditores de readmissão, com uma discriminação de risco moderada (AUC: 0,70).

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.

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.

Long-Term Effects of Pulmonary Valve Implantation and Prosthesis Evolution in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. / Efeitos de Longo Prazo do Implante Valvar Pulmonar e Evolução da Prótese em Pacientes com Tetralogia de Fallot Corrigida.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary valve regurgitation is a significant long-term complication in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of pulmonary valve implantation (PVI) on the anatomy and function of the right ventricle (RV) and the long-term evolution of the implanted prosthesis in the pulmonary position. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed in 56 consecutive patients with TOF who underwent PVI. The study included patients of both sexes, aged ≥ 12 years, and involved assessing clinical and surgical data, pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiogram data more than 1 year after PVI. RESULTS: After PVI, there was a significant decrease in RV end-systolic volume indexed by body surface area (BSA), from 89 mL/BSA to 69 mL/BSA (p < 0.001) and indexed RV end-diastolic volume, from 157 mL/BSA to 116 mL/BSA (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an increase in corrected RV ejection fraction [ RVEFC = net pulmonary flow (pulmonary forward flow - regurgitant flow) / R V end-diastolic volume ] from 23% to 35% (p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction from 58% to 60% (p = 0.008). However, a progressive increase in the peak pulmonary valve gradient was observed over time, with 25% of patients experiencing a gradient exceeding 60 mmHg. Smaller prostheses (sizes 19 to 23) were associated with a 4.3-fold higher risk of a gradient > 60 mmHg compared to larger prostheses (sizes 25 to 27; p = 0.029; confidence interval: 1.18 to 17.8). CONCLUSION: As expected, PVI demonstrated improvements in RV volumes and function. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are crucial for assessing the durability of the prosthesis and detecting potential complications. Proper sizing of prostheses is essential for improved prosthesis longevity.

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.

Efeitos de Longo Prazo do Implante Valvar Pulmonar e Evolução da Prótese em Pacientes com Tetralogia de Fallot Corrigida / Long-Term Effects of Pulmonary Valve Implantation and Prosthesis Evolution in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

Resumo Fundamento A regurgitação valvar pulmonar é uma importante complicação de longo prazo em pacientes com tetralogia de Fallot (TF). Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar os efeitos do implante valvar pulmonar (IVP) na anatomia e função do ventrículo direito (VD) e na evolução em longo prazo da prótese implantada em posição pulmonar. Métodos Uma análise de coorte retrospectiva e unicêntrica foi realizada em 56 pacientes consecutivos com TF submetidos a IVP. O estudo incluiu pacientes de ambos os gêneros, com idade ≥ 12 anos e compreendeu avaliação de dados clínicos e cirúrgicos, ressonância magnética cardiovascular pré e pós-operatória e dados ecocardiográficos obtidos mais de 1 ano após IVP. Resultados Após o IVP, houve uma diminuição significativa do volume sistólico final do VD indexado pela área de superfície corpórea (ASC), de 89 mL/ASC para 69 mL/ASC (p < 0,001) e do volume diastólico final indexado do VD, de 157 mL/ASC para 116 mL/ASC (p < 0,001). Além disso, houve aumento da fração de ejeção corrigida do VD [ FEVDc = fluxo pulmonar ajustado (fluxo pulmonar anterógrado − fluxo regurgitante) / volume diastólico final do VD ] de 23% para 35% (p < 0,001) e da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 58% para 60% (p = 0,008). No entanto, foi observado um aumento progressivo no gradiente de pico da válvula pulmonar ao longo do tempo, com 25% dos pacientes apresentando um gradiente superior a 60 mmHg. Próteses menores (tamanhos 19 a 23) foram associadas a um risco 4,3 vezes maior de gradiente > 60 mmHg em comparação com próteses maiores (tamanhos 25 a 27; p = 0,029; intervalo de confiança: 1,18 a 17,8). Conclusão Conforme esperado, o IVP demonstrou melhorias nos volumes e na função do VD. O acompanhamento e a vigilância a longo prazo são cruciais para avaliar a durabilidade da prótese e detectar potenciais complicações. O dimensionamento adequado das próteses é essencial para melhorar a longevidade da prótese.

