Benefits of Continuous Monitoring of PCO2 Obtained from a System Applied to Membrane Oxygenator Exhaustion of the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of the use of capnography system adapted to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). To measure the concordance between values obtained from continuous monitoring of partial pressure of carbon dioxide in membrane oxygenator exhaustion (PeCO2) and the results observed on arterial blood gas test. METHODS: Participated in this study 40 patients submitted to elective cardiovascular surgery with CPB. They were divided into two groups: Group 1, with 20 patients submitted to the surgical procedure using blood gas analysis at intermittent intervals (20 - 30 minutes); Group 2, with 20 patients operated with a capnography system adapted applied to membrane oxygenator exhaustion and blood gas test. A test was used to compare arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) from group 1 and group 2. In group 2, the strength of the correlation between PeCO2 and PaCO2 was evaluated by a linear regression test. The Bland-Altman method was used to determine the degree of agreement between the two variables. RESULTS: Average and standard deviation of Group 1's PaCO2 (34.6 ± 7.44) and Group 2's PaCO2 / PeCO2 (36.5 ± 4.42) / (39.9 ± 3.98). There was no statistically significant difference in PaCO2 between the groups (P = 0.21). In group 2, PeCO2 and PaCO2 analyzed corrected for esophageal temperature obtained a positive linear correlation (r = 0.79, P < 0.001), the degree of agreement presented an average 3.47 ± 2.70 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The continuous PeCO2 monitoring from cardiopulmonary bypass circuit has a positive impact on the result of PaCO2. This instrument confirms and maintains the carbon dioxide (CO2) values into reference parameters.

Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Its Relationship with Hospital Complications in São Paulo State.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is the main complication in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery. Its genesis is multifactorial, so its rapid identification to mitigate the associated risks is essential. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its relationship with other complications in our setting. METHODS: This is a multicenter, observational study involving patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2017 and 2019 with data from the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (or REPLICCAR II). Variables were prospectively collected in REDCap following the definitions given by version 2.73 of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Data were collected with prior authorization from the local ethics committee and analyses performed in R software. RESULTS: A total of 3,803 patients were included, of these 605 had postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). In order to adjust the groups, propensity score matching was used. Such analyses resulted in 605 patients in each group (without POAF vs. with POAF). Among patients with POAF, the mean age was 67.56 years, with a prevalence of males (73.6%, 445 patients). Patients belonging to the group with POAF had a mortality rate of 9.26% (P=0.007), longer ventilation time (P<0.001), pneumonia (P<0.001), and sepsis (P<0.001). In multiple analysis, acute renal dysfunction (P=0.032) and longer intensive care unit stay (P<0,001) were associated with the presence of POAF. CONCLUSION: POAF in CABG is associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stay, as well as renal dysfunction, pneumonia, and in-hospital mortality.

Endothelial Microparticles: Markers of Inflammatory Response After Sutureless Valve Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is related to increased circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the plasma concentration of EMP between patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with conventional bioprosthesis implantation and Perceval™ S (LivaNova) and to evaluate its impact on the inflammatory response in the short-term follow-up. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial with 24 patients submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement divided into two groups: Perceval™ S (Group P) and conventional bioprostheses (Group C). Incidence of severe SIRS (three or more criteria) in the first 48 hours postoperatively, EMP release profile, interleukins (IL) 6 and 8, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were analyzed preand postoperatively at 24 hours and three months. RESULTS: There were 24 patients (12 in each group), mean age was 69.92±5.17 years, 83.33% were female, the incidence of severe SIRS was 66.7% and 50% in groups C and P, respectively (P=0.68), and EMP showed a significant increase in the 24-hour postoperative period (P≤0.001) and subsequent decrease in the three-month postoperative period (P≤0.001), returning to baseline levels. For IL-6 and IL-8, there was a greater increase in group C at 24 hours postoperatively (P=.0.02 and P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe SIRS was similar in both groups, with significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8, at the 24-hour postoperative period, in group C, however with higher levels of EMP in group P, and subsequent return to baseline levels at the three-month postoperative period in both groups.

