Evaluating the Impact of Operative Team Familiarity on Cardiac Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Medicare Beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVE: To associate surgeon-anesthesiologist team familiarity (TF) with cardiac surgery outcomes. BACKGROUND: TF, a measure of repeated team member collaborations, has been associated with improved operative efficiency; however, examination of its relationship to clinical outcomes has been limited. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included Medicare beneficiaries undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), or both (CABG+SAVR) between January 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018. TF was defined as the number of shared procedures between the cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist within 6 months of each operation. Primary outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality, composite morbidity, and 30-day mortality or composite morbidity, assessed before and after risk adjustment using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The cohort included 113,020 patients (84,397 CABG; 15,939 SAVR; 12,684 CABG+SAVR). Surgeon-anesthesiologist dyads in the highest [31631 patients, TF median (interquartile range)=8 (6, 11)] and lowest [44,307 patients, TF=0 (0, 1)] TF terciles were termed familiar and unfamiliar, respectively. The rates of observed outcomes were lower among familiar versus unfamiliar teams: 30-day mortality (2.8% vs 3.1%, P =0.001), 90-day mortality (4.2% vs 4.5%, P =0.023), composite morbidity (57.4% vs 60.6%, P <0.001), and 30-day mortality or composite morbidity (57.9% vs 61.1%, P <0.001). Familiar teams had lower overall risk-adjusted odds of 30-day mortality or composite morbidity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.894 (0.868, 0.922), P <0.001], and for SAVR significantly lower 30-day mortality [aOR 0.724 (0.547, 0.959), P =0.024], 90-day mortality [aOR 0.779 (0.620, 0.978), P =0.031], and 30-day mortality or composite morbidity [aOR 0.856 (0.791, 0.927), P <0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Given its relationship with improved 30-day cardiac surgical outcomes, increasing TF should be considered among strategies to advance patient outcomes.

Intracardiac thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism during liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intracardiac thrombosis and/or pulmonary thromboembolism (ICT/PE) is a rare but devastating complication during liver transplantation. Its pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and successful treatment remains a challenge. This systematic review summarizes the available published clinical data regarding ICT/PE during liver transplantation. Databases were searched for all publications reporting on ICT/PE during liver transplantation. Data collected included its incidence, patient characteristics, the timing of diagnosis, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. This review included 59 full-text citations. The point prevalence of ICT/PE was 1.42%. Thrombi were most often diagnosed during the neohepatic phase, particularly at allograft reperfusion. Intravenous heparin was effective in preventing early-stage thrombus from progressing further and restoring hemodynamics in 76.32% of patients it was utilized for; however, the addition of tissue plasminogen activator or sole use of tissue plasminogen activator offered diminishing returns. Despite all resuscitation efforts, the in-hospital mortality rate of an intraoperative ICT/PE was 40.42%, with nearly half of these patients dying intraoperatively. The results of our systematic review are an initial step for providing clinicians with data that can help identify higher-risk patients. The clinical implications of our results warrant the development of identification and management strategies for the timely and effective treatment of these tragic occurrences during liver transplantation.

Barriers to recovery for medical professionals: Assessing financial support through a survey of Physician Health Programs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is increasing focus on physician burnout, psychiatric problems, and substance use disorders. Costs of recovery for physicians enrolled in Physician Health Programs (PHPs) remain unexamined with little known regarding funding resources. We sought to elucidate perceived costs of recovery from impairing conditions and highlight resources for financial strain. METHODS: This survey study was distributed by the Federation of State Physician Health Organizations via e-mail to 50 PHPs in 2021. Questions assessed perceptions of costs and ability to pay for recommended evaluation, treatment, and monitoring. Questions also assessed limitation of engagement due to financial concerns, and availability of financial resources. RESULTS: Complete responses were received from 40 of 50 eligible PHPs. The majority (78%) of responding PHPs assessed ability to pay at initial intake evaluation. There is notable financial strain on physicians, particularly those earliest in training, to pay for services. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: PHPs are vital to physicians, especially physicians-in-training, as "safe haven programs." Methods to financially assist through PHPs included fee deferrals, sliding scale fees, and fee forgiveness. Health insurance, medical schools, and hospitals were able to provide additional assistance. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Because burnout, mental health, and substance use disorders are high stakes amongst physicians, it is critical that access to PHPs is available, destigmatized, and affordable. Our paper focuses specifically on the financial cost of recovery, the financial burden placed on PHP participants, a topic lacking in the literature, and highlights remedies and vulnerable populations.

Invasive Pressure Monitors: Leveling the Playing Field.