Abstract Background Pulmonary valve regurgitation is a significant long-term complication in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of pulmonary valve implantation (PVI) on the anatomy and function of the right ventricle (RV) and the long-term evolution of the implanted prosthesis in the pulmonary position. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed in 56 consecutive patients with TOF who underwent PVI. The study included patients of both sexes, aged ≥ 12 years, and involved assessing clinical and surgical data, pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiogram data more than 1 year after PVI. Results After PVI, there was a significant decrease in RV end-systolic volume indexed by body surface area (BSA), from 89 mL/BSA to 69 mL/BSA (p < 0.001) and indexed RV end-diastolic volume, from 157 mL/BSA to 116 mL/BSA (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an increase in corrected RV ejection fraction [ RVEFC = net pulmonary flow (pulmonary forward flow − regurgitant flow) / R V end-diastolic volume] from 23% to 35% (p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction from 58% to 60% (p = 0.008). However, a progressive increase in the peak pulmonary valve gradient was observed over time, with 25% of patients experiencing a gradient exceeding 60 mmHg. Smaller prostheses (sizes 19 to 23) were associated with a 4.3-fold higher risk of a gradient > 60 mmHg compared to larger prostheses (sizes 25 to 27; p = 0.029; confidence interval: 1.18 to 17.8). Conclusion As expected, PVI demonstrated improvements in RV volumes and function. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are crucial for assessing the durability of the prosthesis and detecting potential complications. Proper sizing of prostheses is essential for improved prosthesis longevity.

Association Between Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Clinical Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Brazil: An Analysis of One Year of Follow-up of BYPASS Registry Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), obesity, clinical outcomes, and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Brazil using a large sample with one year of follow-up from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (or BYPASS) Registry database. METHODS: A multicenter cohort-study enrolled 2,589 patients submitted to isolated CABG and divided them into normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) groups. Inpatient postoperative outcomes included the most frequently described complications and events. Collected post-discharge outcomes included rehospitalization and mortality rates within 30 days, six months, and one year of follow-up. RESULTS: Sternal wound infections (SWI) rate was higher in obese compared to normal-weight patients (relative risk [RR]=5.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.37-17.82; P=0.001). Rehospitalization rates in six months after discharge were higher in obesity and overweight groups than in normal weight group (χ=6.03, P=0.049); obese patients presented a 2.2-fold increase in the risk for rehospitalization within six months compared to normal-weight patients (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.17-4.09; P=0.045). Postoperative complications and mortality rates did not differ among groups during time periods. CONCLUSION: Obesity increased the risk for SWI, leading to higher rehospitalization rates and need for surgical interventions within six months following CABG. Age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The obesity paradox remains controversial since BMI may not be sufficient to assess postoperative risk in light of more complex and dynamic evaluations of body composition and physical fitness.

Myocardial tissue expression of mRNA and preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Background: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible and inexpensive biomarker that has been shown to predict morbidity and mortality in congenital cardiac surgery. However, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to compare and correlate the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with the NLR in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods: A prospective translational study was conducted on 10 children with ToF and 10 with VSD, aged between 1 and 24 months. The NLR was calculated from the blood count taken 24 hours before surgery. The expression of these mRNAs was analyzed in the myocardial tissue of the right atrium prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. Results: Patients with ToF exhibited a higher NLR [ToF 0.46 (interquartile range; IQR) 0.90; VSD 0.28 (IQR 0.17); P=0.02], longer mechanical ventilation time [ToF 24 h (IQR 93); VSD 5.5 h (IQR 8); P<0.001], increased use of vasoactive drugs [ToF 2 days (IQR 1.75); VSD 0 (IQR 1); P=0.01], and longer ICU [ToF 5.5 (IQR 1); VSD 2 (IQR 0.75); P=0.02] and hospital length of stays [ToF 18 days (IQR 17.5); VSD 8.5 days (IQR 2.5); P<0.001]. A negative correlation was found between NLR and oxygen saturation (SaO2) (r=-0.44; P=0.002). In terms of mRNA expression, the ToF group showed a lower expression of IL-10 mRNA (P=0.03). A positive correlation was observed between IL-10-mRNA and SaO2 (r=0.40; P=0.07), and a negative correlation with NLR (r=-0.27; P=0.14). Conclusions: Patients with ToF demonstrated a higher preoperative NLR and lower IL-10 mRNA expression by what appears to be a pro-inflammatory phenotype of cyanotic patients.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. METHODS: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. RESULTS: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). CONCLUSION: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

Predictors of in-ICU length of stay among congenital heart defect patients using artificial intelligence model: A pilot study.

Objective: This study aims to develop a predictive model using artificial intelligence to estimate the ICU length of stay (LOS) for Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) patients after surgery, improving care planning and resource management. Design: We analyze clinical data from 2240 CHD surgery patients to create and validate the predictive model. Twenty AI models are developed and evaluated for accuracy and reliability. Setting: The study is conducted in a Brazilian hospital's Cardiovascular Surgery Department, focusing on transplants and cardiopulmonary surgeries. Participants: Retrospective analysis is conducted on data from 2240 consecutive CHD patients undergoing surgery. Interventions: Ninety-three pre and intraoperative variables are used as ICU LOS predictors. Measurements and main results: Utilizing regression and clustering methodologies for ICU LOS (ICU Length of Stay) estimation, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine, using regression, achieved a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 15.4, 11.8, and 15.2 days for training, testing, and unseen data. Key predictors included metrics such as "Mechanical Ventilation Duration", "Weight on Surgery Date", and "Vasoactive-Inotropic Score". Meanwhile, the clustering model, Cat Boost Classifier, attained an accuracy of 0.6917 and AUC of 0.8559 with similar key predictors. Conclusions: Patients with higher ventilation times, vasoactive-inotropic scores, anoxia time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and lower weight, height, BMI, age, hematocrit, and presurgical oxygen saturation have longer ICU stays, aligning with existing literature.

