Challenges of Congenital Heart Surgery in Brazil: It is Time to Designate Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery Subspecialty.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects eight to ten out of every 1,000 births, resulting in approximately 23,057 new cases in Brazil in 2022. About one in four children with CHD requires surgery or other procedures in the first year of life, and it is expected that approximately 81% of these children with CHD will survive until at least 35 years of age. Professionals choosing to specialize in CHD surgery face numerous challenges, not only related to mastering surgical techniques and the complexity of the diseases but also to the lack of recognition by medical societies as a separate subspecialty. Furthermore, families face difficulties when access to services capable of providing treatment for these children. To address these challenges, it is essential to have specialized hospitals, qualified professionals, updated technologies, sustainable industry, appropriate financing, quality assessment systems, and knowledge generation. The path to excellence involves specialization across all involved parties. As we reflect on the importance of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery and Congenital Heart Diseases establishing themselves as a subspecialty of Cardiovascular Surgery, it is essential to look beyond our borders to countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom, where this evolution is already a reality. This autonomy has led to significant advancements in research, education, and patient care outcomes, establishing a care model. By following this path in Brazil, we not only align our practice with the highest international standards but also demonstrate our maturity and the ability to meet the specific needs of patients with CHD and those with acquired childhood heart disease.

COVID-19 pandemic implications in paediatric and congenital heart surgery in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted global healthcare. Consequences in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery programmes and mortality of congenital heart patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2) is still to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To study the COVID-19 pandemic implications in Brazilian Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery programmes. METHODS: We conducted a national online survey covering all states that perform Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery from 10 November to 22 November, 2020, using a Google forms questionnaire. We formulated questions related to impact on surgical volume, case-mix, and mortality. Then we asked about short-term post-operative COVID-19 infection and outcomes. RESULTS: We received responses from 46 centres representing all states where there were a Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery programme and all high-volume centres across the country. All but one centre experienced a significant decrease in surgical volume, and 23.9% of the responders revealed less than one-quarter of volume decrement. On the other hand, in over 70% of the centres, there was a significant surgical volume reduction. In addition to this, there was a shift in case-mix in 41 centres (89.1%) towards more complex cases. More than one-third of the responders revealed increased mortality in 2020 compared to previous years, and 43.5% of the programmes (20 centres) had at least one patient contaminated by SARS-Cov-2, accounting for 48 patients. Mortality in post-operative infected patients was 45.8% (22 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In general, Brazilian Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery programmes were severely affected by decreased surgical volume, unbalanced case-mix towards more complex cases, and increased mortality. Almost half of the programmes related post-operative COVID-19 contamination with high mortality.

The economic effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support adults with severe respiratory failure in Brazil: a hypothetical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cost-utility of using extracorporeal oxygenation for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Brazil. METHODS: A decision tree was constructed using databases from previously published studies. Costs were taken from the average price paid by the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde; SUS) over three months in 2011. Using the data of 10,000,000 simulated patients with predetermined outcomes and costs, an analysis was performed of the ratio between cost increase and years of life gained, adjusted for quality (cost-utility), with survival rates of 40 and 60% for patients using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. RESULTS: The decision tree resulted in 16 outcomes with different life support techniques. With survival rates of 40 and 60%, respectively, the increased costs were R$=-301.00/-14.00, with a cost of R$=-30,913.00/-1,752.00 paid per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained and R$=-2,386.00/-90.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained until the end of life, when all patients with severe ARDS were analyzed. Analyzing only patients with severe hypoxemia (i.e., a ratio of partial oxygen pressure in the blood to the fraction of inspired oxygen <100 mmHg), the increased cost was R$=-5,714.00/272.00, with a cost per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained of R$=-9,521.00/293.00 and a cost of R$=-280.00/7.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. CONCLUSION: The cost-utility ratio associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Brazil is potentially acceptable according to this hypothetical study.

