Fast-Track Management in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Dexmedetomidine Provides Rapid Extubation and Effective Pain Modulation.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective α-2 agonist with many desirable effects including analgesia, improvement of hemodynamic stability, and potential myocardial and renal protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting with regard to less pain medication, earlier extubation, faster transfer to normal ward, and cardiac protection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to March 2015, 464 patients receiving OPCAB were included for retrospective analysis. After propensity matching (1:1), two groups (DEX vs. propofol, n = 129) could be compared. Continuous and categorical variables were reported as mean ± standard deviation or percentages, and compared with the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney's test, respectively. RESULTS: In the DEX group, less use of pain medication in the initial phase at intensive care unit was observed. During the first 2 hours, DEX patients received more nicomorphine (DEX 8 ± 3.2 mg vs. propofol 6 ± 4 mg, p < 0.001), while in the following 2 hours, the pain medication was significantly reduced (DEX 3.2 ± 2.8 mg vs. propofol 4.7 ± 3.3 mg, p < 0.001). Remifentanil was stopped considerably earlier (DEX 238 ± 209 minutes vs. propofol 353 ± 266 minutes, p < 0.001). DEX led to earlier extubation (DEX 208 ± 106 minutes vs. propofol 307 ± 230 minutes, p < 0.001) and less postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative DEX application supports the fast-track strategy in patients after OPCAB through enabling rapid extubation, effective pain control, and reduced occurrence of new-onset AF. We are confident to give precedence to DEX over propofol as the new routine medication during postoperative patient transfer.

Global Health Estimate of Invasive Mycobacterium chimaera Infections Associated with Heater-Cooler Devices in Cardiac Surgery.

Investigations of a worldwide epidemic of invasive Mycobacterium chimaera associated with heater-cooler devices in cardiac surgery have been hampered by low clinical awareness and challenging diagnoses. Using data from Switzerland, we estimated the burden of invasive M. chimaera to be 156-282 cases/year in 10 major cardiac valve replacement market countries.

Epicardial left atrial appendage AtriClip occlusion reduces the incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery.

Aims: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has emerged as an interesting alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We report the safety, efficacy, and durability of concomitant device-enabled epicardial LAA occlusion during open-heart surgery. In addition to long-term follow-up, we evaluate the impact on stroke risk in this selected population. Methods and results: A total of 291 AtriClip devices were deployed epicardially in patients (mean CHA2DS2-VASc-Score: 3.1 ± 1.5) undergoing open-heart surgery (including isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or combined procedures) comprising of forty patients from a first-in-man device trial (NCT00567515) and 251 patients from a consecutive institutional registry thereafter. In all patients (n = 291), the LAA was successfully excluded and overall mean follow-up (FU) was 36 ± 23months (range: 1-97 months). No device-related complications were detected throughout the FU period. Long-term imaging work-up (computed tomography) in selected patients ≥5years post-implant (range: 5.1-8.1 years) displayed complete LAA occlusion with no signs of residual reperfusion or significant LAA stumps. Subgroup analysis of patients with discontinued OAC during FU (n = 166) revealed a relative risk reduction of 87.5% with an observed ischaemic stroke-rate of 0.5/100 patient-years compared with what would have been expected in a group of patients with similar CHA2DS2-VASc scores (expected rate of 4.0/100 patient-years). No strokes occurred in the subgroup with OAC. Conclusion: The long-term results from our first-in-man prospective human trial plus our institutional registry of epicardial LAA occlusion with the AtriClip in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery demonstrate the safety and durability of the procedure. In addition, our data are suggestive for the potential efficacy of LAA occlusion in reducing the incidence of stroke. If validated in future large randomized trials, routine LAA occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (with contraindications to treatment with oral anticoagulants) may represent a reasonable adjunct procedure to reduce the risk of future stroke. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00567515.

