Severe Upper Airway Obstruction After Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a correlation between the use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and an increased rate of extubation failure and to find other risk factors for severe upper airway obstructions after pediatric cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Cardiac PICU. PATIENTS: Patients 24 months old or younger who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease with cardiopulmonary bypass were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups depending on whether they received an intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography or not. We analyzed all cases of early reintubations within 12 hours after extubation due to a documented upper airway obstruction. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From a total of 424 patients, 12 patients (2.8%) met our criteria of early reintubation due to upper airway obstruction. Ten of 207 children in the transesophageal echocardiography group had to be reintubated, whereas only two of the 217 children in the control group had to be reintubated (4.8% vs 0.9%; p = 0.018). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and extubation failure (odds ratio, 5.64; 95% CI, 1.18-27.05; p = 0.030). There was no significant relationship among sex (odds ratio, 4.53; 95% CI, 0.93-22.05; p = 0.061), weight (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.82-1.40; p = 0.601), duration of surgery (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.74-1.44; p = 0.834), duration of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00; p = 0.998), and occurrence of trisomy 21 (odds ratio, 3.47; 95% CI, 0.83-14.56; p = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: Although the benefits of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during pediatric cardiac surgery are undisputed, it may be one factor which could increase the rate of severe upper airway obstruction after extubation with the need for reintubation. We suggest to take precautions before extubating high-risk patients, especially in young male children with genetic abnormalities after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

2D Echocardiographic Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function Correlates With 3D Volumetric Models in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The early diagnosis and treatment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are of critical importance in cardiac surgery patients and impact clinical outcome. Two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to evaluate RV function using surrogate parameters due to complex RV geometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the commonly used visual evaluation of RV function and size using 2D TEE correlated with the calculated three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of RV function. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study, single center, University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Seventy complete datasets were studied consisting of 2D 4-chamber view loops (2-3 beats) and the corresponding 4-chamber view 3D full-volume loop of the right ventricle. RV function and RV size of the 2D loops then were assessed retrospectively purely qualitatively individually by 4 clinician echocardiographers certified in perioperative TEE. Corresponding 3D volumetric models calculating RV ejection fraction and RV end-diastolic volumes then were established and compared with the 2D assessments. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 2D assessment of RV function correlated with 3D volumetric calculations (Spearman's rho -0.5; p<0.0001). No correlation could be established between 2D estimates of RV size and actual 3D volumetric end-diastolic volumes (Spearman's rho 0.15; p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: The 2D assessment of right ventricular function based on visual estimation as frequently used in clinical practice appeared to be a reliable method of RV functional evaluation. However, 2D assessment of RV size seemed unreliable and should be used with caution.

Safety of transesophageal echocardiography during extracorporeal life support.

INTRODUCTION:: Use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has significantly increased in critically ill patients refractory to medical management. ECLS requires systemic anticoagulation to avoid thromboembolic complications and superimposed coagulopathies are common. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently employed to assess cannula position and cardiac function during extracorporeal therapy. The goal of this study was to assess whether TEE probe insertion and removal in systemically anticoagulated ECLS patients was safe compared to patients without ECLS and normal coagulation studies. METHODS:: Eighty-seven separate TEE examinations in 53 adult ECLS patients were analyzed. Detailed complication profiles were logged for each patient from initiation through discontinuation of ECLS. Routine coagulation testing was recorded within two hours prior to the TEE exams. Controls consisted of age- and gender-matched patients undergoing perioperative TEE without ECLS and normal coagulation (N=87). RESULTS:: Overall TEE-associated morbidity in ECLS patients was 2.3% and consisted of minor oropharyngeal bleeding (2/87 TEE exams) exclusively. The patients presenting with oropharyngeal bleeding received heparin for anticoagulation and had two or more abnormal coagulation studies at the time of TEE. Seventy-nine percent of ECLS patients received intravenous heparin infusions, 6.8% argatroban and 3.4% epoprostenol. Ten-point-eight percent of patients were not anticoagulated at the time of TEE because of pre-existing bleeding complications and/or deranged plasmatic coagulation profiles. No major complications (e.g., esophageal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, accidental extubation) were recorded in either group. CONCLUSIONS:: TEE remained safe in critically ill patients under ECLS, despite systemic anticoagulation, during probe insertion, manipulation and removal. TEE-related complications pertained solely to oropharyngeal bleeding amenable to conservative management.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) predicts poor outcome in patients undergoing acute pulmonary embolectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Right ventricular failure remains a major cause of mortality during acute pulmonary embolism. Right ventricular function can be assessed with transesophageal echocardiography. However, due to the complex right ventricular anatomy, only a few echocardiographic parameters are reliable and easily obtainable intraoperatively. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion is a validated parameter of global right ventricular function. METHODS: Data from 81 patients with acute pulmonary embolus undergoing pulmonary embolectomy were evaluated. Transesophageal echocardiography derived parameters of right ventricular function were obtained and compared to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion measurements. Patients were then divided into two groups (TAPSE < 18 mm and ≥18 mm). RESULTS: The patient population consisted of 46 males and 35 females, mean age 61.0 ± 12.9 years. Patients in the TAPSE <18 mm group had significantly larger diastolic (p=0.0015) and systolic (p=0.0031) right ventricular diameters, lower right ventricular fractional area change  (p=0.0065) and greater degrees of tricuspid regurgitation (p=0.0001) compared to patients with TAPSE ≥18 mm. In addition, all patients who needed intraoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation (11/81) or died intraoperatively (8/81) belonged to the TAPSE <18 mm group. Logistic regression analysis confirmed TAPSE <18 mm as an independent risk factor for intraoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and death. CONCLUSIONS: Transesophageal echocardiography derived TAPSE is easily obtainable and correlates well with other standardized parameters of right ventricular function. TAPSE <18 mm is an independent predictor of intraoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and death in patients undergoing emergent pulmonary embolectomy.