Efeito econômico do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea para suporte de pacientes adultos com insuficiência respiratória grave no Brasil: uma análise hipotética / The economic effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support adults with severe respiratory failure in Brazil: a hypothetical analysis

Objetivo: Analisar o custo-utilidade do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea para pacientes com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda grave no Brasil. Métodos: Com bancos de dados de estudos previamente publicados, foi construída uma árvore encadeada de decisões. Os custos foram extraídos da média de 3 meses do preço pago pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em 2011. Com 10 milhões de pacientes simulados com desfechos e custos predeterminados, uma análise da relação de incremento de custo e de anos de vida ganhos ajustados pela qualidade (custo-utilidade) foi realizada com sobrevida de 40 e 60% dos pacientes que usaram oxigenação extracorpórea. Resultados: A árvore de decisões resultou em 16 desfechos com técnicas diferentes de suporte à vida. Com a sobrevida de 40/60%, respectivamente, o incremento de custos foi de R$ -301,00/-14,00, com o preço pago de R$ -30.913,00/-1.752,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade para 6 meses e de R$ -2.386,00/-90,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade até o fim de vida, quando se analisaram todos os pacientes com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda grave. Analisando somente os pacientes com hipoxemia grave (relação da pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue sobre a fração inspirada de oxigênio <100mmHg), o incremento de custos foi de R$ -5.714,00/272,00, com preço por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade em 6 meses de R$ -9.521,00/293,00, e com o custo de R$ -280,00/7,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade. Conclusão: A relação de custo-utilidade do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea no Brasil foi potencialmente aceitável neste estudo hipotético. .

Objective: To analyze the cost-utility of using extracorporeal oxygenation for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Brazil. Methods: A decision tree was constructed using databases from previously published studies. Costs were taken from the average price paid by the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde; SUS) over three months in 2011. Using the data of 10,000,000 simulated patients with predetermined outcomes and costs, an analysis was performed of the ratio between cost increase and years of life gained, adjusted for quality (cost-utility), with survival rates of 40 and 60% for patients using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: The decision tree resulted in 16 outcomes with different life support techniques. With survival rates of 40 and 60%, respectively, the increased costs were R$=-301.00/-14.00, with a cost of R$=-30,913.00/-1,752.00 paid per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained and R$=-2,386.00/-90.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained until the end of life, when all patients with severe ARDS were analyzed. Analyzing only patients with severe hypoxemia (i.e., a ratio of partial oxygen pressure in the blood to the fraction of inspired oxygen <100mmHg), the increased cost was R$=-5,714.00/272.00, with a cost per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained of R$=-9,521.00/293.00 and a cost of R$=-280.00/7.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Conclusion: The cost-utility ratio associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Brazil is potentially acceptable according to this hypothetical study. .

Importância da área de fibrose na evolução em médio prazo de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução ventricular / Importance of the area of fibrosis at midterm evolution of patients submitted to ventricular reconstruction / Importancia del área de fibrosis en la evolución a mediano plazo de pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción ventricular

Fundamento: Embora se reconheça que a cirurgia de reconstrução ventricular (CRV) promova remodelamento reverso, são necessários novos estudos para definir a influência da área de fibrose do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). Objetivo: Avaliar se a extensão da área de fibrose do VE é importante na recuperação funcional ventricular após CRV e correlacionar com fatores clínicos. Método: Análise prospectiva de 82 pacientes com disfunção ventricular submetidos à CRV. Analisou-se a importância das características clínicas e foram avaliadas as quantidades de fibrose, mensuradas por ressonância magnética em pequena, média e grande. Resultados: Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados por 36 meses, com mortalidade de 6 por cento. A quantidade de fibrose média foi de 25,8 por cento ± 13,6 por cento. Houve melhora da fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE), de 36,9 por cento ± 6,8 por cento para 48,2 por cento ± 8,2 por cento (p < 0,001). Houve relação inversa entre a quantidade de fibrose o incremento da FEVE (r = -0,83, p < 0,0001). Houve diminuição do volume sistólico final do VE de 43,3 ± 8,2ml/m² (p < 0,001). Houve melhora dos sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca, exceto nos pacientes com grande área de fibrose (p = 0,45). Os preditores independentes para eventos foram: área fibrótica (p = 0,01), idade (p = 0,01), volume sistólico final do VE (p = 0,03) e fração de ejeção (p = 0,02). O seguimento livre de evento foi diferente em relação à área de fibrose (p < 0,01). Conclusão: Em pacientes com disfunção ventricular, a extensão da área fibrótica foi um preditor independente da recuperação funcional do VE após CRV. A combinação de RMC e parâmetros clínicos podem auxiliar na indicação para CRV.

