Early Extracorporeal CPR for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) restores perfusion and oxygenation in a patient who does not have spontaneous circulation. The evidence with regard to the effect of extracorporeal CPR on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is inconclusive. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands, we assigned patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to receive extracorporeal CPR or conventional CPR (standard advanced cardiac life support). Eligible patients were between 18 and 70 years of age, had received bystander CPR, had an initial ventricular arrhythmia, and did not have a return of spontaneous circulation within 15 minutes after CPR had been initiated. The primary outcome was survival with a favorable neurologic outcome, defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2 (range, 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) at 30 days. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients who underwent randomization, 70 were assigned to receive extracorporeal CPR and 64 to receive conventional CPR; 26 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria at hospital admission were excluded. At 30 days, 14 patients (20%) in the extracorporeal-CPR group were alive with a favorable neurologic outcome, as compared with 10 patients (16%) in the conventional-CPR group (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 3.5; P = 0.52). The number of serious adverse events per patient was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, extracorporeal CPR and conventional CPR had similar effects on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome. (Funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and Maquet Cardiopulmonary [Getinge]; INCEPTION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03101787.).

Dobutamine stress echocardiography during transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair predicts residual mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: The current study sought to determine whether low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) during transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) can predict residual mitral regurgitation (MR) at discharge. BACKGROUND: In most patients, TMVR can successfully reduce MR from severe to mild or moderate. However, general anesthesia during the intervention affects hemodynamics and MR assessment. At discharge transthoracic echocardiogram residual MR (>moderate) is present in 10%-30% of patients which is associated with worse clinical outcome. METHODS: In consecutive patients the severity of MR was determined at baseline, immediately after TMVR clip implantation and subsequently during low-dose DSE (both under general anesthesia) and at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included (mean age 76.1 ± 8.1 years, 39% male, 56% functional MR, 41% left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%). An increase of MR during DSE was seen in 11 patients, of whom 6 (55%) showed >moderate MR at discharge. None of the 28 patients without an increase of MR during DSE showed >moderate MR at discharge. The diagnostic performance of the test could be established at a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85% in unselected patients. CONCLUSIONS: DSE during TMVR is a useful tool to predict residual MR at discharge. It could support procedural decision making, including implantation of additional clips and thus potentially improve clinical outcome.

International Survey on Perioperative Management of Patients With Infective Endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the current practice in the perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to infective endocarditis. DESIGN: A prospective, open, 24-item, web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Online survey endorsed by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC). PARTICIPANTS: Members of the EACTAIC. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 156 responses from 44 countries were received, with a completion rate of 99%. The response rate was 16.6%. Most respondents (76%) practiced cardiac anesthesia in European hospitals, and most respondents stated that a multidisciplinary endocarditis team was not established at their center, that cardiac anesthesiologists appeared to be involved infrequently in those teams (36%), and that they were not involved in decision-making on indication and timing of surgery (88%). In contrast, the cardiac anesthesiologist performed intraoperative antibiotic therapy (62%) and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (90%). Furthermore, there was a relative heterogeneity concerning perioperative monitoring, as well as for coagulation and transfusion management. CONCLUSIONS: This international survey evaluated current practice among cardiac anesthesiologists in the perioperative management of patients with infective endocarditis and the anesthesiologist's role in multidisciplinary decision-making. Heterogeneity in treatment approaches was identified, indicating relevant knowledge gaps that should encourage further clinical research to optimize treatment and postoperative outcomes in this specific population.

Anesthesia Considerations in Infective Endocarditis.

The management of infective endocarditis is complex and inherently requires multidisciplinary cooperation. About half of all patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis will meet the criteria to undergo cardiac surgery, which regularly takes place in urgent or emergency settings. The pathophysiology and clinical presentation of infective endocarditis make it a unique disorder within cardiac surgery that warrants a thorough understanding of specific characteristics in the perioperative period. This includes, among others, echocardiography, coagulation, bleeding management, or treatment of organ dysfunction. In this narrative review article, the authors summarize the current knowledge on infective endocarditis relevant for the clinical anesthesiologist in perioperative management of respective patients. Furthermore, the authors advocate for the anesthesiologist to become a structural member of the endocarditis team.

