Epicardial placement of human placental membrane allografts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation: a pilot study for a future multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in up to 40% of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is associated with a higher risk of stroke and mortality. This study investigates how POAF may be mitigated by epicardial placement of aseptically processed human placental membrane allografts (HPMAs) before pericardial closure in CABG surgery. This study was conducted as a pilot feasibility study to collect preliminary for a forthcoming multi-center randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This retrospective observational study of patients undergoing CABG surgery excluded patients with pre-operative heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or a history of atrial fibrillation. The "treatment" group (n = 24) had three HPMAs placed epicardially following cardiopulmonary bypass decannulation but before partial pericardial approximation and chest closure. The only difference in clinical protocol for the control group (n = 54) was that they did not receive HPMA. RESULTS: HPMA-treated patients saw a significant, greater than four-fold reduction in POAF incidence compared to controls (35.2-8.3%, p = 0.0136). Univariate analysis demonstrated that HPMA treatment was associated with an 83% reduction in POAF (OR = 0.17, p = 0.0248). Multivariable analysis yielded similar results (OR = 0.07, p = 0.0156) after controlling for other covariates. Overall length of stay (LOS) between groups was similar, but ICU LOS trended lower with HPMA treatment (p = 0.0677). Post-operative inotrope and vasopressor requirements were similar among groups. There was no new-onset post-operative heart failure, stroke, or death reported up to thirty days in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Epicardial HPMA placement can be a simple intervention at the end of CABG surgery that may provide a new approach to reduce post-operative atrial fibrillation by modulating local inflammation, possibly reducing ICU and hospital stay, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Sternal Complications Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Robicsek Repair: Comprehensive Sternal Reconstruction With Sternal Plating and the Use of Novel Biologic Therapies.

Sternal non-union and fractured sternal wires are rare but devastating complications of median sternotomy for cardiac surgery, and these can lead to chronic pain, instability, and impaired quality of life. Patients may present with various symptoms such as clicking sensations, chest wall discomfort, and even respiratory difficulties. The underlying causes are multifactorial, including patient comorbidities, surgical technique, and postoperative management. The treatment options range from conservative measures to complex surgical interventions, such as sternal debridement, rewiring, and reconstruction with rigid fixation systems. Novel therapeutic technologies, including amniotic membranes and platelet-rich plasma, have shown promise in promoting wound healing and reducing complications in these challenging cases. We present the case of a 58-year-old male who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and subsequently developed sternal dehiscence requiring Robicsek repair. Despite undergoing this procedure, the patient experienced poor sternal healing, and hence he was referred to our center, presenting with shortness of breath, pain due to fractured sternal wires, and sternal non-union. The patient underwent a complex sternal reconstruction involving redo full median sternotomy, removal of sternal wires, and sternal plating, along with the application of amniotic membranes and platelet-rich plasma to the sternal wound. The procedure successfully stabilized the sternum. This report highlights the benefits of a multifaceted approach to addressing repeated sternal breakdown following CABG and the potential therapeutic benefits of novel technologies in promoting wound healing.

Prophylactic Left Atrial Appendage Ligation During Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Allows Safe Avoidance of Anticoagulation Regardless of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Background New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery. POAF increases the risk of thromboembolism and stroke, as well as morbidity and mortality more generally. Despite evidence from the landmark PROTECT-AF and PREVAIL trials, left atrial appendage ligation (LAAL) is not routinely performed for thromboembolism prophylaxis in POAF, and anticoagulation remains the standard of care along with dual antiplatelet therapy. This study evaluated the efficacy of concomitant LAAL in eliminating the need for postoperative anticoagulation, regardless of POAF development, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Between 2019 and 2021, 130 patients were selected to undergo concomitant LAAL while undergoing CABG surgery. Patients were then monitored for the incidence of new-onset POAF, and anticoagulation was strictly avoided for this indication. Demographic and outcome data were collected, with endpoints including transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, death, and readmission within one year, as well as the length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Results POAF occurred in 37 patients (28.5%), consistent with previous reports. However, none of the POAF patients experienced TIA or stroke during the one-year follow-up period, compared to 2 (2.15%) in the non-POAF group, a typical rate of postoperative stroke in such a patient population. No significant differences were observed between POAF and non-POAF cohorts in one-year stroke, all-cause mortality, readmission rates, or total hospital stay. Interestingly, the POAF cohort had a significantly longer mean ICU stay (4.24 vs 3.37 days, p = 0.0219), possibly due to the time required for arrhythmia control before discharge. The study population had a high mean CHA2DS2-VASc score (2.81), indicating an increased risk of thromboembolism, and a high mean HAS-BLED score, suggesting an elevated bleeding risk with anticoagulation. Conclusions LAAL appears to be an effective adjunct to CABG for thromboembolism prophylaxis in POAF. Formal anticoagulation was avoided in this study, with no significant differences in adverse events between POAF and non-POAF groups, suggesting that LAAL may be a suitable alternative to anticoagulation, especially in high-risk patients (e.g., those with elevated CHA2DS2-VASc or HAS-BLED scores). The safety and efficacy of this approach should be corroborated by larger randomized studies, such as the ongoing LeAAPS trial. LAAL during CABG may help reduce the risk of bleeding complications associated with anticoagulation while maintaining protection against thromboembolic events in patients who develop POAF.