Data-driven coaching to improve statewide outcomes in CABG: before and after interventional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of quality improvement initiatives program (QIP) on coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) remains scarce, despite improved outcomes in other surgical areas. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a package of QIP on mortality rates among patients undergoing CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the multicenter database Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II), spanning from July 2017 to June 2019. Data from 4018 isolated CABG adult patients were collected and analyzed in three phases: before-implementation, implementation, and after-implementation of the intervention (which comprised QIP training for the hospital team). Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the groups of 2170 patients each for a comparative analysis of the following outcomes: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ≤30 days, cerebrovascular accident, acute kidney injury, ventilation time >24 h, length of stay <6 days, length of stay >14 days, morbidity and mortality, and operative mortality. A multiple regression model was constructed to predict mortality outcomes. RESULTS: Following implementation, there was a significant reduction of operative mortality (61.7%, P =0.046), as well as deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ( P <0.001), sepsis ( P =0.002), ventilation time in hours ( P <0.001), prolonged ventilation time ( P =0.009), postoperative peak blood glucose ( P <0.001), total length of hospital stay ( P <0.001). Additionally, there was a greater use of arterial grafts, including internal thoracic ( P <0.001) and radial ( P =0.038), along with a higher rate of skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSIONS: QIP was associated with a 61.7% reduction in operative mortality following CABG. Although not all complications exhibited a decline, the reduction in mortality suggests a possible decrease in failure to rescue during the after-implementation period.

Performance Evaluation of Geometrically Different Pediatric Arterial Cannulae in a Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model

ABSTRACT Objective: To define a reference chart comparing pressure drop vs. flow generated by a set of arterial cannulae currently utilized in cardiopulmonary bypass conditions in pediatric surgery. Methods: Cannulae from two manufacturers were selected considering their design and outer and inner diameters. Cannula performance was evaluated in terms of pressure drop vs. flow during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. The experimental circuits consisted of a Jostra HL-20 roller pump, a Quadrox-i pediatric oxygenator (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Rastatt, Germany), and a custom pediatric tubing set. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution only (first condition) and with human packed red blood cells added (second condition) to achieve a hematocrit of 30%. Cannula sizes 8 to 16 Fr were inserted into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with a "Y" connector. The flow was adjusted in 100 ml/min increments within typical flow ranges for each cannula. Pre-cannula and post-cannula pressures were measured to calculate the pressure drop. Results: Utilizing a pressure drop limit of 100 mmHg, our results suggest a recommended flow limit of 500, 900, 1400, 2600, and 3100 mL/min for Braile arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, respectively. For Medtronic DLP arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, the recommended flow limit is 600, 1100, 1700, 2700, and 3300 mL/min, respectively. Conclusion: This study reinforces discrepancies in pressure drop between cannulae of the same diameter supplied by different manufacturers and the importance of independent translational research to evaluate components' performance.

Association Between Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Clinical Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Brazil: An Analysis of One Year of Follow-up of BYPASS Registry Patients

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), obesity, clinical outcomes, and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Brazil using a large sample with one year of follow-up from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (or BYPASS) Registry database. Methods: A multicenter cohort-study enrolled 2,589 patients submitted to isolated CABG and divided them into normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) groups. Inpatient postoperative outcomes included the most frequently described complications and events. Collected post-discharge outcomes included rehospitalization and mortality rates within 30 days, six months, and one year of follow-up. Results: Sternal wound infections (SWI) rate was higher in obese compared to normal-weight patients (relative risk [RR]=5.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.37-17.82; P=0.001). Rehospitalization rates in six months after discharge were higher in obesity and overweight groups than in normal weight group (χ2=6.03, P=0.049); obese patients presented a 2.2-fold increase in the risk for rehospitalization within six months compared to normal-weight patients (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.17-4.09; P=0.045). Postoperative complications and mortality rates did not differ among groups during time periods. Conclusion: Obesity increased the risk for SWI, leading to higher rehospitalization rates and need for surgical interventions within six months following CABG. Age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The obesity paradox remains controversial since BMI may not be sufficient to assess postoperative risk in light of more complex and dynamic evaluations of body composition and physical fitness.