Autologous red blood cell transfusion does not result in a more profound increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure compared to saline in critically ill patients: A randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a major cause of severe transfusion-related morbidity. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) has been shown to induce hydrostatic pressure overload. It is unclear which product-specific factors contribute. We set out to determine the effect of autologous RBC transfusion versus saline on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized crossover trial, patients who had undergone coronary bypass surgery were allocated to treatment post-operatively in the intensive care unit with either an initial 300 ml autologous RBC transfusion (salvaged during surgery) or 300 ml saline infusion first, followed by the other. Primary outcome was the difference in PCWP change. Secondary outcome measures were the difference in extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI). RESULTS: Change in PCWP was not higher after autologous RBC transfusion compared to saline (ΔPCWP 0.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4 mmHg). ΔEVLWI and ΔPVPI were significantly decreased after autologous RBC transfusion compared to saline (ΔEVLWI -1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.02; ΔPVPI -0.3 ± 0.1 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1, p = 0.01). Haemodynamic variables and colloid osmotic pressure were not different for autologous RBC transfusion versus saline. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of autologous RBCs did not result in a more profound increase in PCWP compared to saline. RBC transfusion resulted in a decrease of EVLWI and PVPI compared to saline. Our data suggest that transfusing autologous RBCs may lead to less pulmonary oedema compared to saline. Future studies with allogeneic RBCs are needed to investigate other factors that may mediate the increase of PCWP, resulting in TACO.

Preoperative anaemia and outcome after elective cardiac surgery: a Dutch national registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that preoperative anaemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes. However, most of these studies were retrospective, had a relatively small sample size, and were from a single centre. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the severity of preoperative anaemia and short- and long-term mortality and morbidity in a large multicentre national cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: A nationwide, prospective, multicentre registry (Netherlands Heart Registration) of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery between January 2013 and January 2019 was used for this observational study. Anaemia was defined according to the WHO criteria, and the main study endpoint was 120-day mortality. The association was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 35 484 patients were studied, of whom 6802 (19.2%) were anaemic. Preoperative anaemia was associated with an increased risk of 120-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-1.9; P<0.001). The risk of 120-day mortality increased with anaemia severity (mild anaemia aOR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3-1.9; P<0.001; and moderate-to-severe anaemia aOR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.4; P<0.001). Preoperative anaemia was associated with red blood cell transfusion and postoperative morbidity, the causes of which included renal failure, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anaemia was associated with mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. The risk of adverse outcomes increased with anaemia severity. Preoperative anaemia is a potential target for treatment to improve postoperative outcomes.

Perioperative Care Standards in Cardiac Surgery Patients Aiming at Enhancing Recovery: A Nationwide Survey in the Netherlands and Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this survey was to describe existing perioperative care standards and best practices in the Netherlands and Belgium. DESIGN: An online survey was followed up by an in-depth personal interview. The main outcomes were the existing standards of perioperative care for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. SETTING: The online survey and subsequent interviews were targeted to one representative in the intensive care unit (ICU), cardiac surgery, and anesthesiology department from each cardiac surgical center in the Netherlands and Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: A representative intensive care physician, cardiac surgeon, and cardiac anesthesiologist. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The response rate was 60% (71% for the Netherlands, and 44% in Belgium). Agreement across centers was found for discontinuation of proton-pump inhibitors (80%) and avoiding intra- and postoperative (92%) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Additionally, 98% of respondents stated that physiotherapy should be started immediately in the ICU. Major divergence was found for elements such as the discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (55%) or the postoperative use of chest support vests (44%). CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrated a wide range of different local protocols. Strategies differed among disciplines, hospitals, and countries. This emphasized the need for the implementation of a more universal protocol to further reduce variance and improve recovery practices. This nationwide survey was the first of its kind simultaneously studying best practices for cardiac surgery through the entire care pathway at the advent of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Cardiac implementation. A multinational randomized controlled trial to test the implementation of an evidence-based ERAS Cardiac protocol is the next step to pave the way for further outcome improvements in this high-risk population.