Synergistic Effect of Transmyocardial Revascularization and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Improving Cardiac Function After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a global health burden, contributing to mortality and morbidity. A proportion of patients with CAD suffer from diffuse CAD, where conventional revascularization techniques such as percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be insufficient to adequately restore myocardial perfusion. Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) uses a laser to create microscopic channels in the myocardium, inducing inflammation, angiogenesis, and neovascularization to improve perfusion to ischemic regions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrate of platelets that contains a myriad of growth factors and bioactive proteins, which have been shown to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing. The combination of TMR and PRP therapies has been proposed to synergistically enhance myocardial revascularization and functional recovery in patients with advanced CAD undergoing surgical revascularization. Methods This study evaluated the efficacy of combining TMR and PRP with CABG in improving cardiac function in diffuse CAD patients. Fifty-two patients were randomized to CABG alone (n = 16), CABG+TMR (n = 17), CABG+PRP (n = 10), and CABG+TMR+PRP (n = 9). TMR was performed using a holmium:YAG laser to create 10 channels in the inferolateral left ventricular wall. PRP was prepared from autologous whole blood and injected into the myocardium adjacent to the TMR channels. Cardiac function was assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography preoperatively, postoperatively, and at one-year follow-up. Adverse events, including post-operative atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, and readmissions, were also recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes between the treatment groups. Results The CABG+TMR+PRP group showed significantly improved global longitudinal strain (GLS) at one year compared to CABG alone (mean GLS -15.96 vs -12.09, p = 0.02). Post-operative left ventricular ejection fraction trended higher in the TMR+PRP group (57.78%) vs other groups, but not significantly. Post-operative atrial fibrillation was higher in the TMR+PRP group (67% vs 25%, p = 0.04), potentially reflecting increased inflammation. No significant differences were observed in other adverse events. Conclusions The results of this study suggest a synergistic benefit of combining TMR and PRP therapies as an adjunct to CABG in patients with diffuse CAD. The significant improvement in GLS at one year in the TMR+PRP group compared to CABG alone indicates enhanced myocardial remodeling and functional recovery, which may translate to improved long-term outcomes. The higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in the TMR+PRP group warrants further investigation but may reflect the heightened inflammatory response necessary for angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. Prospective, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols. Nonetheless, concomitant TMR+PRP therapy represents a promising approach to augmenting myocardial revascularization and recovery in patients with advanced CAD undergoing surgical revascularization.