Influence of intraaortic balloon pump counterpulsation on transesophageal echocardiography derived determinants of diastolic function.

INTRODUCTION: Intraaortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) is often used in patients with acute coronary syndrome for its favourable effects on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and coronary perfusion. However, the effects of IABP on LV diastolic function have not been comprehensively investigated. Acute diastolic dysfunction has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of IABP on LV diastolic dysfunction using standard TEE derived parameters. METHODS: Intraoperative TEE was performed in 10 patients (mean age 65 ± 11 yrs) undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), who had received an IABP preoperatively. TEE derived measures of diastolic dysfunction included early to late transmitral Doppler inflow velocity ratio (E/A), deceleration time (Dt), pulmonary venous systolic to diastolic Doppler velocity ratio (S/D), transmitral propagation velocity (Vp), and the ratio of early to late mitral annular tissue Doppler velocities (e'/a'). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon Sign-Rank test, and a p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Transmitral inflow E/A ratios increased significantly from 0.86 to 1.07 (p < 0.05), while Dt decreased significantly from 218 to 180 ms (p < 0.05) with the use of IABP. Significant increases in Vp (34 cm/s to 43 cm/s; p < 0.05), and e'/a' (0.58 to 0.71; p < 0.05) suggested a favourable influence of intraaortic counterpulsation on diastolic function. CONCLUSION: The use of perioperative IABP significantly improves TEE derived parameters of diastolic function consistent with a favourable impact on LV relaxation in cardiac surgery patients undergoing CABG.

Bridge to recovery or permanent system implantation: an eight-year single-center experience in transvenous semipermanent pacing.

BACKGROUND: To compare the risks, implications, and outcomes of transvenous semipermanent pacing as a bridge to permanent system implantation or recovery. METHODS: We investigated semipermanent transvenous pacing systems consisting of one (n = 57%) or two (n = 3%) bipolar active-fixation pacing leads and an attached epicutaneous pulse generator implanted from 2000 to 2009. The study population comprised 60 patients aged 72.9 ± 10.5 years (44 [73.3%] male). Forty-two (70%) were enrolled for complete system explantation for cardiac-implanted electronic devices associated infection. Eighteen (30%) required temporary pacing in the context of a variety of mostly severe cardiac and noncardiac conditions. The semipermanent pacing systems were removed after implantation of permanent systems or recovery of a noncompromising heart rhythm, respectively. RESULTS: Transvenous semipermanent lead implantation was successful in 59 (98.3%) patients. Major and minor intraoperative complications occurred in one case (1.7%) each. The semipermanent systems were left in situ for a mean period of 14.6 ± 8.1 days). They served as a bridge to permanent system implantation in 68.3% (n = 41) and as a bridge to recovery of a noncompromising heart rhythm in 11.7% (n = 7). Four patients (8.3%) died with the semipermanent pacing system in situ, and seven (11.7%) were transferred to external hospitals with semipermanent pacing systems. CONCLUSIONS: Transvenous semipermanent pacing with bipolar active-fixation leads and epicutaneous pulse generators provide an important option for prolonged temporary pacing as a bridge to permanent system implantation or recovery.