The effectiveness of a low-dose esketamine versus an alfentanil adjunct to propofol sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomised controlled multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most complex gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Currently, it is still unclear which sedation regimen best facilitates an ERCP. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist esketamine has anaesthetic, analgesic and sympathomimetic properties and is known to cause less cardiorespiratory depression than other sedatives. It could therefore be an ideal adjunct to propofol for deep sedation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of esketamine versus alfentanil as an adjunct to propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) for deep sedation during ambulant ERCP. DESIGN: A randomised controlled multicentre study. SETTING: Endoscopic intervention suite at an academic and general hospital in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Adult, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I to III patients scheduled to undergo ERCP. INTERVENTION: Consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive sedation for an ERCP with propofol TCI and alfentanil (group A) or with propofol TCI and esketamine (group E). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was effectiveness of the sedation regimen expressed as the total dose of propofol - as a surrogate parameter - necessary to perform ERCP in a satisfactory manner for endoscopist and patients. Secondary outcomes were recovery time, patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction with sedation, side effects (e.g. psychotomimetic effects, nausea and vomiting) and the number of respiratory and cardiovascular adverse events. RESULTS: Data from 162 patients were analysed. The total dose of propofol required was significantly lower in group E (n=83) (8.3 mg kg h) than in group A (n=79) (10.5 mg kg h) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in recovery time, patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction, side effects, psychotomimetic effects and the number of sedation-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Low-dose esketamine reduces the total amount of propofol necessary for sedation during ERCP in American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients without affecting recovery time, satisfaction of patients and endoscopists, side effects and respiratory or cardiovascular adverse events, when compared with alfentanil. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR5486).

Indications, contraindications, and safety aspects of procedural sedation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a steadily increasing demand for procedural sedation outside the operating room, frequently performed in comorbid high-risk adult patients. This review evaluates the feasibility and advantages of sedation vs. general anesthesia for some of these new procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: Generally, sedation performed by experienced staff is safe. Although for some endoscopic or transcatheter interventions sedation is feasible, results of the intervention might be improved when performed under general anesthesia. For elected procedures like intra-arterial treatment after acute ischemic stroke, avoiding general anesthesia and sedation at all might be the optimal treatment. SUMMARY: Anesthesiologists are facing continuously new indications for procedural sedation in sometimes sophisticated diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Timely availability of anesthesia staff will mainly influence who is performing sedation, anesthesia or nonanesthesia personal. While the number of absolute contraindications for sedation decreased to almost zero, relative contraindications are becoming more relevant and should be tailored to the individual procedure and patient.

Propofol and Remifentanil Sedation for Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Prospective Cohort Trial.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a rapidly emerging bronchoscopic treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. Different sedation strategies are currently used, ranging from mild midazolam sedation to general anesthesia requiring tracheal intubation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and both patients' and bronchoscopists' satisfaction with propofol and remifentanil sedation administered by specialized sedation anesthesiology nurses during BT in severe asthma patients. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study in BT-treated severe asthma patients of the TASMA trial was designed. Patients were asked to rate their overall BT procedure satisfaction and tolerance with propofol/remifentanil sedation using a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Similarly, bronchoscopists were asked to rate patient cooperation and tolerance. Sedation-associated adverse events and the number of BT activations were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-two BT procedures in 13 severe asthma patients were performed under moderate target-controlled infusion (TCI) propofol/remifentanil sedation. Patients' median VAS scores were as follows: overall satisfaction 9.6 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.5-10.0), dyspnea 0.0 (IQR 0.0-0.6), pain 0.1 (IQR 0.0-1.0), cough 0.5 (IQR 0.0-2.1), and anxiety 0.1 (IQR 0.0-0.7). Bronchoscopists' median VAS scores were as follows: overall patient cooperation 9.1 (IQR 8.5-9.6), dyspnea 0.3 (IQR 0.0-0.9), pain 0.2 (IQR 0.0-1.3), cough 1.2 (IQR 0.7-2.0), and discomfort 0.6 (IQR 0.3-1.5). All patients were willing to undergo the procedure again and would recommend this form of sedation to their best friend. One case of conversion to general anesthesia occurred and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate sedation with propofol and remifentanil TCI provided by specialized sedation anesthesiology nurses is feasible and safe and results in high satisfaction rates of both patients and bronchoscopists.