Sternal Anomalies in Asymptomatic Patients after Median Sternotomy and Potential Influencing Factors.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess asymptomatic patients who had open-heart surgery with median sternotomy for potential sternal anomalies (SA), their related patient-specific risk factors, and treatment options for the prevention of SA. METHODS: Multiplanar CT scans (CTs) from 131 asymptomatic consecutive patients were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 83 underwent CABG (63.4%), and 48 had aortic valve (AV) procedures via median sternotomy. Sternal bone healing was analyzed for SA and their exact location. RESULTS: In total, 49 SA were identified in 42 (32.1%) patients; 65% SA were found in the manubrium (n = 32). Five hundred thirty-two wires were implanted (4.2 ± 0.5 wires/patient), out of which 96.1% (n = 511) were figure 8 wires. There was no difference between normal and abnormal sterna with regard to the number of wires used for sternal closure (4.2 ± 0.5 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6, p = ns). The distance between wire placement to the proximal edge of the manubrium in normal and abnormal sterna was comparable (11.2 ± 4.2 vs. 10.9 ± 4.8 mm, p = ns). Patients who underwent CABG had a significantly higher risk for SA (OR = 2.4, p ≤ 0.05, 95% CI [1.2-4.9]). The use of BIMA (OR = 4.4, p ≤ 0.05, 95% CI [1.1-17.9]) and body mass index (BMI) > 31 kg/m2 (OR = 3.4, p ≤ 0.01, 95% CI [1.4-8.3]) significantly increased the risk of SA. CONCLUSION: At least 30% of patients were at an increased risk for SA after receiving a median sternotomy. CABG, use of BIMA, and a BMI > 30 kg/m2 were potential risk factors for the development of SA and warrant close clinical follow-up. Sternal plate fixation, particularly in the manubrium, could be beneficial in such patients.

Heart Team: Joint Position of the Swiss Society of Cardiology and the Swiss Society of Cardiac Surgery.

The Swiss Society of Cardiology (SSC) and the Swiss Society of Cardiac and ThoracicVascular Surgery (SSCTVS) have formulated their mutual intent of a close, patient-oriented, and expertise-based collaboration in the Heart Team Paper. The interdisciplinary dialogue between the SSC and SSCTVS reflects an attitude in decision making, which guarantees the best possible therapy for the individual patient. At the same time, it is a cornerstone of optimized process quality, placing individual interests into the background. Evaluation of the correct indication for a treatment is indeed very challenging and almost impossible to verify retrospectively. Quality in this very important health policy process can therefore only be assured by the use of mutually recognized indications, agreed upon by all involved physicians and medical specialties, whereby the capacity of those involved in the process is not important but rather their competence. These two medical societies recognize their responsibility and have incorporated international guidelines as well as specified regulations for Switzerland. Former competitors now form an integrative consulting team able to deliver a comprehensive evaluation for patients. Naturally, implementation rests with the individual caregiver. The Heart Team Paperof the SGK and SGHC, has defined guide boards within which the involved specialists maintain sufficient room to maneuver, and patients have certainty of receiving the best possible therapy they require.

Tricuspid Valve Repair for the Poor Right Ventricle: Tricuspid Valve Repair in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Tricuspid Regurgitation Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair Improves In-Hospital Outcome.

Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients undergoing surgery for mitral valve (MV) increases morbidity and mortality, especially in case of a poor right ventricle. Does repair of mild-to-moderate insufficiency of the tricuspid valve (TV) in patients undergoing MV surgery lead to a benefit in early postoperative outcome? Methods A total of 22 patients with mild-to-moderate TR underwent MV repair and concomitant TV repair with Tri-Ad (Medtronic ATS Medical Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States) and Edwards Cosgrove (Edwards Lifesciences Irvine, California, United States) rings. The severity of TR was assessed echocardiographically by using color-Doppler flow images. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was under 1.7 cm. Additional procedures included coronary artery bypass (n = 9) and maze procedure (n = 15). The following parameters were compared: postoperative and peak dose of noradrenaline (NA), pre/postoperative systolic pulmonary pressure (sPAP), extubation time, operation time, cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, pre/postoperative ejection fraction (EF), intensive care unit (ICU)-stay, hospital stay, cell saver blood transfusion, intra/postoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative TR. Results The mean age was 67 ± 14.8 years, 45% were male. Mean EF was 47 ± 16.2%, postoperative 52 ± 12.4%. sPAP was 46 ± 20.1 mm Hg preoperatively, sPAP was 40.6 ± 9.4 mm Hg postoperatively, NA postoperatively was 12 ± 10 µg/min, NA peak was 18 ± 11 µg/min, operation time was 275 ± 92 minutes, CPB was 145 ± 49 minutes, ICU stay was 2.4 ± 2.4 days, hospital stay was 10.8 ± 3.5 days, cell saver blood transfusion was 736 ± 346 mL, intraoperative transfusions were 2.5 ± 1.6. Two patients needed postoperative transfusions. A total of 19 patients were extubated at the 1st postoperative day, 2 patients at the 2nd day, and 1 at the 4th postoperative day. Two patients required a pacemaker. No reintubation, no in-hospital mortality, and one reoperation because of bleeding complications. Conclusion Correction of mild-to-moderate TR at the time of MV repair does maintain TV function and avoid right ventricular dysfunction in the early postoperative period improving the clinical outcome.

Viscoelastic blood coagulation measurement with Sonoclot predicts postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery after heparin reversal.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if Sonoclot with its sensitive glass bead-activated, viscoelastic test can predict postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at predefined time points. DESIGN: A prospective, observational clinical study. SETTING: A teaching hospital, single center. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery (N = 300). INTERVENTIONS: Besides routine laboratory coagulation studies and heparin management with standard (kaolin) activated clotting time, additional native blood samples were analyzed on a Sonoclot using glass bead-activated tests. Glass bead-activated clotting time, clot rate, and platelet function were recorded immediately before anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery after heparin reversal but before chest closure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was postoperative blood loss (chest tube drainage at 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively). Secondary outcome parameters were transfusion requirements, need for surgical re-exploration, time of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and hospital morbidity and mortality. Patients were categorized into "bleeders" and "nonbleeders." Patient characteristics, operations, preoperative standard laboratory parameters, and procedural times were comparable between bleeders and nonbleeders except for sex and age. Bleeders had higher rates of transfusions, surgical re-explorations, and complications. Only glass bead measurements by Sonoclot after heparin reversal before chest closure but not preoperatively were predictive for increased postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Sonoclot with its glass bead-activated tests may predict the risk for postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the end of surgery after heparin reversal but before chest closure.

Analysis of risk factors for death after blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta.

UNLABELLED: Traumatic aortic rupture (TAR) is a rare but serious injury, leading to death at the scene in most cases. Between 1990 and 2003, all consecutive patients and victims with TAR were retrospectively analysed by reviewing hospital and autopsy records. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to define determinants of mortality. During the study period, a total of 85 patients (70 men, mean age 47±18.8 years) with TAR were observed in the greater area of Zurich giving a population-based rate of 0.6 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Prehospital, in-hospital and overall mortalities were 40.0%, 31.4% and 58.8%, respectively, with a median survival time of 2 days (IQR 1-3617 days). In the univariate analysis, significant determinants of prehospital and overall mortality were age (HR 1.05, p=0.006), complete aortic transection (HR 7.17, p=0.003), number (HR 1.35, p=0.009) and associated injuries to chest (HR 3.41, p=0.03), liver (HR 6.00, p=0.002) and spine (HR 5.19, p=0.01). By comparison, risk factors for in-hospital mortality included haemodynamic instability upon arrival in the emergency room (HR 16.11, p<0.001) and open surgical repair (HR 14.29, p=0.02). In the multivariate model, only age (p=0.02) and complete aortic transection (p=0.001) were significant determinants of mortality. Therefore, with the exception of complete aortic transection, risk factors of prehospital and in-hospital death in patients with TAR differ greatly. The in-hospital mortality was not affected by the number or localisation of associated injuries, whereas haemodynamic instability and open aortic repair seem to predict in-hospital mortality after TAR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01632774.

Fibroblast activation protein is induced by inflammation and degrades type I collagen in thin-cap fibroatheromata.