Background: Although it is acknowledged that the ventricular reconstruction surgery (VRS) can promote reverse remodeling, new studies are necessary to define the influence of the left ventricular (LV) area of fibrosis. Objective: To evaluate whether the extension of the area of fibrosis of the LV is important in the LV functional recovery after the surgery and correlate it with clinical factors. Methods: Prospective analysis of 82 patients with ventricular dysfunction submitted to VRS. We analyzed the importance of the clinical characteristics and the amount of fibrosis was assessed, measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as small, medium and large. Results: All patients were followed for 36 months, with a mortality of 6 percent. The amount of medium fibrosis was 25.8 percent ± 13.6 percent. There was improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), from 36.9 percent ± 6.8 percent to 48.2 percent ± 8.2 percent (p < 0.001). There was an inverse association between the amount of fibrosis and the increase in LVEF (r = -0.83, p < 0.0001). There was a decrease in the LV end-systolic volume of 43.3 ± 8.2ml/m² (p < 0.001). There was an improvement in heart failure symptoms, except in patients with large areas of fibrosis (p = 0.45). The independent predictors for events were: fibrotic area (p = 0.01), age (p = 0.01), LV end-systolic volume (p = 0.03) and LVEF (p = 0.02). The event-free follow-up was different in relation to the area of fibrosis (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In patients with ventricular dysfunction, the extension of the area of fibrosis was an independent predictor of the LV functional recovery after the VRS. The combination of cardiac MRI and clinical parameters can help in the indication for VRS.

Fundamento: Si bien se reconoce que la cirugía de reconstrucción ventricular (CRV) promueve remodelación reversa, son necesarios nuevos estudios para definir la influencia del área de fibrosis del ventrículo izquierdo (VE). Objetivo: Evaluar si la extensión del área de fibrosis del VI es importante en la recuperación funcional ventricular tras la CRV y correlacionarlo con factores clínicos. Método: Análisis prospectivo de 82 pacientes con disfunción ventricular sometidos a CRV. Se analizó la importancia de las características clínicas y se evaluaron las áreas de fibrosis, medidas por resonancia magnética y ponderadas como pequeña, mediana y grande. Resultados: Se realizó un seguimiento de 36 meses a todos los pacientes, con mortalidad del 6 por ciento. La cantidad de fibrosis promedio fue del 25,8 por ciento ± 13,6 por ciento. Existió una mejora de la fracción de eyección del VI (FEVI), del 36,9 por ciento ± 6,8 por ciento al 48,2 por ciento ± 8,2 por ciento (p < 0,001). Existió relación inversa entre la cantidad de fibrosis y el incremento de la FEVI (r = -0,83, p < 0,0001). Hubo una disminución del volumen de fin de sístole del VI de 43,3 ± 8,2ml/m² (p < 0,001). Se produjo una mejoría en los síntomas de insuficiencia cardiaca, excepto en los pacientes con gran área de fibrosis (p = 0,45). Los predictores independientes para eventos fueron: área de fibrosis (p = 0,01), edad (p = 0,01), volumen de fin de sístole del VI (p = 0,03) y fracción de eyección (p = 0,02). El seguimiento libre de eventos fue diferente en relación con el área de fibrosis (p < 0,01). Conclusión: En pacientes con disfunción ventricular, la extensión del área de fibrosis fue un predictor independiente de la recuperación funcional del VI luego de la CRV. La combinación de RMC y parámetros clínicos puede auxiliar en la indicación de CRV.