Application of intravascular dissection devices for closed chest coronary sinus lead extraction: an interdisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Increasing application of cardiac resynchronization therapy is accompanied by an increase in patients requiring removal of coronary sinus (CS) leads. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes of closed chest CS lead extraction using intravascular dissection devices. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, 41 patients (80.5% men; aged 64.2±13.8 years) underwent transvenous CS lead extraction procedures. Reasons for lead extraction were infection in 9, CS lead dislodgement in 15, lead malfunction, including manufacturer-initiated product recall in 6, phrenic nerve stimulation in 5, combinations of causes in 5, and elective extraction concomitant with generator replacement for battery depletion in 1. RESULTS: In addition to 24 isolated CS lead extractions, we performed 17 multiple lead extractions (2 to 4 leads) after a mean of 30.6±32.5 months. The time elapsed from implantation was 4.6±9.1 months for isolated CS and 42.6±32.4 months for multiple lead extractions. Extraction by direct manual traction was feasible in 13 patients by locking stylets in 6. Escalation to mechanical sheaths was required in 17 patients and to electrosurgical sheaths in 5. More aggressive methods were associated with longer implantation times and positive infection status. No deaths or major periprocedural complications occurred. Six minor postprocedural complications, of which three were surgically related, occurred in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Closed chest CS lead extraction can be safely performed with excellent results. We recommend an escalating approach from isolated manual traction over locking stylets to mechanical sheaths and, eventually, electrosurgical dissection devices. The application in mainly high-risk patients demands an interdisciplinary approach to enhance safety and limit morbidity and death.

Recovery of residual curarization after red blood cell transfusion.

BACKGROUND: The muscle-relaxing effects of succinylcholine are terminated via hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase. There are multiple genetic variants of this enzyme and clinical circumstances that might influence the activity of plasma cholinesterase and eventually lead to prolonged neuromuscular blockade following succinylcholine application. CASE REPORT: Here, we report a parturient woman with atonic bleeding who suffered significant blood loss (hemoglobin 6.0 g•dL-¹). For surgical curettage, general anesthesia was performed by using short-acting succinylcholine. By the end of the 105-minute procedure, the patient's trachea was extubated. After extubation she showed signs of the prolonged neuromuscular blocking action of succinylcholine. At this time, the patient received an AB0-compatible red blood cell transfusion and recovered instantly from neuromuscular blockade. The plasma cholinesterase (3.200 U•L-¹) was below the normal range (4.900-12.000 U•L-¹). Patient's blood DNA analysis revealed heterozygously the genetic K variant of plasma cholinesterase. After red blood cell transfusion, serum potassium was elevated (5.7 mmol•L-¹; 4.4 mmol•L-¹ prior to transfusion). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy, blood loss and genetic variation contributed to impairment of plasma cholinesterase. Due to high-speed red blood cell transfusion, hemolytic release of erythrocyte cholinesterase might have terminated the neuromuscular blocking succinylcholine effect.

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane inhibits activation of neutrophil granulocytes during simulated extracorporeal circulation.

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is an essential tool for the execution of cardiac operations. However, ECC is also associated with undesirable side effects. These include the induction of a systemic inflammatory response associated with leukocyte activation and cytokine release as well as potentially life-threatening complications. The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane has been reported to exert anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory effects. We therefore investigated whether sevoflurane modulates the ECC-triggered inflammatory response. Heparinized human blood was circulated for 90 min in a normothermic (37°C) ex vivo ECC circuit. An air-oxygen mixture was administered via an oxygenator in controls (n=5). Sevoflurane (2 vol.%) was added to the gas mixture in a second group (n=5). At baseline and after 30, 60 and 90 min of ECC, blood samples were taken. In each sample whole blood counts were determined. Expression of the activation-indicating Mac-1 receptor on granulocytes and monocytes as well as leukocyte-platelet aggregate formation was measured in flow cytometry. Levels of the granulocyte activation marker PMN-elastase and of the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-8 and TNF-α were analyzed using ELISA. ECC induced significant increases in Mac-1 expression on granulocytes (p<0.001) and PMN-elastase release (p<0.001). Sevoflurane decreased granulocyte Mac-1 expression during ECC (p<0.05) and inhibited the ECC-induced PMN-elastase release (p<0.05). Sevoflurane had no effect on whole blood cell counts, leukocyte-platelet aggregate formation and cytokine release during ECC. Sevoflurane inhibits granulocyte activation during ex vivo ECC and therefore has the potential to decrease the ECC-triggered inflammatory response. This promising finding warrants further investigation under clinical conditions.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of pediatric metacarpal fractures: experiences with 66 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the first-choice surgical technique for stabilizing various pediatric diaphyseal and selected metaphyseal fractures of the long bones. This technique has increasingly been applied in fractures of the small bones. Here, we report experiences with ESIN in displaced fractures of the metacarpals in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of metacarpal fractures in children stabilized by ESIN in three pediatric trauma centers between 2003 and 2009. Indication for intervention was total displacement or axial deviation >10 degrees in the frontal plane and/or >30 degrees in the sagittal view. RESULTS: A total of 66 cases of metacarpal fractures (51 right hand and 12 left hand) treated by ESIN were found in 63 children (mean age 13.3 years; range 4.0 to 16.1) over the study period. Of these, 55 fractures affected metacarpal 5, 6 fractures affected metacarpal 4, 3 fractures affected metacarpal 1, and 2 fractures occurred at metacarpal 2. Mean operating time was 21 minutes (range 5 to 54), titanium elastic nails were used with a diameter of 1.5 mm (n = 23), 2.0 mm (n = 42), and 2.5 mm (n = 1). Single ESIN implantation was performed in 63 cases; in 3 cases, two nails were implanted. Eleven patients received additional immobilization due to nondisplaced additional fractures of the phalanx (n = 2) or for analgetic treatment (n = 9). Five complications were registered (7.6%). In two cases recurrent fracture dislocation occurred, one of them requiring revision of the osteosynthesis. In other two cases irritation of the extensor tendons occurred, one of them requiring secondary tendon plasty. One persisting cutaneous hyposensibility after ESIN of a metacarpal 5 fracture was reported. All fractures healed uneventfully and metal removal was performed after a mean of 92 days (range 31 to 104). After a mean follow-up of 26 months (range 2 to 74), all patients had full range of movement and cosmetic results were described as good and satisfactory by all patients. CONCLUSION: ESIN of the metacarpals is a safe, minimally invasive, and technically easy option in displaced fractures that warrant surgical intervention achieving excellent long-term results. Complications occurred when technical aspects to obtain stability were neglected or tendons and nerves of the hand had been injured. Stabilizing fractures of metacarpal 1 is technically challenging when compared with fractures of metacarpals 2 to 5.