Satisfaction and safety using dexmedetomidine or propofol sedation during endoscopic oesophageal procedures: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine possesses anxiolytic and hypnotic properties without respiratory side-effects, making it theoretically an ideal sedative agent for endoscopic procedures. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare satisfaction and safety among outpatients receiving sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol for endoscopic oesophageal procedures. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study. SETTING: Endoscopic intervention suite at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged at least 18 years, and American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status 1 to 3. INTERVENTION: Total 63 patients were randomised to receive either dexmedetomidine (D) or propofol (P). Pain was treated with alfentanil in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction levels measured by validated questionnaires (1 = very dissatisfied; 7 = highly satisfied). A secondary outcome was safety, determined by blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation during and after the procedure, and respiratory rate and noninvasive cardiac output during the procedure. RESULTS: Satisfaction of patients [median (IQR); group D, 5.0 (3.75 to 5.75) vs. group P, 6.25 (5.3 to 6.5)] and satisfaction of gastroenterologists [group D, 5.0 (4.4 to 5.8) vs. group P, 6.0 (5.4 to 6.0)] were lower in group D (both P < 0.001). More patients in group D would not recommend this form of sedation to one of their friends (group D, 15 of 32 vs. group P, 1 of 31; P < 0.001). Total 30 min after the procedure, heart rate [group D, 60 bpm (52 to 69) vs. group P, 70 bpm (60 to 81), P = 0.031] and SBP group D, 112 mmHg (92 to 132) vs. group P, 120 mmHg (108 to 132); P = 0.013] were significantly lower after dexmedetomidine sedation. There were no other differences in safety between groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with propofol, sedation with dexmedetomidine resulted in less satisfaction, and caused prolonged haemodynamic depression after endoscopic oesophageal procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Register (ISRCTN 68599804).

A randomised controlled trial: can acupuncture reduce drug requirement during analgosedation with propofol and alfentanil for colonoscopy? A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The number of colonoscopies tremendously increased in recent years and will further rise in the near future. Because of patients' growing expectation on comfort during medical procedures, it is not surprising that the demand for sedation also expands. Propofol in combination with alfentanil is known to provide excellent analgosedation, however, its use is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Acupuncture could be a technique to reduce drug requirement while providing the same level of sedation and analgesia. METHODS/DESIGN: The study will be performed as a single centre, randomised, placebo controlled trial. 153 patients scheduled for propofol/alfentanil sedation during colonoscopy will be randomly assigned to receive electroacupuncture (P6, ST36, LI4), sham acupuncture, or placebo acupuncture. Following endoscopy patients and gastroenterologists have to fill in questionnaires about their sedation experiences. Additionally, patients have to accomplish the Trieger test before and after the procedure. Patient monitoring includes time adapted HR, SpO2, ECG, NIBP, exCO2, OAA/S, and the Aldrete score. The primary outcome parameter is the dosage of propofol necessary for an adequate level of sedation to tolerate the procedure (OAA/S < 4). Effectiveness of sedation, classified by satisfaction levels measured by questionnaires is the secondary outcome parameter. DISCUSSION: Moderate to deep sedation using propofol is increasingly applied during colonoscopies with a high satisfaction level among patients despite well-known hemodynamic and respiratory side effects of this hypnotic agent. Acupuncture is known to attenuate gastrointestinal discomfort and pain. We hypothesize that the combination of conventional sedation techniques with acupuncture may result in equally satisfied patients with a lower risk of respiratory and hemodynamic events during colonoscopies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered in the Nederland's Trial Register NTR 4325 . The first patient was randomized on 13 February 2014.