Importance of the area of fibrosis at midterm evolution of patients submitted to ventricular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Although it is acknowledged that the ventricular reconstruction surgery (VRS) can promote reverse remodeling, new studies are necessary to define the influence of the left ventricular (LV) area of fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the extension of the area of fibrosis of the LV is important in the LV functional recovery after the surgery and correlate it with clinical factors. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 82 patients with ventricular dysfunction submitted to VRS. We analyzed the importance of the clinical characteristics and the amount of fibrosis was assessed, measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as small, medium and large. RESULTS: All patients were followed for 36 months, with a mortality of 6%. The amount of medium fibrosis was 25.8% +/- 13.6%. There was improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), from 36.9% +/- 6.8% to 48.2% +/- 8.2% (p < 0.001). There was an inverse association between the amount of fibrosis and the increase in LVEF (r = -0.83, p < 0.0001). There was a decrease in the LV end-systolic volume of 43.3 +/- 8.2 ml/m(2) (p < 0.001). There was an improvement in heart failure symptoms, except in patients with large areas of fibrosis (p = 0.45). The independent predictors for events were: fibrotic area (p = 0.01), age (p = 0.01), LV end-systolic volume (p = 0.03) and LVEF (p = 0.02). The event-free follow-up was different in relation to the area of fibrosis (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with ventricular dysfunction, the extension of the area of fibrosis was an independent predictor of the LV functional recovery after the VRS. The combination of cardiac MRI and clinical parameters can help in the indication for VRS.

Plastia tricúspide utilizando anuloplastia baseada na proporção entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide normal / Tricuspid valve repair using the proportion between segments of normal tricuspid annulus as a parameter for annuloplasty

OBJETIVO: Determinar a proporção existente entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide (VT) normal e aplicála na realização da anuloplastia tricúspidea "in vitro" e "in vivo". MÉTODOS: Imagens digitais do anel tricuspídeo de 30 corações de cadáveres humanos, sem formolização e sem insuficiência tricúspide (IT), foram analisadas e a proporção entre os segmentos ântero-posterior e septal foi determinada. Esta proporção foi utilizada na anuloplastia da VT com anel maleável de pericárdio bovino (PB), em 15 corações de cadáveres com IT e dilatação do anel valvar. A mesma proporção e técnica foi utilizada na realização de anuloplastia tricuspídea, em 11 pacientes com IT funcional, entre os quais, sete possuíam IT importante e quatro, moderada; cinco apresentavam insuficiência cardíaca (IC) classe IV (NYHA) e seis, classe III. RESULTADOS: Nas valvas continentes de cadáveres, a razão média entre o segmento ântero-posterior e septal foi 2,43±0,212. O tamanho médio dos anéis maleáveis PB utilizados "in vitro" foi 71,5±5,2mm e mediana 70mm. Todas as valvas ficaram continentes após a anuloplastia tricuspídea "in vitro". O tamanho médio do anel maleável PB utilizado "in vivo" foi 73,4±6,5mm e mediana 72mm. Ocorreu um (9,1 por cento) óbito. Na avaliação com 6 meses de pós-operatório, sete pacientes não possuíam IT e três possuíam IT leve; seis pacientes apresentavam IC classe I, três, classe II e um, classe III. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da proporção de 2,43:1 entre os segmentos ântero-posterior e septal, como um parâmetro na anuloplastia da VT, utilizando anel maleável de pericárdio bovino, demonstrou resultados iniciais favoráveis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion between the segments of the normal human tricuspid valve (TV) annulus and its use as a parameter for ring annuloplasty "in vitro" and "in vivo". METHODS: Digital images of the tricuspid ring of 30 human cadaveric hearts, without fixation and without tricuspid regurgitation (TR), were analyzed and the proportion between the antero-posterior and septal segments was determined. This proportion was used for TV annuloplasty with bovine pericardium (BP) flexible rings on 15 hearts from adult cadavers with TR and ring dilatation. The same proportion and technique were used for TV repair on 11 patients with functional TR. Preoperatively, seven patients had severe and four moderate TR; five patients were class IV and six class III (NYHA). RESULTS:The mean ratio between the antero-posterior and septal segments was 2.43±0.212 in the 30 hearts without TR. The mean size of the BP flexible ring used for "in vitro" surgical procedure was 71.5±5.2 mm, median 70 mm, and there was no TR after that in all 15 hearts. The mean size of the orthesis used on the patients was 73.4±6.5 mm, median 72 mm. There was 1 hospital death. Six months after surgery, 7 patients had no TR and 3 had mild TR; 6 patients were in NYHA class I, 3 in class II and 1 in class III. CONCLUSION: The use of the ratio 2.43:1 between the anterior-posterior and septal segments as a parameter in tricuspid valve annuloplasty with a bovine pericardium flexible ring leads to satisfactory results.