Invasive pressure monitors are ubiquitous in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. This technology allows beat-to-beat assessment of central venous, pulmonary, and arterial blood pressures during surgery, procedural interventions, and critical care. Education is commonly focused on the procedural aspects and the complications associated with the initial placement of these monitors without instruction on the technical concepts required for obtaining accurate data. Anesthesiologists must understand the fundamental concepts on which measurements are made to effectively use invasive pressure monitors, including pulmonary artery catheters, central venous catheters, intra-arterial catheters, external ventricular drains, and spinal or lumbar drains. This review will address important gaps in knowledge surrounding leveling and zeroing of invasive pressure monitors, emphasizing the impact of varied practice patterns on patient care.

Outcome of high-power short-duration radiofrequency ablation in combination with half-normal saline irrigation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the use of high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) in combination with half-normal saline irrigation for catheter irrigation are limited. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the safety and efficacy of using HPSD RF ablation in combination with half-normal saline irrigation for the treatment of AF. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with AF underwent RF ablation using HPSD combined with half-normal saline for catheter irrigation. In addition, the following ablation strategies were used: 1 mm tags for the display of ablation lesions on the mapping system, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), low contact force, pacing after ablation to verify areas of noncapture, atrial/ventricular pacing at 500 to 700 ms to aid in catheter stability, use of two skin electrodes to reduce impedance, and postablation adenosine infusion. Power was started at 40 to 45 W and was modulated manually based on impedance changes. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 65.2 years and 70% were male. Forty seven percent had paroxysmal AF and the average CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was 2.1 ± 1.6. The average power and lesion duration were 38.1 ± 3.3 W and 8.1 ± 2.3 s, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 321 ± 139 days, 89% of the patients remained free from any atrial arrhythmias after a single RF ablation procedure. No procedure-related death, stroke, pericardial effusion, or atrioesophageal fistula occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation using HPSD RF lesions in combination with half-normal saline irrigation and is safe and effective, and results in high rate of freedom from AF.

Factor V Deficiency (Owren's Disease) in a Patient at High Risk for Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload and Bleeding During Laser Lead Extraction.

Congenital factor V deficiency is an extremely rare abnormality and may be associated with significant bleeding as a result of trauma or surgery. Perioperative management primarily includes the administration of fresh frozen plasma to replace the deficient clotting factor. Acute administration of multiple blood products is a risk factor for transfusion-associated circulatory overload. Herein, the case of a 71-year-old man with an ejection fraction of 13% and a history of congenital factor V deficiency who was at risk for significant bleeding and transfusion-associated circulatory overload who underwent successful complex extraction of a right atrial pacing lead is reported.

Does capsular distension and a short period of countertraction improve outcome following manipulation under anesthesia for the treatment of primary adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint?

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that primary adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint is often considered a self-limiting condition, not all patients make a full recovery. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is performed to forcibly rupture the contracted capsule in a controlled manner. However, the technique, timing, and use of additional injections are often debated. In this study, we report the outcomes following the addition of capsular distension and countertraction to MUA as a treatment for adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-cohort study comparing 3 groups: Group 1 underwent MUA alone (n = 54); group 2, MUA with capsular distension (n = 114); and group 3, MUA with capsular distension and countertraction (n = 167). The re-MUA rate, Constant-Murley shoulder (CMS) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score (for pain) were measured after 6 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: The re-MUA rate fell with the addition of both capsular distension and countertraction: 63% in group 1, 39% in group 2, and 18% in group 3. Patients in group 3 recorded the greatest improvement in the CMS score after 6 weeks (+90% vs. +68% in group 2 and +58% in group 1), with all groups showing improvements compared with before treatment. The only independent risk factor identified for re-MUA was smoking. If a second MUA was performed, the CMS (+67%) and VAS (+61%) scores improved, but at 6 months, the CMS score (74.57 ± 7.6 vs. 83.30 ± 5.5) and VAS score (10.57 ± 1.8 vs. 12.96 ± 1.5) remained inferior to those of patients who only needed a single MUA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: MUA combined with capsular distension and countertraction reduces the need for a second MUA and results in a faster improvement in functional outcome (CMS score) and reduction of pain (VAS score) compared with MUA alone or MUA with capsular distension. The results of this case-cohort study are of clinical relevance because they show that the efficacy of an MUA can be improved through relatively simple adaptations of the treatment protocol.