Optimization of cardiopulmonary bypass prime fluid to preserve microcirculatory perfusion during on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: PRIME study protocol for a double-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute microcirculatory perfusion disturbances and organ edema are important factors leading to organ dysfunction during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Priming of the CPB system with crystalloid or colloid fluids, which inevitably leads to hemodilution, could contribute to this effect. However, there is yet no optimal evidence-based strategy for this type of priming. Hence, we will investigate different priming strategies to reduce hemodilution and preserve microcirculatory perfusion. METHODS: The PRIME study is a single-center double-blind randomized trial. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with CPB will be randomized into three groups of prime fluid strategy: (1) gelofusine with crystalloid, (2) albumin with crystalloid, or (3) crystalloid and retrograde autologous priming. We aim to include 30 patients, 10 patients in each arm. The primary outcome is the change in microcirculatory perfusion. Secondary outcomes include colloid oncotic pressure; albumin; hematocrit; electrolytes; fluid balance and requirements; transfusion rates; and endothelial-, glycocalyx-, inflammatory- and renal injury markers. Sublingual microcirculatory perfusion will be measured using non-invasive sidestream dark field video microscopy. Microcirculatory and blood measurements will be performed at five consecutive time points during surgery up to 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit. DISCUSSION: PRIME is the first study to assess the effect of different prime fluid strategies on microcirculatory perfusion in cardiac surgery with CPB. If the results suggest that a specific crystalloid or colloid prime fluid strategy better preserves microcirculatory perfusion during on-pump cardiac surgery, the current study may help to find the optimal pump priming in cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05647057. Registered on 04/25/2023. CLINICALTRIALS: gov PRS: Record Summary NCT05647057, all items can be found in the protocol.

Differences in the Incidence of Hypotension and Hypertension between Sexes during Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Major determinants of blood pressure (BP) include sex and age. In youth, females have lower BP than males, yet in advanced age, more pronounced BP increases result in higher average BPs in females over 65. This hypothesis-generating study explored whether age-related BP divergence impacts the incidence of sex-specific intraoperative hypotension (IOH) or hypertension. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting intraoperative BP in males and females in non-cardiac surgery. We analyzed between-sex differences in the incidence of IOH and intraoperative hypertension (primary endpoint). Results: Among 793 identified studies, 14 were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 1,110,636 patients (56% female). While sex was not associated with IOH overall (females: OR 1.10, 95%CI [0.98-1.23], I2 = 99%), a subset of studies with an average age ≥65 years showed increased exposure to IOH in females (OR 1.17, 95%CI [1.01-1.35], I2 = 94%). One study reported sex-specific differences in intraoperative hypertension, with a higher incidence in females (31% vs. 28%). Conclusions: While sex-specific reporting on intraoperative BP was limited, IOH did not differ between sexes. However, an exploratory subgroup analysis offers the hypothesis that females of advanced age may face an increased risk of IOH, warranting further investigation.

Effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy on esophagogastric junction physiology in patients with achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy improve parameters of esophageal function such as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, esophageal emptying, and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on esophagogastric function. DESIGN: Prospective trial. SETTING: Endoscopy department at a university hospital. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients aged >17 years with achalasia and an Eckardt score of ≥3. INTERVENTION: Before and 3 months after POEM, 10 consecutive patients underwent esophageal manometry, timed barium esophagograms, and EndoFLIP as well as an EGD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Eckardt symptom score, LES resting pressure, centimeters of barium stasis, EGJ distensibility, and reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: Compared with scores before POEM, patient symptom scores were significantly reduced (1, interquartile range [IQR 0-1] vs 8 [IQR 4-8]; P = .005). LES pressure decreased significantly (6.0 mm Hg [IQR 2.6-7.4] vs 19.0 mm Hg [IQR 13.0-28.0]; P = .008). Esophageal emptying increased significantly, and a 5-minute barium column measured 2.3 cm (IQR 0-3.2 cm) versus 10.1 cm (IQR 5.7-10.8 cm; P = .005). EGJ distensibility increased significantly (6.7 mm(2)/mm Hg [IQR 3.8-16.6] vs 1.0 mm(2)/mm Hg [IQR 0.4-2.3]; P = .02) at 50 mL. In 6 of 10 patients, reflux esophagitis was seen. Of these patients, 3 reported reflux symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients, short-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: POEM improves esophagogastric function and suggests favorable long-term results based on Eckardt score, esophageal manometry, esophageal emptying, and EGJ distensibility. Long-term follow-up of larger series will determine whether the high rate of reflux esophagitis affects the clinical application of POEM.

Safety and effectiveness using dexmedetomidine versus propofol TCI sedation during oesophagus interventions: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment of early neoplastic lesions in oesophagus has evolved as a valid and less invasive alternative to surgical resection. These endoscopic interventions are minimal invasive treatment options usually done with sedation on an outpatient basis. The aim of this trial is to determine the safety and effectiveness of dexmedetomidine sedation compared to the standard used propofol TCI sedation during endoscopic oesophageal interventions. METHODS: The study will be performed as a randomized controlled trial. The first 64 consenting patients will be randomized to either the propofol or the dexmedetomidine group. Following endoscopy patients and gastroenterologists have to fill in questionnaires (PSSI, CSSI) (see abbreviations) about their sedation experiences. Additionally, patients have to accomplish the Trieger test before and after the procedure. Patient monitoring includes time adapted HR, SO2, ECG, NIBP, exCO2, NICO, sweat conductance measurement, OAA/S, and the Aldrete score. Effectiveness of sedation, classified by satisfaction levels and pain and sedation score measured by questionnaires is the primary outcome parameter. Respiratory and hemodynamic complications are surrogate parameters for the secondary outcome parameter "safety". DISCUSSION: The acceptance level among patients after propofol sedation is high. Dexmedetomidine is a relatively new representative for procedural sedation. Has this new form of conscious sedation the potential to be safer and more effective for patients and endoscopists than propofol during endoscopic oesophageal interventions? TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered in the ISRCTN Register (ISRCTN 68599804). It will be conducted in accordance with the protocol and in compliance with the moral, ethical, and scientific principles governing clinical research as set out in the Declaration of Helsinki (1989) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The Departments of Anesthesiology and Gastroenterology & Hepatology of the Academic Medical Center of Amsterdam are responsible for the design and conduct of the trial.

A multi-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the value of a single bolus intravenous alfentanil in CT colonography.

BACKGROUND: Pain is common during colonic insufflation required for CT colonography. We therefore evaluate whether a single intravenous alfentanil bolus has a clinically relevant analgesic effect compared with placebo in patients undergoing CT colonography. METHODS: A prospective multi-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed in patients scheduled for elective CT colonography. Patients were randomised to receive either a bolus of 7.5 µg/kg alfentanil (n = 45) or placebo (n = 45). The primary outcome was the difference in maximum pain during colonic insufflation on an 11-point numeric rating scale. We defined a clinically relevant effect as a maximum pain reduction of at least 1.3 points. Secondary outcomes included total pain and burden of CT colonography (5-point scale), the most burdensome aspect and side effects. Our primary outcome was tested using a one-sided independent samples t-test. RESULTS: Maximum pain scores during insufflation were lower with alfentanil as compared with placebo, 5.3 versus 3.0 (P < 0.001). Total CT colonography pain and burden were also lower with alfentanil (2.0 vs. 1.6; P = 0.014 and 2.1 vs. 1.7; P = 0.007, respectively). With alfentanil fewer patients rated the insufflation as most burdensome aspect (56.1% vs. 18.6%; P = 0.001). Episodes with desaturations < 90% SpO2 were more common with alfentanil (8.1% vs. 44.4%; P < 0.001, but no clinically relevant desaturations occurred. CONCLUSIONS: A low-dose intravenous alfentanil bolus provides a clinically relevant reduction of maximum pain during CT colonography and may improve the CT colonography acceptance, especially for patients with a low pain threshold. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register: NTR2902.