Tricuspid valve repair using the proportion between segments of normal tricuspid annulus as a parameter for annuloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion between the segments of the normal human tricuspid valve (TV) annulus and its use as a parameter for ring annuloplasty "in vitro" and "in vivo". METHODS: Digital images of the tricuspid ring of 30 human cadaveric hearts, without fixation and without tricuspid regurgitation (TR), were analyzed and the proportion between the antero-posterior and septal segments was determined. This proportion was used for TV annuloplasty with bovine pericardium (BP) flexible rings on 15 hearts from adult cadavers with TR and ring dilatation. The same proportion and technique were used for TV repair on 11 patients with functional TR. Preoperatively, seven patients had severe and four moderate TR; five patients were class IV and six class III (NYHA). RESULTS: The mean ratio between the antero-posterior and septal segments was 2.43+/-0.212 in the 30 hearts without TR. The mean size of the BP flexible ring used for "in vitro" surgical procedure was 71.5+/-5.2 mm, median 70 mm, and there was no TR after that in all 15 hearts. The mean size of the orthesis used on the patients was 73.4+/-6.5 mm, median 72 mm. There was 1 hospital death. Six months after surgery, 7 patients had no TR and 3 had mild TR; 6 patients were in NYHA class I, 3 in class II and 1 in class III. CONCLUSION: The use of the ratio 2.43:1 between the anterior-posterior and septal segments as a parameter in tricuspid valve annuloplasty with a bovine pericardium flexible ring leads to satisfactory results.

Proporção entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide normal: um parâmetro para realização da anuloplastia valvar / Proportion among the segments of the normal tricuspid valve annulus: parameter for valve annuloplasty