Women Physicians: Burnout during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil. / Mulheres Médicas: Burnout durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has placed a tremendous burden on physicians worldwide, especially women physicians, affected by increased workload and loss of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life, burnout and spirituality of Brazilian women physicians directly or indirectly providing care to COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Prospective, observational study performed from July 28 to September 27, 2020, in Brazil, with women physicians from 47 specialities, the most frequent being cardiology (22.8%), with no age restriction. They voluntarily answered an online survey with questions on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, quality of life (WHOQOL-brief), spirituality (WHOQOL-SRPB), and statements from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis used the R software, beta regression, classification trees, and polychoric correlation matrix, with a 5% of significance level. RESULTS: Of the 769 respondents, 61.6% reported signs of burnout. About 64% reported wage loss of up to 50% during the pandemic. Some reported lack of energy for daily tasks, frequent negative feelings, dissatisfaction with capability for work, and caring for others not adding meaning to their lives. Negative feelings correlated negatively with satisfaction with sexual life and personal relations, and energy for daily tasks. The inability to remain optimistic in times of uncertainty correlated positively with feeling unsafe daily and not acknowledging that caring for others brings meaning to life. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high frequency of burnout among Brazilian women physicians who answered the survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, they presented with a relatively good quality of life and believed that spirituality comforted and reassured them in hard times.

FUNDAMENTO: A COVID-19 adicionou um fardo enorme sobre os médicos ao redor do mundo, especialmente as mulheres médicas, que são afetadas pelo aumento da carga de trabalho e pela perda da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 na qualidade de vida, burnout e espiritualidade de médicas brasileiras que atendem pacientes com COVID-19 direta ou indiretamente. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, observacional realizado de 28 de julho a 27 de setembro de 2020, no Brasil, com mulheres médicas de 47 especialidades, a mais frequente sendo a cardiologia (22,8%), sem restrição de idade. Elas responderam voluntariamente um questionário online com questões sobre características demográficas e socioeconômicas, qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-brief) e espiritualidade (WHOQOL-SRPB) e enunciados do Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. A análise estatística utilizou o software R, regressão beta, árvores de classificação e matriz de correlação policórica, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Das 769 respondentes, 61,6% relataram sinais de burnout. Cerca de 64% relataram perda salarial de até 50% durante a pandemia. Algumas relataram falta de energia para as tarefas diárias, sentimentos negativos frequentes, insatisfação com a capacidade para o trabalho, e que cuidar de outras pessoas não agregava sentido às suas vidas. Os sentimentos negativos correlacionaram-se negativamente com a satisfação com a vida sexual, a satisfação com as relações pessoais e a energia para as tarefas diárias. A incapacidade de permanecer otimista em tempos de incerteza correlacionou-se positivamente com a sensação de insegurança no dia a dia e com o não reconhecimento de que cuidar de outras pessoas trouxesse sentido à vida. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou uma alta frequência de burnout entre as médicas brasileiras que responderam ao questionário durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Apesar disso, apresentavam uma qualidade de vida relativamente boa e acreditavam que a espiritualidade trazia-lhes conforto e segurança nos momentos difíceis.

Medical School, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Education: how we do it in Brazil's scenario?

Choosing a surgical specialty can be a hard decision for a medical student. Several studies present data showing that most medical students fear the surgical field and end up switching to another specialty. For cardiovascular surgery, the scenario is very similar. In the last decades, the interest in cardiovascular surgery has been decreasing worldwide and the cardiothoracic surgical societies across the globe have been trying to understand the factors that push away medical students and general surgical residents from the specialty. In this regard, our work aims to focus on describe the access of students to cardiovascular surgery, especially during medical school, as well as to provide a brief report of our current data regarding the specialty.

Hybrid Repair versus Conventional Open Repair Approaches for Aortic Arch Disease: a Comprehensive Review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether hybrid repair has supremacy over conventional open repair in aortic arch diseases. METHODS: A comprehensive search was undertaken in two major databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) to identify all studies comparing the two surgical techniques in five years, up to December 2018, that met the established criteria in this study. The search returned 310 papers, and 305 were selected after removing duplicates. The abstracts of the remaining articles were assessed, resulting in 15 studies that went to full-text analysis. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 papers remained for the final revision. RESULTS: Eight studies met the criteria, with the inclusion of 1,837 patients. From a short-term perspective, hybrid repair and conventional open repair had similar outcomes in terms of postoperative mortality and acute neurological events. Hybrid repair was associated with less respiratory complications and risk of new intervention, as well as reduced hospital length of stay. Conventional open repair showed better mid- and long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: Hybrid repair should be used in selected patients, with a high risk or very high-risk profile for conventional surgery. Finally, since most of the current data were obtained from limited to large samples, with narrow follow-up and had great heterogeneity, the best approach to the aortic arch is still variable. Therefore, the decision of the approach should be individualized and evaluated by the whole Heart Team, considering the expertise of the surgical team.