AIMS: Collagen degradation in atherosclerotic plaques with thin fibrous caps renders them more prone to rupture. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) plays a role in arthritis and tumour formation through its collagenase activity. However, the significance of FAP in thin-cap human fibroatheromata remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We detected enhanced FAP expression in type IV-V human aortic atheromata (n = 12), compared with type II-III lesions (n = 9; P < 0.01) and healthy aortae (n = 8; P < 0.01) by immunostaining and western blot analyses. Fibroblast activation protein was also increased in thin-cap (<65 µm) vs. thick-cap (≥ 65 µm) human coronary fibroatheromata (n = 12; P < 0.01). Fibroblast activation protein was expressed by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) as shown by colocalization on immunofluorescent aortic plaque stainings (n = 10; P < 0.01) and by flow cytometry in cell culture. Although macrophages did not express FAP, macrophage burden in human aortic plaques correlated with FAP expression (n = 12; R(2)= 0.763; P < 0.05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed a time- and dose-dependent up-regulation of FAP in response to human tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in HASMC (n = 6; P < 0.01). Moreover, supernatants from peripheral blood-derived macrophages induced FAP expression in cultured HASMC (n = 6; P < 0.01), an effect abolished by blocking TNFα (n = 6; P < 0.01). Fibroblast activation protein associated with collagen-poor regions in human coronary fibrous caps and digested type I collagen and gelatin in vitro (n = 6; P < 0.01). Zymography revealed that FAP-mediated collagenase activity was neutralized by an antibody directed against the FAP catalytic domain both in HASMC (n = 6; P < 0.01) and in fibrous caps of atherosclerotic plaques (n = 10; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fibroblast activation protein expression in HASMC is induced by macrophage-derived TNFα. Fibroblast activation protein associates with thin-cap human coronary fibroatheromata and contributes to type I collagen breakdown in fibrous caps.

Regulatory role of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor for vascular function and obesity.

We found that the selective stimulation of the intracellular, transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), also known as GPR30, acutely lowers blood pressure after infusion in normotensive rats and dilates both rodent and human arterial blood vessels. Stimulation of GPER blocks vasoconstrictor-induced changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and vascular tone, as well as serum-stimulated cell proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Deletion of the GPER gene in mice abrogates vascular effects of GPER activation and is associated with visceral obesity. These findings suggest novel roles for GPER in protecting from cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Pacemaker lead laceration due to clavicular compression plate screw migration.

Laceration of pacemaker leads as a late complication after clavicular osteosynthesis is rare; however, the consequences can be fatal. We present the case of a 61-year-old gentleman with a history of right clavicular osteosynthesis using a compression plate, who 20 years later received a right pectoral dual-chamber pacemaker. Twenty months after pacemaker implantation, a screw tip migration from the osteosynthesis caused laceration and dysfunction of the atrial lead. The osteosynthesis material was completely removed and atrial lead replaced. This case demonstrates that pacemaker systems in these rare patients should be placed on the contralateral side.

Avoidance of aortic side-clamping for proximal bypass anastomoses: better short-term outcome?

OBJECTIVES: The benefit of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery may be reduced by strokes caused by microemboli produced after aortic side-clamping for proximal bypass anastomoses. The Heartstring device allows constructing proximal bypass anastomoses without side-clamping of the aorta. METHODS: This retrospective study describes 260 consecutive patients who underwent OPCAB surgery; 442 proximal anastomoses were performed with the Heartstring device in this series. Ten percent of the patients were randomly sampled before discharge to undergo a coronary angiogram for assessment of graft patency. RESULTS: Intraoperative Doppler measurements confirmed regular bypass function. Early mortality occurred in 4 patients (1.5%), and stroke occurred in 2 patients (0.8%). Device-related bleeding was negligible, and there were no cases of aortic dissection. Perioperative ischemia occurred in 8 patients (3.1%). Predischarge coronary angiography evaluations in 25 of the patients (of 260) showed that all 42 Heartstring-assisted anastomoses (of 442) were patent. CONCLUSIONS: Clampless performance of proximal bypass anastomoses combined with OPCAB is associated with a very low incidence of stroke complications. Short-term follow-up has shown excellent results regarding bypass patency and other adverse events. Prospective randomized trials are required to confirm the advantage of this technique.