Perioperative Complications in Infective Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis is a challenging condition to manage, requiring collaboration among various medical professionals. Interdisciplinary teamwork within endocarditis teams is essential. About half of the patients diagnosed with the disease will ultimately have to undergo cardiac surgery. As a result, it is vital for all healthcare providers involved in the perioperative period to have a comprehensive understanding of the unique features of infective endocarditis, including clinical presentation, echocardiographic signs, coagulopathy, bleeding control, and treatment of possible organ dysfunction. This narrative review provides a summary of the current knowledge on the incidence of complications and their management in the perioperative period in patients with infective endocarditis.

Crisis Scenarios for Simulation-Based Nontechnical Skills Training for Cardiac Surgery Teams: A National Survey Among Cardiac Anesthesiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiac Operating Room Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Nontechnical skills in cardiac surgery are vital in ensuring patient safety in the operating room (OR). To train these skills in a simulation-based scenario, a collection of commonly accepted crisis scenarios is needed to serve as a framework for a simulation-based training program. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify and reach consensus on a collection of relevant crisis scenarios in cardiac surgery suitable for simulation-based team training focusing on nontechnical skills. METHODS: Using the Delphi method, a national assessment was performed among cardiac surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiac OR nurses in the Netherlands. In the first Delphi round, potential crisis scenarios for simulation-based team training in cardiac surgery were identified. In the second round, the identified scenarios were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Finally, based on consensus (two-thirds majority), scenarios were prioritized and explored for feasibility. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen experts participated in the study (26 cardiac anesthesiologists, 24 cardiac surgeons, 25 clinical perfusionists, and 39 OR nurses), representing all 16 cardiac surgical centers in the Netherlands. In the first round, 237 scenarios were identified. After eliminating duplicates and grouping similar scenarios, 44 scenarios were scored in round 2, which finally resulted in 13 relevant crisis scenarios with an expert consensus higher than 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Thirteen crisis scenarios relevant to simulation-based team training were identified by an expert panel consisting of all members of the cardiac surgical team. Further research is needed to evaluate the educational value of the respective scenarios.

Does Regular Practice with a "Flexible Bronchoscopy Simulator" Improve Fibreoptic Intubation Skills in Experts and Novices? A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate management of a "difficult airway" remains a challenge for novices and experienced anaesthetists. With the current available airway technologies, e.g., video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy (fibreoptic intubation (FOI)) for endotracheal intubation is decreasing, likely diminishing caregiver skills. We investigated whether bronchoscopy simulator training improved FOI skills. METHODS: 72 volunteers, consisting of anaesthetists, anaesthesia residents, and nurses, performed six exercises on a bronchoscopy simulator. At baseline and after 12 months, the six exercises included one serious game (to train agility), two basic airways, and three difficult airways. After a baseline assessment, subjects were randomly allocated to the intervention group (with) or control group without bronchoscopy simulator training every six weeks for 10 min using a preloaded serious game. The primary outcome was the difference in the time to reach the carina after 12 months, as measured objectively by the simulator. The level of stress and FOI confidence after 12 months were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The control and intervention groups had a similar time to reach the carina in difficult airway cases and the reported stress levels, at baseline and 12 months, showed no difference. In contrast, the intervention group's self-reported confidence in FOI skills improved more. CONCLUSIONS: Although participants rated higher in confidence, practicing FOI skills on an airway simulator with an agility game did not increase their performance in simulated challenging airway instances.