Endothelial Microparticles: Markers of Inflammatory Response After Sutureless Valve Implantation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is related to increased circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP). Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the plasma concentration of EMP between patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with conventional bioprosthesis implantation and Perceval™ S (LivaNova) and to evaluate its impact on the inflammatory response in the short-term follow-up. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with 24 patients submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement divided into two groups: Perceval™ S (Group P) and conventional bioprostheses (Group C). Incidence of severe SIRS (three or more criteria) in the first 48 hours postoperatively, EMP release profile, interleukins (IL) 6 and 8, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were analyzed preand postoperatively at 24 hours and three months. Results: There were 24 patients (12 in each group), mean age was 69.92±5.17 years, 83.33% were female, the incidence of severe SIRS was 66.7% and 50% in groups C and P, respectively (P=0.68), and EMP showed a significant increase in the 24-hour postoperative period (P≤0.001) and subsequent decrease in the three-month postoperative period (P≤0.001), returning to baseline levels. For IL-6 and IL-8, there was a greater increase in group C at 24 hours postoperatively (P=.0.02 and P<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of severe SIRS was similar in both groups, with significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8, at the 24-hour postoperative period, in group C, however with higher levels of EMP in group P, and subsequent return to baseline levels at the three-month postoperative period in both groups.

Mortality Predictors in the Surgical Treatment of Active Infective Endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Active infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery is indicated in high-risk conditions, and the main determinants of mortality in surgical treatment should be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: This prospective observational study involved 88 consecutive patients diagnosed with active infective endocarditis, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and December 2015. Fifty-eight (65.9%) patients were male, the mean age was 50.87±16.15 years. A total of 31 (35.2%) patients had a history of rheumatic fever; 48 (54.5%) had had heart surgery with prosthetic valve implantation; 45 (93.8%) had biological prosthetic valve endocarditis and 3 (6.3%) mechanical prosthetic valve; 40 (45.5%) patients had the disease in their native valve. The mean EuroSCORE II was 8.9±6.5%, and the main surgical indication was refractory heart failure in 38 (43.2%) patients. A total of 68 bioprosthesis (36 aortic, 32 mitral) and 29 mechanical prostheses (12 aortic, 17 mitral) were implanted and three mitral valve plasties performed. A total of 25 (28.4%) patients underwent double or triple valve procedures. Aortic annulus reconstruction by abscess was performed in 18 (20.5%) and six (6.81%) patients had combined procedure. The mean surgery time was 359±97.6 minutes. RESULTS: The overall survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period was 79.5%. In the univariate analysis, the main mortality predictors were positive blood cultures (P=0.003), presence of typical microorganisms (P=0.008), most frequently Streptococcus viridans (12 cases; 25%); C-reactive protein (hazard ratio [HR] 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.070, P=0.04); creatinine clearance (HR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.993, P=0.005); length of surgery: every five minutes multiplies the chance of death 1.005-fold (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.009, P=0.0307); age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.026 to 1.096, P=0.001); and EuroSCORE II (HR 1.089, 95% CI 1.030 to 1.151, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: A positive blood culture with typical microorganism, C-reactive protein, age, EuroSCORE II, total surgical time and the presence of postoperative complications were the major predictors of mortality and significantly impacted survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period.

Degenerative Aortic Stenosis in Women: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.

Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery: Elaboration and Initial Internal Validation of a Quality of Life Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Elaboration and internal validation of the Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS) questionnaire adapted to the reality of Brazilian cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: Cross-sectional pilot study of a prospective cohort included in the Documentation and Surgical Registry Center (CEDREC) for internal validation of the QLCS questionnaire. Four hundred forty-five patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery and who answered a QLCS questionnaire 30 days after hospital discharge were included. It was applied via telephone. To verify the questions' internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was used. The total QLCS score was calculated as the sum of 5 questions, ranging from 5 to 25 points. Mann-U-Whitney test was used to relate the symptoms with the quality of life (QoL). Level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: After 30 days of surgery, about 95% of the patients had already returned to normal routine and 19% of them were already performing physical activity. In the evaluation of the QLCS's internal consistency, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.74 was found, suggesting that this was probably an adequate questionnaire to evaluate QoL in this population. In the comparison between the presence and absence of symptoms and the median of QoL, the presence of pain at the incision (P=0.002), chest pain (P<0.001), shortness of breath (P<0.001), and return to physical activity (P<0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The process of elaboration and validation of questionnaires includes a series of steps. The QLCS questionnaire is probably an adequate tool for the evaluation of QoL in the postoperative patient of cardiovascular surgery, in this first stage of internal validation.