Off-pump surgery is not a contraindication for patients with a severely decreased ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: A severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (30%) increases the risk of surgical myocardial revascularization. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery in patients with a severely decreased EF. METHODS: We compared 79 patients with an EF ≤30% (group A) with 863 patients with an EF >30% (group B) who underwent myocardial revascularization between 2003 and 2008. The relationship between EF and outcome after OPCAB was assessed by univariate and logistic regression analyses. A composite end point was constructed from 30-day mortality, renal failure, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) >2 days, neurologic complications, and use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Additionally, the completeness of revascularization was assessed. RESULTS: The mortality rates for groups A and B were comparable (1.3% and 2.0%, respectively; P = .55), and the 2 groups did not differ with regard to serious postoperative complications, such as stroke (2.5% versus 1.4% for groups A and B, respectively; P = .42), peripheral neurologic complications (2.5% versus 0.7%, P = .14), renal failure (0% versus 1.1%, P = 1.00), use of an IABP (1.3% versus 0.8%, P = .50), ICU length of stay >2 days (17.7% versus 19.6%, P = .77). Similarly, groups A and B did not differ with regard to ventilation time (11.2 ± 12.7 hours versus 12.4 ± 15.5 hours, P = .82), indicating similar postoperative courses for the 2 groups of patients. In contrast, the composite end point occurred significantly more frequently in group A (43.0% versus 29.7%, P = .02), a result driven by the increased rate of rethoracotomy for bleeding in that group (11.4% versus 2.9%, P = .001). The 2 groups were similar with respect to the total number of grafts used per patient (3.82 ± 0.89 versus 3.63 ± 1.01, P = .10) and the completeness of revascularization (94% versus 93%, P = .49). CONCLUSION: A standardized OPCAB approach is safe for patients with a severely decreased EF, and its use does not come at the cost of less complete revascularization.

Freestyle aortic root prosthesis in combination with aortic replacement and open anastomosis: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Freestyle® bioprosthesis is used for pathologies of the aortic root. Additional resection of the ascending aorta and the proximal arch in dissections or aneurysms might be indicated. The aim was to assess mid-term outcome regarding prosthetic performance, stroke, reoperations, and survival in various pathologies comparing patients with and without additional procedures on the ascending aorta and proximal arch focusing on the standardised technique of unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of 278 consecutive patients after Freestyle® root replacement between September 2007 and March 2017. Patients were divided in three categories due to the pathology of the aortic root (re-operation vs endocarditis vs dissection). Two groups based on the aortic anastomosis technique (open arch anastomosis (OA) versus non-open arch anastomosis (non-OA) were compared (119 OA vs 159 non-OA). Cardiovascular risk, previous cardiac events, intra- and postoperative data were evaluated. Inferential statistics were performed with Mann-Whitney U-test. Nominal and categorical variables were tested with Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test. Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to assess survival. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 90% (median follow-up: 39.5 months). There were differences in the indication (endocarditis: OA 5 (4.2%) vs non-OA 36 (24%), p < 0.0001; dissection: OA 13 (10.9%) vs non-OA 2 (1.3%); p = 0.0007). OA patients had less perioperative stroke (1 (1%) vs 15 (10%), p = 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (9 vs 12 days, p = 0.0004). There were no differences in the mortality (in-hospital: OA 8 (7%) vs non-OA 8 (5%); p = 0.6; death at follow-up: OA 5 (5%) vs non-OA 15 (11%); p = 0.1). Overall valve performance showed a well-functioning valve in 97.3% at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The valve performance showed excellent results regardless of the initial indication. The incidence of stroke was lower in patients receiving an open arch anastomosis using unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion without elevated mortality or prolonged hospital stay.

Gold-coated pacemaker implantation after allergic reactions to pacemaker compounds.