Anaphylactic reaction after systemic application of aprotinin triggered by aprotinin-containing fibrin sealant.

We report a 67-yr-old male after multiple surgical procedures for treatment of arterial occlusive disease who suffered an anaphylactic reaction after administration of aprotinin (Trasylol) prior to urgent coronary artery bypass surgery. The patient had been treated with aprotinin-containing fibrin sealant in 2004 and in 2007, 2 wk before coronary artery bypass surgery. The postoperative serologic screening revealed positive results for qualitative aprotinin-specific IgG, highly elevated quantitative aprotinin-specific IgG and moderately elevated aprotinin-specific IgE antibodies.

Using reagent-supported thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to monitor haemostatic changes in congenital heart surgery employing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) can induce coagulation disturbances and bleeding complications that may be especially severe in infants. A better understanding of the coagulopathy and a quick method for its evaluation would be helpful in the management of patients exposed to CPB and DHCA. This study aimed to monitor coagulation defects in congenital heart surgery using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), standard coagulation tests and platelet flow cytometry. METHODS: The study comprised 10 infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease on CPB and DHCA. Blood was sampled at skin incision, after heparinisation during CPB (directly pre- and directly post-DHCA) and after protamine administration post-CPB. ROTEM using different reagents including a heparinase-containing assay to evaluate coagulation during heparinisation, APTT and INR, and flow cytometry to evaluate platelet activation were performed. RESULTS: During CPB, the ROTEM indicated CPB-induced clotting factor depletion and platelet dysfunction that persisted after CPB and heparin neutralisation. ROTEM results were available within 15 min and therefore much faster than standard tests. ROTEM-guided specific blood product treatment resulted in satisfactory coagulatory function. The highest degree of platelet activation was found directly after DHCA. CONCLUSIONS: A major benefit of ROTEM is the quick detection of a developing coagulopathy already during CPB. ROTEM guides quick and specific blood product treatment after CPB, which may decrease bleeding complications in cardiac surgery. The finding of maximal platelet activation directly after DHCA suggests that not only CPB but also hypothermia activates platelets in vivo, thereby contributing to platelet dysfunction.

Treatment decision, method of osteosynthesis, and outcome in radial neck fractures in children: a multicenter study.

To determine whether closed elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of radial neck fractures in children is accepted as standard procedure with satisfactory results, a prospective multicenter case collection study was conducted. Sixty-six cases from 12 departments were analyzed during 2 years. Thirty-six fractures of Judet 1 or 2 grade (54.5%) were treated without reduction; all of these fractures showed good to excellent results. Thirty fractures of grade 3 or 4 needed a closed (25 [37.9%]) or open reduction (5 [7.6%]), and 74% of them had good to excellent results. Osteosynthesis was carried out in 26 of the reduced fractures (23 ESIN, 3 Kirschner wire fixation). Using ESIN, 78% of the results were good to excellent. Seven children developed significant restrictions of pronation/supination, including three of the five open reduced fractures. ESIN has found wide acceptance, and the results are satisfactory. Restricted use of open interventions may be the key to improving results.