Use of Doppler Ultrasound for Saphenous Vein Mapping to Obtain Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The great saphenous vein is widely used as a graft in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Complications due to saphenous vein harvesting can be minimized when using ultrasonography mapping and marking. OBJECTIVE: To analyze by clinical trial the use of vascular ultrasonography to map the saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass grafting to determine viability and dissection site. METHODS: A total of 151 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery with the use of the great saphenous vein as a graft were selected for this prospective study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 - 84 patients were submitted to ultrasonographic mapping and marking of the saphenous vein; Group 2 - 67 patients had saphenous vein harvested without any previous study. Both groups were coupled with follow-up on the 1st, 5th and 30th postoperative days. Primary endpoints were need for incision of the contralateral leg and wound complications within 30 days. RESULTS: Both legs had to be incised in 6 (8.95%) patients from Group 2 (P=0.0067). Wound complications occurred in 33 (23.4%) patients within 30 days, 21 (35%) from Group 2 e 12 (14.8%) from Group 1 (OR 3.095, 1.375-6.944, CI 95%, P=0.008). Within 30 days there were 4 (2.8%) deaths, all in Group 2 (P=0.036). CONCLUSION: The use of vascular ultrasonography for mapping of the great saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass surgery has properly identified and evaluated the saphenous vein, significantly reducing wound complications and unnecessary incisions. It would be advisable to use this noninvasive and easy to use method routinely in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Off-pump versus On-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Frail Patients: Study Protocol for the FRAGILE Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in modern medicine have led to people living longer and healthier lives. Frailty is an emerging concept in medicine yet to be explored as a risk factor in cardiac surgery. When it comes to CABG surgery, randomized controlled clinical trials have primarily focused on low-risk (ROOBY, CORONARY), elevated-risk (GOPCABE) or high-risk patients (BBS), but not on frail patients. Therefore, we believe that off-pump CABG could be an important technique in patients with limited functional capacity to respond to surgical stress. In this study, the authors introduce the new national, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial "FRAGILE", to be developed in the main cardiac surgery centers of Brazil, to clarify the potential benefit of off-pump CABG in frail patients. METHODS: FRAGILE is a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre, individually randomized (1:1) controlled trial which will enroll 630 patients with blinded outcome assessment (at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years), which aims to compare adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after off-pump versus on-pump CABG in pre-frail and frail patients. Primary outcomes will be all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation, low cardiac output syndrome/cardiogenic shock, stroke, and coronary reintervention. Secondary outcomes will be major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, operative time, mechanical ventilation time, hyperdynamic shock, new onset of atrial fibrillation, renal replacement therapy, reoperation for bleeding, pneumonia, length of stay in intensive care unit, length of stay in hospital, number of units of blood transfused, graft patency, rate of complete revascularization, neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery, quality of life after cardiac surgery and costs. DISCUSSION: FRAGILE trial will determine whether off-pump CABG is superior to conventional on-pump CABG in the surgical treatment of pre-frail and frail patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02338947. Registered on August 29th 2014; last updated on March 21st 2016.

Mulheres Médicas: Burnout durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil / Women Physicians: Burnout during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

Resumo Fundamento A COVID-19 adicionou um fardo enorme sobre os médicos ao redor do mundo, especialmente as mulheres médicas, que são afetadas pelo aumento da carga de trabalho e pela perda da qualidade de vida. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 na qualidade de vida, burnout e espiritualidade de médicas brasileiras que atendem pacientes com COVID-19 direta ou indiretamente. Método Estudo prospectivo, observacional realizado de 28 de julho a 27 de setembro de 2020, no Brasil, com mulheres médicas de 47 especialidades, a mais frequente sendo a cardiologia (22,8%), sem restrição de idade. Elas responderam voluntariamente um questionário online com questões sobre características demográficas e socioeconômicas, qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-brief) e espiritualidade (WHOQOL-SRPB) e enunciados do Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. A análise estatística utilizou o software R, regressão beta, árvores de classificação e matriz de correlação policórica, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Das 769 respondentes, 61,6% relataram sinais de burnout. Cerca de 64% relataram perda salarial de até 50% durante a pandemia. Algumas relataram falta de energia para as tarefas diárias, sentimentos negativos frequentes, insatisfação com a capacidade para o trabalho, e que cuidar de outras pessoas não agregava sentido às suas vidas. Os sentimentos negativos correlacionaram-se negativamente com a satisfação com a vida sexual, a satisfação com as relações pessoais e a energia para as tarefas diárias. A incapacidade de permanecer otimista em tempos de incerteza correlacionou-se positivamente com a sensação de insegurança no dia a dia e com o não reconhecimento de que cuidar de outras pessoas trouxesse sentido à vida. Conclusão O presente estudo mostrou uma alta frequência de burnout entre as médicas brasileiras que responderam ao questionário durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Apesar disso, apresentavam uma qualidade de vida relativamente boa e acreditavam que a espiritualidade trazia-lhes conforto e segurança nos momentos difíceis.