An 86-year-old man underwent pacemaker implantation for symptomatic atrio-ventricular block grade 2 Mobitz II. The patient suffered repeated admissions for iterative sterile wound necrosis, leading to two generator re-implantations. No bacterial infection was detected in the microbiological screening tests. The skin patch testing to titanium was negative. Nevertheless, we decided to remove the pacemaker system and to implant a gold-plated generator with polyurethane leads. Since then, there has been no recurrence of wound complications. Gold-plated generator and polyurethane leads are effective in treating allergic reactions to pacemaker system components in selected cases. Negative skin patch testing to titanium does not exclude allergic reaction to this pacemaker component.

Pilot licensing after aortic valve surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart malformation, and a high percentage of patients with this condition will develop complications over time. It is rare that pilots undergo aortic valve surgery, and the confirmation of flight-licensing requirements after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a challenge for the patient's cardiac surgeon and, particularly, for the Aeromedical Examiner (AME). Only AMEs are able to determine the flight status of pilots. Furthermore, in military and in civil aviation (e.g., Red Bull Air Race), the high G-load environment experienced by pilots is an exceptional physiological parameter, which must be considered postoperatively. METHODS: A review was conducted of the aeronautical, surgical and medical literature, and of European pilot-licensing regulations. Case studies are also reported for two Swiss Air Force pilots. RESULTS: According to European legislation, pilots can return to flight duty from the sixth postoperative month, with the following limitations: that an aortic bioprosthesis presents no restrictions in cardiac function, requires no cardioactive medications, yet requires a flight operation with co-pilot, the avoidance of accelerations over +3 Gz and, in military aviation, restricts the pilot to non-ejection-seat aircraft. The patient follow up must include both echocardiographic and rhythm assessments every six months. Mechanical prostheses cannot be certified because the required anticoagulation therapy is a disqualifying condition for pilot licensing. CONCLUSION: Pilot licensing after aortic valve surgery is possible, but with restrictions. The +Gz exposition is of concern in both military and civilian aviation (aerobatics). The choice of bioprosthesis type and size is determinant. Pericardial and stentless valves seem to show better flow characteristics under high-output conditions. Repetitive cardiological controls are mandatory for the early assessment of structural valve disease and rhythm disturbances. A pre-emptive timing is recommended when reoperation is indicated, without waiting for clinical manifestations of structural valve disease.

Uncalibrated radial and femoral arterial pressure waveform analysis for continuous cardiac output measurement: an evaluation in cardiac surgery patients.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial pressure waveform analysis is a less invasive alternative to the pulmonary artery catheter for continuous cardiac output (CO) measurement. Uncalibrated and calibrated systems are actually available (ie, the FloTrac/Vigileo system [Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA] and the PiCCOplus system [Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany]). According to the FloTrac/Vigileo manufacturer, reliable measurements can be performed using any existing arterial catheter. The aim of this study was to evaluate CO determined by the FloTrac/Vigileo system using a radial (FCO(radial)) and femoral arterial catheter (FCO(femoral)) as well as the PiCCOplus system (PCO). Intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution (ICO) was used as primary reference technique. DESIGN: A prospective clinical study. SETTING: A teaching hospital, single center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six cardiac surgery patients. INTERVENTIONS: Perioperative CO measurements. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CO was assessed at predefined measurement points. FCO(radial), FCO(femoral), and PCO were recorded after the induction of anesthesia, after sternotomy, at skin closure, after intensive care unit transfer, and during intensive care unit stay 12 and 24 hours after study initiation. ICO was determined as the mean of 3 bolus injections. Bland-Altman analysis revealed comparable mean bias and limits of agreement for FCO(radial), FCO(femoral), and PCO when compared with ICO. There was a decreased agreement for all devices in the postoperative period. However, a consistently close agreement was observed for the direct comparison between FCO(radial) and FCO(femoral). CONCLUSIONS: Performance of the FloTrac/Vigileo system via radial as well as femoral access and the PiCCOplus monitoring for cardiac output measurement were comparable when tested against intermittent thermodilution in cardiac surgery patients.

Superior flow pattern of internal thoracic artery over saphenous vein grafts during OPCAB procedures.