Perioperative Outcomes of Thrombectomy Patients Using Venovenous Bypass and Suction Filtration With General Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: AngioVac (Angiodynamics, Latham, NY) is a novel drainage system that offers a less-invasive approach compared with open surgical thromboembolectomy to remove intracardiac and intravascular thrombotic and embolic material. For this study, the authors' single-center experience with patients undergoing thromboembolectomy using the AngioVac system was reviewed retrospectively to evaluate anesthetic management and postoperative complications. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Single institution, quaternary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 20 consecutive patients whose treatment included the AngioVac between January 2016 and November 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent AngioVac suction filtration. The mean age was 56 years, and women comprised 35% of the patient cohort. Indications for AngioVac suction filtration included deep venous thrombosis involving the inferior vena cava (n = 12 [60%]), right atrial mass/thrombus (n = 11 [55%]), right ventricular mass/thrombus (n = 3 [15%]), and pulmonary embolism(n = 2 [10%]). All patients required vasopressor support, and nine patients (45%) required blood transfusion during the procedure. There was no intraoperative death or cardiac arrest associated with the procedure. The 30-day mortality was zero, and in-hospital mortality was 5% (1/20). Significant postoperative complications occurred in 11/20 patients (55%). Postoperative left ventricular dysfunction (36% v 0%; p < 0.05), preoperative shock requiring vasopressors (36% v 0%; p < 0.05), postoperative blood transfusion (100% v 56%; p < 0.05), and having undergone recent surgery (64% v 11%; p < 0.05) were associated with increased odds of experiencing postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of intraoperative complication during AngioVac suction filtration is low, but vasopressors and blood transfusions often are required. Patients at increased risk of developing postoperative complications potentially can be identified as having undergone recent surgery, experiencing preoperative shock requiring vasopressors or postoperative left ventricular dysfunction, and requiring postoperative blood transfusion.

A comparison of postprocedural anticoagulation in high-risk patients undergoing WATCHMAN device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative to long-term anticoagulation for thromboembolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and high bleeding risk. Short-term Warfarin use following LAAC is well-studied, while data pertaining to novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) use in this setting is less robust. Specifically, data regarding the safety and efficacy of postprocedural NOAC use in high-risk patients is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of Warfarin and NOAC use in a high-risk patient population undergoing LAAC with the WATCHMAN device. METHODS: From November 2015 to October 2017, 97 patients underwent LAAC with the WATCHMAN device. All patients were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting prior to device implantation. Longitudinal data were collected and analyzed for a composite endpoint of stroke and death at 8 months, and major bleeding at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Among the 90 patients included in the safety and efficacy analysis, 43 were prescribed Warfarin and 47 were prescribed NOACs. Baseline characteristics were comparable between study groups. There were no procedural complications and no significant differences in the incidence of death and stroke at 8 months or major bleeding at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: For patients with AF at high risk of both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events, NOACs as compared to Warfarin, seem to be safe and effective for short-term anticoagulation following LAAC with the WATCHMAN device. Further validation in large randomized controlled trials is required.

Reducing the Incidence of Substance Use Disorders in Anesthesiology Residents: 13 Years of Comprehensive Urine Drug Screening.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: The incidence of substance use disorders in the United States among residents in anesthesiology is between 1% and 2%. A recent study reported that the incidence of substance use disorders in U.S. anesthesiology residents has been increasing. There are no reports of effective methods to prevent substance use disorder in residents. A comprehensive drug testing program including a random component may reduce the incidence of substance use disorders. METHODS: The authors initiated a comprehensive urine drug screening program of residents, fellows, faculty physicians, and certified nurse anesthetists. The authors performed 3,190 tests over 13 yr. The authors determined the incidence of substance use disorders among residents in our large anesthesiology residency program during the decade before (January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2003) and for the 13 yr after (January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2016) instituting a random urine drug testing program. A total of 628 residents trained in the program over these 23 yr; they contributed a total of 1,721 resident years for analysis. Fewer faculty and certified nurse anesthetists were studied, so we do not include them in our analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of substance use disorders among trainees in our department during the 10 yr before initiation of urine drug screening was four incidents in 719 resident years or 0.0056 incidents per resident-year. In the 13 yr after the introduction of urine drug screening, there have been zero incidents in 1,002 resident years in our residency program (P = 0.0305). CONCLUSIONS: This single-center, comprehensive program including preplacement and random drug testing was associated with a reduction of the incidence of substance use disorders among our residents in anesthesiology. There were no instances of substance use disorders in our residents over the recent 13 yr. A large, multicenter trial of a more diverse sample of academic, government, and community institutions is needed to determine if such a program can predictably reduce the incidence of substance use disorders in a larger group of anesthesiology residents.

How Cardiac Anesthesiology Can Help "STEM" the Tide of Under-representation of Minorities in Science and Medicine.

The field of medicine is built upon science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), yet the United States is rapidly falling behind when it comes to educating the next generation in these disciplines, especially under-represented populations. The authors reflect on existing educational literature surrounding efforts to promote interest in STEM among students and under-represented populations. The authors advocate for greater efforts toward the development of youth programing. Cardiac anesthesia is uniquely positioned as a subspecialty to advance the goal of promoting interest in STEM in diverse groups of young students. The authors describe their development and implementation of a community outreach program to enhance interest in medicine through a cardiac dissection experience.