Abstract Background COVID-19 has placed a tremendous burden on physicians worldwide, especially women physicians, affected by increased workload and loss of quality of life. Objective To assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life, burnout and spirituality of Brazilian women physicians directly or indirectly providing care to COVID-19 patients. Methods Prospective, observational study performed from July 28 to September 27, 2020, in Brazil, with women physicians from 47 specialities, the most frequent being cardiology (22.8%), with no age restriction. They voluntarily answered an online survey with questions on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, quality of life (WHOQOL-brief), spirituality (WHOQOL-SRPB), and statements from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis used the R software, beta regression, classification trees, and polychoric correlation matrix, with a 5% of significance level. Results Of the 769 respondents, 61.6% reported signs of burnout. About 64% reported wage loss of up to 50% during the pandemic. Some reported lack of energy for daily tasks, frequent negative feelings, dissatisfaction with capability for work, and caring for others not adding meaning to their lives. Negative feelings correlated negatively with satisfaction with sexual life and personal relations, and energy for daily tasks. The inability to remain optimistic in times of uncertainty correlated positively with feeling unsafe daily and not acknowledging that caring for others brings meaning to life. Conclusion This study showed a high frequency of burnout among Brazilian women physicians who answered the survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, they presented with a relatively good quality of life and believed that spirituality comforted and reassured them in hard times.

Medical School, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Education: how we do it in Brazil's scenario?

Abstract Choosing a surgical specialty can be a hard decision for a medical student. Several studies present data showing that most medical students fear the surgical field and end up switching to another specialty. For cardiovascular surgery, the scenario is very similar. In the last decades, the interest in cardiovascular surgery has been decreasing worldwide and the cardiothoracic surgical societies across the globe have been trying to understand the factors that push away medical students and general surgical residents from the specialty. In this regard, our work aims to focus on describe the access of students to cardiovascular surgery, especially during medical school, as well as to provide a brief report of our current data regarding the specialty.

Hybrid Repair versus Conventional Open Repair Approaches for Aortic Arch Disease: a Comprehensive Review

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether hybrid repair has supremacy over conventional open repair in aortic arch diseases. Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken in two major databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) to identify all studies comparing the two surgical techniques in five years, up to December 2018, that met the established criteria in this study. The search returned 310 papers, and 305 were selected after removing duplicates. The abstracts of the remaining articles were assessed, resulting in 15 studies that went to full-text analysis. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 papers remained for the final revision. Results: Eight studies met the criteria, with the inclusion of 1,837 patients. From a short-term perspective, hybrid repair and conventional open repair had similar outcomes in terms of postoperative mortality and acute neurological events. Hybrid repair was associated with less respiratory complications and risk of new intervention, as well as reduced hospital length of stay. Conventional open repair showed better mid- and long-term outcomes. Conclusion: Hybrid repair should be used in selected patients, with a high risk or very high-risk profile for conventional surgery. Finally, since most of the current data were obtained from limited to large samples, with narrow follow-up and had great heterogeneity, the best approach to the aortic arch is still variable. Therefore, the decision of the approach should be individualized and evaluated by the whole Heart Team, considering the expertise of the surgical team.