OBJETIVO: Determinar a proporção existente entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide normal em humanos. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 30 corações de cadáveres humanos não formolizados, com menos de 6h de período post-mortem, sem lesões congênitas ou adquiridas e com valvas tricúspides continentes. A continência valvar foi confirmada por injeção de água sob pressão no interior do ventrículo direito estando a valva pulmonar fechada. Fotos digitais da valva tricúspide com o anel valvar íntegro, e após secção e retificação, foram avaliadas por programa de computador. Compararam-se as medidas médias e as razões entre elas nas condições de anel íntegro e retificado. RESULTADOS: Com o anel valvar íntegro, os valores médios do perímetro, segmento septal e ântero-posterior foram 105mm (±12,7), 30,6mm (±3,7) e 74mm (±9,4), respectivamente. Com o anel valvar retificado, os valores médios foram 117,5mm (±13,3), 32mm (±3,7), 46,3mm (±8,3) e 39,1mm (±8,5), respectivamente para perímetro, segmento septal, anterior e posterior. As razões médias entre o segmento ântero-posterior e o septal foram 2,43 (±0,212) e 2,67 (±0,304), respectivamente, em anéis íntegros e retificados. Houve diferenças significantes nas medidas do perímetro (p<0,0001), do segmento septal (p=0,003) e do segmento ântero-posterior (p<0,0001) entre anéis íntegros e retificados. As razões entre segmento ântero-posterior e septal também apresentaram diferença significante (p=0,0005). CONCLUSÃO: A proporção entre o segmento septal e o segmento ântero-posterior, do anel da valva tricúspide normal em humanos, é igual a 1: 2,43. A secção e retificação do anel tricuspídeo altera as medidas de seus segmentos e suas relações.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the proportions among the segments of the human tricuspid valve annulus. METHODS: A descriptive autopsy study was made of 30 human hearts without fixation, within six hours of death, without congenital or acquired lesions and without tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid valve insufficiency was excluded by the infusion of pressurized water in the right ventricle with the pulmonary valve closed. Digital images of the tricuspid ring in its anatomical position and after flattening were analyzed by specific software. The mean measurements and ratios were compared in the two different situations. RESULTS: The mean measurements of the perimeter, septal and antero-posterior segments of the tricuspid ring in the anatomical position were: 105mm (±12.7), 30.6mm (±3.7) and 74mm (±9.4), respectively. When flattened, the mean measurement of the perimeter was 117.5mm (±13.3) and sizes of the septal, anterior and posterior segments were 32mm (±3.7), 46.3mm (±8.3) and 39.1mm (±8.5), respectively. The mean ratio between the antero-posterior and septal segments was 2.43 (±0.212) in the anatomical position and when flattened it was 2.67 (±0.304). Statistical differences were observed in the measurements of perimeter (p<0.0001), septal segment (p=0.003) and antero-posterior segment (p<0.0001) in both situations. Statistical differences also occurred in the ratios between the antero-posterior and septal segments (p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: The proportion between the septal and antero-posterior segments of the normal human tricuspid valve is 1:2.43. Flattening the tricuspid ring to measure the segments, changes the values and the ratios between them.

Left ventricular reconstruction brings benefit for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment strategies for some patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy can be unclear. We compared the outcome for patients treated with revascularization only or with additional ventricular reconstruction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared 74 consecutive patients with an ejection fraction <35% and a left end-systolic volume index >80 mL/m(2). All patients underwent revasularization but some received only revascularization (group 1) and some were randomized into a group that received additional ventricular reconstruction (group 2). Preoperative and postoperative ejection fraction, end-systolic volume, mitral regurgitation, mortality, heart failure (HF) symptoms, and recurrence were compared between groups. There was 1 postoperative death in group 2 (P =. 58). Preoperative ejection fraction between the groups was similar (P =. 19) but it differed significantly postoperatively (P < .001). HF class (New York Heart Association) decreased more in group 2 (group 2, 2.3 +/- 0.4 versus group 1, 1.4 +/- 0.4; P < .001). Incidence of HF recurrence and rehospitalization was significantly less in group 2 (P = .028). The postoperative development of higher-grade mitral regurgitation was greater in group 1 (147 +/- 32 mL/m(2) versus 119 +/- 25 mL/m(2), P = .024). CONCLUSION: The outcome at midterm of coronary artery surgery alone in patients with a preoperative large left ventricle was inferior compared with the outcome achieved with additional ventricular restoration.

Left ventricular reconstruction benefits patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and non-viable myocardium.