BACKGROUND: The advantages of the use of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) over that of the saphenous vein (SV) for revascularization of the circumflex (Cx) or right coronary artery (RCA) are still debated. METHODS: Serial intraoperative flow measurements were carried out in 306 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, mean Euroscore 5.1) undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). The LAD was grafted in 302 patients [293 ITA (97%), 9 SV], the Cx in 252 patients [117 ITA (46%), 135 SV], and the RCA in 260 patients [36 ITA (14%), 224 SV]. RESULTS: Averages of 3.7+/-1.0 distal anastomoses/patient were constructed. Mean pulsatile index (PI) was significantly better for the single ITA/Cx-grafts (2.8+/-1.9, n=92) than for the single SV/Cx-grafts (3.3+/-1.7, n=43, p<0.05), whereas the mean flow did not differ (28+/-22 and 31+/-25 mL/min respectively, p=ns). Accordingly, the mean PI was significantly better for the single ITA/RCA-grafts (2.2+/-1.2, n=36) than for the single SV/RCA-grafts (3.4+/-2.6, n=178, p<0.01), whereas the mean flow did not differ (30+/-16 and 32+/-22 mL/min respectively, p=ns). The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction tended to be lower in patients receiving an ITA to either the Cx or the RCA than in those receiving a SV, but the difference did not reach statistical significance [2/92 of ITA/Cx (2.2%) vs. 2/43 of SV/Cx (4.6%), 1/36 of ITA/RCA (2.8%) vs. 8/178 of SV/RCA (4.5%)]. CONCLUSION: The internal thoracic artery provides superior flow properties than the SV to the Cx and RCA regions with reduced perioperative ischemia. Whether this advantage persists after adjusting for the grade of the proximal coronary stenosis needs further studies.

Perioperative Endocarditis Management in a Patient with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease.

Background Homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) compounded with bacterial endocarditis makes open-heart surgery a multidisciplinary challenge. Case description A 45-year-old African male patient with homozygous SCD presented with right heart decompensation, tricuspid regurgitation, and endocarditis of the aortic valve. Blood coulters were positive for coagulase-negative staphylococci. An emergent double valve replacement was successfully performed involving a multidisciplinary team. Conclusion Homozygous SCD is associated with an increased risk of preoperative vaso-occlusive complications. Surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass can be performed, if hypothermia, hypoxia, acidosis, or low-flows are being avoided. Due to the lack of data, the adequate approach is still intuitive and requires standardization.

Early silent graft failure in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a computed tomography analysis†.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to assess predictors of early silent graft failure prior to discharge by multislice computed tomography in patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: From January 2017 until April 2018, 192 computed tomographic scans of consecutive asymptomatic patients were performed (seventh postoperative day ± 4 days) and analysed retrospectively. In total, 359 arterial and 278 venous anastomoses were evaluated. Two patient groups (overall patent anastomoses versus at least 1 occluded anastomosis) were compared. Cardiovascular risk factors, collateralization according to Rentrop, grade of native vessel stenosis and intraoperative flow measurements were analysed. Inferential statistics were performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Nominal and categorical variables were tested with the Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test. RESULTS: In 33 patients, at least 1 occluded anastomosis could be identified, predominantly in women (P = 0.04). The patency of the arterial anastomoses was 96.4% and 88.9% for the venous anastomoses. In 14 patients with occluded anastomoses, a successful interventional revascularization was performed before discharge. There were significant differences in lower bypass flow [P = 0.02, odds ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-6.0] and higher pulsatility index (P < 0.001, odds ratio 4.5, 95% CI 2.4-8.5) in the occluded group. A calculated cut-off value identified an increased probability for graft occlusion at a flow under 23 ml/min and a pulsatility index greater than 2.3. CONCLUSIONS: Early silent graft failure occurred predominantly in venous grafts, with a tendency to female gender. A lower flow rate and a higher pulsatility index were significantly associated with graft occlusion, whereas collateralization and the degree of native vessel stenosis seem to play a tangential role. Fourteen patients had a successful percutaneous revascularization before discharge. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03657199.