A Comprehensive Review of Transesophageal Echocardiography During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is characterized by significant hemodynamic disturbances and anesthetic challenges. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to guide management during these procedures. This review examines the role of echocardiography during OLT, presents common TEE findings during each phase of OLT, and discusses the benefits demonstrated with TEE use and the safety of TEE in this patient population. Finally, the authors propose an algorithm for the safe use of TEE during OLT.

Perioperative management of a redo aortic root replacement in a patient with severe factor XI deficiency.

Factor XI deficiency is associated with significant bleeding in the setting of trauma and surgery. We present a patient with FXI deficiency and multiple red blood cell allo-antibodies requiring repeat aortic root replacement and discuss the perioperative management of patients with FXI deficiency undergoing cardiac surgery.

Nearly finished genomes produced using gel microdroplet culturing reveal substantial intraspecies genomic diversity within the human microbiome.

The majority of microbial genomic diversity remains unexplored. This is largely due to our inability to culture most microorganisms in isolation, which is a prerequisite for traditional genome sequencing. Single-cell sequencing has allowed researchers to circumvent this limitation. DNA is amplified directly from a single cell using the whole-genome amplification technique of multiple displacement amplification (MDA). However, MDA from a single chromosome copy suffers from amplification bias and a large loss of specificity from even very small amounts of DNA contamination, which makes assembling a genome difficult and completely finishing a genome impossible except in extraordinary circumstances. Gel microdrop cultivation allows culturing of a diverse microbial community and provides hundreds to thousands of genetically identical cells as input for an MDA reaction. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by comparing sequencing results of gel microdroplets and single cells following MDA. Bias is reduced in the MDA reaction and genome sequencing, and assembly is greatly improved when using gel microdroplets. We acquired multiple near-complete genomes for two bacterial species from human oral and stool microbiome samples. A significant amount of genome diversity, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and genome recombination, is discovered. Gel microdroplets offer a powerful and high-throughput technology for assembling whole genomes from complex samples and for probing the pan-genome of naturally occurring populations.

Effect of Performance Deficiencies on Graduation and Board Certification Rates: A 10-yr Multicenter Study of Anesthesiology Residents.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted to determine how resident performance deficiencies affect graduation and board certification. METHODS: Primary documents pertaining to resident performance were examined over a 10-yr period at four academic anesthesiology residencies. Residents entering training between 2000 and 2009 were included, with follow-up through February 2016. Residents receiving actions by the programs' Clinical Competency Committee were categorized by the area of deficiency and compared to peers without deficiencies. RESULTS: A total of 865 residents were studied (range: 127 to 275 per program). Of these, 215 residents received a total of 405 actions from their respective Clinical Competency Committee. Among those who received an action compared to those who did not, the proportion graduating differed (93 vs. 99%, respectively, P < 0.001), as did the proportion achieving board certification (89 vs. 99%, respectively, P < 0.001). When a single deficiency in an Essential Attribute (e.g., ethical, honest, respectful behavior; absence of impairment) was identified, the proportion graduating dropped to 55%. When more than three Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Core Competencies were deficient, the proportion graduating also dropped significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Overall graduation and board certification rates were consistently high in residents with no, or isolated, deficiencies. Residents deficient in an Essential Attribute, or multiple competencies, are at high risk of not graduating or achieving board certification. More research is needed on the effectiveness and selective deployment of remediation efforts, particularly for high-risk groups.

Analysis of 43 Intraoperative Cardiac Surgery Case Cancellations.

OBJECTIVE: Late cancellation of surgery cases imposes significant emotional distress on the patient and their family and results in wasted resources, including loss of operating room and personnel time. This study was designed to determine the causes of cancellation, preventability, total operating room time, and postoperative destination. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective review of the 43 cardiac surgical cases that were cancelled while the patient was in the operating room (OR) but prior to surgical incision. SETTING: The cases were performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three out of 5,110 scheduled cardiac cases were identified that were cancelled after the patient had entered the operating room between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were made. This was a retrospective study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The most common causes of cancellation included a change in the patient's health status (44%), problems associated with central catheter placement (18.6%), and unsatisfactory donor organs for planned transplantation (12%). The majority were inpatients (65%) prior to the procedure. The cumulative OR time for all cancelled cases was 5,374 minutes (89 hours and 34 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: The reason for cancellation, preventability, total operating room time, and postoperative destination were determined. The information can be utilized to decrease the number of future cancellations.