OBJECTIVE: There are subsets of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy for whom the optimal treatment strategies are not clear. The objective of this study was to delineate the relationship between clinical outcomes and surgical procedure in patients who were treated either with a coronary artery bypass graft or with a coronary artery bypass graft and additional ventricular restoration. METHODS: The study population comprised 137 consecutive patients with anterior myocardial infarction. All patients had an ejection fraction <50% and left ventricle end-systolic volume index >80 ml/m(2). The patients were divided into a viable and a non-viable group according to anterior myocardium viability, which was determined by a thallium-201 test. The viable group underwent a revascularization and was randomized into two groups for additional ventricular reconstruction. Group 1a comprised 35 patients with viable anterior wall who underwent surgical revascularization. Group 1b comprised 39 patients with viable anterior wall who underwent surgical revascularization and ventricular restoration. Group 2 comprised 69 patients with non-viable anterior wall who underwent revascularization and ventricular reconstruction. The preoperative and postoperative ejection fractions, end-systolic volume, mitral regurgitation, mortality, and heart failure symptoms were compared among groups. RESULTS: Complete 2-year follow-up was achieved in 127 (92.7%) patients. Ejection fraction improved in all groups compared with preoperative values and it was greater in group 1b than in group 1a (p<0.001) at 2 years. There were no postoperative deaths in group 1a, one in group 1b, and two in group 2. After 2 years, group 1b was significantly smaller than group 1a (p<0.01) in relation to mitral regurgitation of grades 1 to 2+. End-systolic volume was significantly smaller in group 1b than in group 1a (p<0.001), it was smaller in group 1a than in group 2 (p<0.001), and it was smaller in group 1b than in group 2 (p<0.001). Heart failure class (NYHA) was reduced in all groups and events were significantly smaller in patients with end-systolic volume lesser than 120 ml/m(2) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that the short-term and mid-term outcomes of coronary artery surgery alone in patients with a large left ventricle are inferior to coronary artery surgery plus ventricular restoration.

O impacto de mudancas nas medidas de prevencão e no tratamento de infeccões incisionais em cirurgia de revascularizacão do miocárdio / The impact of new preventive measures and treatment of surgical site infections after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de novas medidas de prevencão e tratamento para infeccões incisionais em cirurgia de revascularizacão do miocárdio (RM). MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo incluindo 468 pacientes submetidos a RM com circulacão extracorpórea, distribuídos em Grupo A (n=224) e Grupo B (n=244), de pacientes operados antes e após a adocão do novo protocolo, respectivamente. Análise comparativa entre os grupos procurou detectar a incidência de infeccões superficiais e profundas na incisão para esternotomia, de recorrências e reinternacões. RESULTADOS: Quanto aos fatores de risco relacionados a hábitos e doencas dos pacientes, aspectos cirúrgicos e hospitalares, ocorreram diferencas entre os grupos quanto a maior utilizacão da artéria mamária (p=0,003) e menor tempo de intubacão orotraqueal (p=0,001) no Grupo B. Infeccões incisionais - no Grupo A foram 44 (19,6 por cento) casos, sendo 33 (14,7 por cento) superficiais e 11 (4,9 por cento) profundas; no Grupo B foram 13 (5,3 por cento) casos com 10 (4,1 por cento) superficiais e três (1,2 por cento) profundas, sendo significativa a diferenca quanto ao número total de infeccões incisionais (p<0,001), superficiais (p<0,001) e profundas (p=0,037). As recorrências foram de 36,3 por cento e 7,7 por cento, respectivamente para os Grupos A e B (p=0,102). Ocorreram 21 reinternacões relacionadas à infeccão incisional no Grupo A e 3, no Grupo B (p<0,001). CONCLUSAO: Para este grupo de pacientes, as mudancas adotadas resultaram em reducão nas infeccões incisionais e também diminuíram as reinternacões relacionadas a este aspecto.

Benefício da revascularização do miocárdio em pacientes com disfunção ventricular e músculo viável: remodelamento ventricular reverso e prognóstico / The beneficial effect of revascularization on patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and viable myocardium: reverse remodeling and prognosis

OBJETIVO: Analisar a importância da viabilidade do miocárdio e parâmetros clínicos na melhora da função ventricular, sintomas e prognóstico, como reversão do remodelamento. MÉTODO: Cento e quinze pacientes submetidos a revascularização do miocárdio com análise prévia da viabilidade do miocárdio com thallium-201. Fração de ejeção, volumes sistólicos e diastólicos do ventrículo esquerdo e classe funcional foram determinados, antes da cirurgia e a cada seis meses por 3 anos. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com > 4 segmentos viáveis demonstraram melhora da fração de ejeção de 34±6 para 44±4 por cento (p<0,001), o volume diastólico foi de 113±31 para 91±22 ml/m² (p<0,001) e o volume sistólico foi 78,3±11 para 57±17 ml/m² (p<0,001). No grupo com < 4 segmentos viáveis, foi de 33,4±4 vs. 35,1±5 por cento (p=0,19), o volume diastólico foi de 112±24 para 118±16 ml/m² (p=0,34), volume sistólico de 72±23 para 73±12 ml/m² (p= 0,81). Análise multivariada apontou fatores clínicos relacionados com evolução desfavorável (diabetes mellitus, mais que um infarto e longo intervalo de tempo entre infarto e operação). Melhora da classe funcional (NYHA) no grupo com mais segmentos viáveis e menor quantidade de eventos (log rank test, p = 0,0053). CONCLUSAO: O benefício da revascularização, em pacientes com músculo viável, além da melhora função ventricular, proporciona remodelamento reverso, atenua a dilatação e reduz eventos.