Quality of life in cardiovascular surgery: elaboration and initial internal validation of a quality of life questionnaire

Abstract Objective: Elaboration and internal validation of the Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS) questionnaire adapted to the reality of Brazilian cardiovascular surgery. Methods: Cross-sectional pilot study of a prospective cohort included in the Documentation and Surgical Registry Center (CEDREC) for internal validation of the QLCS questionnaire. Four hundred forty-five patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery and who answered a QLCS questionnaire 30 days after hospital discharge were included. It was applied via telephone. To verify the questions' internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was used. The total QLCS score was calculated as the sum of 5 questions, ranging from 5 to 25 points. Mann-U-Whitney test was used to relate the symptoms with the quality of life (QoL). Level of significance was 5%. Results: After 30 days of surgery, about 95% of the patients had already returned to normal routine and 19% of them were already performing physical activity. In the evaluation of the QLCS's internal consistency, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.74 was found, suggesting that this was probably an adequate questionnaire to evaluate QoL in this population. In the comparison between the presence and absence of symptoms and the median of QoL, the presence of pain at the incision (P=0.002), chest pain (P<0.001), shortness of breath (P<0.001), and return to physical activity (P<0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The process of elaboration and validation of questionnaires includes a series of steps. The QLCS questionnaire is probably an adequate tool for the evaluation of QoL in the postoperative patient of cardiovascular surgery, in this first stage of internal validation.

Mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction: Active infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery is indicated in high-risk conditions, and the main determinants of mortality in surgical treatment should be evaluated. Objective: To identify mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis in a long-term follow-up. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 88 consecutive patients diagnosed with active infective endocarditis, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and December 2015. Fifty-eight (65.9%) patients were male, the mean age was 50.87±16.15 years. A total of 31 (35.2%) patients had a history of rheumatic fever; 48 (54.5%) had had heart surgery with prosthetic valve implantation; 45 (93.8%) had biological prosthetic valve endocarditis and 3 (6.3%) mechanical prosthetic valve; 40 (45.5%) patients had the disease in their native valve. The mean EuroSCORE II was 8.9±6.5%, and the main surgical indication was refractory heart failure in 38 (43.2%) patients. A total of 68 bioprosthesis (36 aortic, 32 mitral) and 29 mechanical prostheses (12 aortic, 17 mitral) were implanted and three mitral valve plasties performed. A total of 25 (28.4%) patients underwent double or triple valve procedures. Aortic annulus reconstruction by abscess was performed in 18 (20.5%) and six (6.81%) patients had combined procedure. The mean surgery time was 359±97.6 minutes. Results: The overall survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period was 79.5%. In the univariate analysis, the main mortality predictors were positive blood cultures (P=0.003), presence of typical microorganisms (P=0.008), most frequently Streptococcus viridans (12 cases; 25%); C-reactive protein (hazard ratio [HR] 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.070, P=0.04); creatinine clearance (HR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.993, P=0.005); length of surgery: every five minutes multiplies the chance of death 1.005-fold (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.009, P=0.0307); age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.026 to 1.096, P=0.001); and EuroSCORE II (HR 1.089, 95% CI 1.030 to 1.151, P=0.003). Conclusion: A positive blood culture with typical microorganism, C-reactive protein, age, EuroSCORE II, total surgical time and the presence of postoperative complications were the major predictors of mortality and significantly impacted survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period.

Use of doppler ultrasound for saphenous vein mapping to obtain grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Introduction: The great saphenous vein is widely used as a graft in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Complications due to saphenous vein harvesting can be minimized when using ultrasonography mapping and marking. Objective: To analyze by clinical trial the use of vascular ultrasonography to map the saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass grafting to determine viability and dissection site. Methods: A total of 151 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery with the use of the great saphenous vein as a graft were selected for this prospective study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 - 84 patients were submitted to ultrasonographic mapping and marking of the saphenous vein; Group 2 - 67 patients had saphenous vein harvested without any previous study. Both groups were coupled with follow-up on the 1st, 5th and 30th postoperative days. Primary endpoints were need for incision of the contralateral leg and wound complications within 30 days. Results: Both legs had to be incised in 6 (8.95%) patients from Group 2 (P=0.0067). Wound complications occurred in 33 (23.4%) patients within 30 days, 21 (35%) from Group 2 e 12 (14.8%) from Group 1 (OR 3.095, 1.375-6.944, CI 95%, P=0.008). Within 30 days there were 4 (2.8%) deaths, all in Group 2 (P=0.036). Conclusion: The use of vascular ultrasonography for mapping of the great saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass surgery has properly identified and evaluated the saphenous vein, significantly reducing wound complications and unnecessary incisions. It would be advisable to use this noninvasive and easy to use method routinely in coronary artery bypass surgery.