Icterícia obstrutiva: conceito, classificaçäo, etiologia e fisiopatologia / Extrahepatic obstruction: definition, classification, ethiology, pathophysiology

A icterícia é um sinal clínico comum a várias condiçöes patológicas. As icterícias obstrutivas ocorrem quando há algum obstáculo ao livre fluxo de bile entre o sítio produtor (hepatócito) e o duodeno e säo causadas por drogas, doenças imunológicas, afecçöes congênitas, parasitas, cálculos ou tumores. Para o cirurgiäo, as icterícias obstrutivas extra-hepáticas säo as mais importantes e podem näo cursar com as clássicas elevaçöes enzimáticas. O aumento da pressäo ductal e a contaminaçäo da bile têm efeitos deletérios näo só para a célula hepática como para todo o sistema imunológico. O benefício da descompressäo pré-operatória ainda é objeto de discussäo e a completa avaliaçäo pré-operatória pode diminuir as taxas de morbidade cirúrgica.

Icterícia obstrutiva: diagnóstico laboratorial e de imagem / Extrahepatic cholestasis: laboratory and image diagnosis

A investigaçäo das icterícias obstrutivas inicia-se pela história, exame físico e testes laboratoriais. Os métodos de imagens (ultra-sonografia, tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética) atualmente säo indispensáveis para uma correta avaliaçäo. Outros métodos intervencionistas, como a colangiografia percutânea e endoscópica também desempenham importante papel e possuem indicaçöes precisas. A cintilografia hepatobiliar tem limitado papel na propedêutica desses doentes, mas métodos modernos como a colangio-ressonância podem ocupar mais espaço na medida em que apresentam boa resoluçäo e baixo risco. O sucesso do tratamento cirúrgico das icterícias obstrutivas depende de uma completa avaliaçäo pré-operatória que é possível apenas com a cooperaçäo entre cirurgiöes, clínicos e radiologistas. Centros especializados têm sido criados com este objetivo.

Uso de dreno fino retrocardíaco em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. Descrição de técnica / Use of a Thin Retrocardiac Drain after open Heart Surgery. Description of the Technique

PURPOSE: To describe a technique with a thin drainage system placed behind the heart, avoiding reoperation caused by tamponade due to pericardial effusion in patients who undergo open heart surgery. METHODS: We studied 59 patients, average age of 50 years. Twenty-six (44) patients had undergone CABG, 25 (42) valvar procedures and 8 (14) different procedures. The control group were 20 patients, average age 44 years. Nine (45) underwent CABG, 6 (30) valvar procedures and 5 (25) other procedures. Every patient was submitted to echocardiographic study to verify presence of pericardial effusion after operation. RESULTS: There was one patient with pericardial effusion with 8mm in the study group. Six patients showed pericardial effusion in the control group. The control group had mean drainage flow of 320 +/- 110ml and average permanence time was 45 +/- 10h. The study group had mean drainage flow of 410 +/- 122ml, the average permanence time was 46 +/- 10h. There was statistic difference between both groups when we compared the frequency of pericardial effusion. CONCLUSION: This drainage system reduces pericardial effusion comparing with the literature and causes little discomfort to the patient. The fixed rule to remove the drains did not present more discomfort to the patient and there were no complications related to its permanence.