Perioperative Cannabinoids Significantly Reduce Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Background Opioids, commonly used to control pain associated with surgery, are known to prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay. A wide range of adjunctive strategies are currently utilized to reduce postoperative pain, such as local and regional nerve blocks, nerve cryoablation, and adjunctive medications. We hypothesized that dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) in conjunction with standard opioid pain management will reduce opioid requirements to manage postoperative pain. Methods Sixty-eight patients who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to either the control group, who received only standard opioid-based analgesia, or the dronabinol group, who received dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) in addition to standard opioid-based analgesia. Dronabinol was given in the preoperative unit, before extubation in the ICU, and after extubation on the first postoperative day. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were compared under an IRB-approved protocol. The primary endpoints were the postoperative opioid requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay, and the secondary endpoints were the duration of inotropic support needed, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the change in LVEF. This study was undertaken at Northwest Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA. Results Sixty-eight patients were randomized to either the control group (n = 37) or the dronabinol group (n = 31). Groups were similar in terms of demographic features and comorbidities. The total postoperative opioid requirement was significantly lower in the dronabinol group [39.62 vs 23.68 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), p = 0.0037], representing a 40% reduction. Duration of mechanical ventilation (7.03 vs 6.03h, p = 0.5004), ICU length of stay (71.43 vs 63.77h, p = 0.4227), and inotropic support requirement (0.6757 vs 0.6129 days, p = 0.7333) were similar in the control and the dronabinol groups. However, there was a trend towards lower durations in each endpoint in the dronabinol group. Interestingly, a significantly better preoperative to postoperative LVEF change was observed in the dronabinol group (3.51% vs 6.45%, p = 0.0451). Conclusions Our study found a 40% reduction in opioid use and a significantly greater improvement in LVEF in patients treated with adjunctive dronabinol. Mechanical ventilation duration, ICU length of stay, and inotropic support requirement tended to be lower in the dronabinol group, though did not reach statistical significance. The results of this study, although limited by sample size, are very encouraging and validate our ongoing investigation.

Anomalous Right Coronary Artery With Interarterial Course: Risk Stratification and Surgical Decision-Making Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve.

An anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) takeoff, a rare congenital condition often characterized by an interarterial RCA course between the pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta, can lead to symptoms of angina pectoris (chest pain) or even sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to compression of the RCA, although most patients remain asymptomatic. In this case report, we highlight the utility of computed tomography angiography (CTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR), a minimally invasive technique used to assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary lesions, in the risk stratification and surgical decision-making process for a 46-year-old female patient presenting with exertional dyspnea and an anomalous RCA takeoff with an interarterial course. The information obtained from this imaging modality was instrumental in determining that surgical repair did not need to be performed urgently and could be scheduled as an elective case in the future.

Revolutionizing Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: The Robotic Convergent Plus Procedure.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely accepted to be the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an increasing incidence over time. This is thought to be due to the aging population across the world. AF occurs when abnormal electrical foci result in disorganization of atrial depolarization, though the exact pathophysiology leading to these abnormal foci is not well understood. A range of interventions exist for AF - pharmacological therapies (anti-arrhythmic or negative chronotropic medications), cardioversion, or ablations to interrupt the abnormal conduction pathways. Ablation may be via a catheter-based approach, via a surgical approach using the "Maze" procedure (Cox-Maze IV), or more recently, via a hybrid approach. This first involves a surgical epicardial ablation, with catheter-based endocardial ablation following a few weeks later to ensure durable transmural lesion sets via the "Convergent" procedure. We describe the use of the Da Vinci Xi™ robotic platform to improve the procedure, allowing continuous and improved visualization of the anatomy without the need for potentially harmful retraction of the atrial appendage or the back of the left atrium, as well as increased precision with our mapping tools and more complete ablation. Here, we highlight the advantages over a non-robotic (subxiphoid) Convergent procedure, while outlining the key operative steps in undertaking the "Robotic Convergent Plus" procedure using the Da Vinci Xi™ robotic surgical system.

Perioperative Left Ventricular Assist Device Use in Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction Reduces Cardiac Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury.

Background Cardiac surgery may precipitate acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in patients with poor baseline cardiac function. This is thought to be due to intraoperative renal hypoperfusion, which results in increased morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the perioperative use of the Impella LD (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in the prevention of postoperative AKI in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed at Northwest Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA, on patients undergoing valve surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or both by a single surgeon. Those with preoperative LVEF ≤35% and preoperative serum creatinine ≥1 mg/dL were included and segregated based on intraoperative LVAD implantation. Postoperative renal function was assessed using serum creatinine levels and KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) criteria to define AKI. Results Twenty-three patients were enrolled. There were no significant differences in age, demographics, baseline characteristics, or comorbidities between the treatment (n = 12) and the control group (n = 11). In the treatment group, 8% developed AKI by POD#7, while 64% of controls did. The treatment group had a significantly lower mean creatinine change from POD#0-7 (0.07 vs. 0.59, p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the mean creatinine change from baseline to discharge (0.46 vs. 0.42, p = 0.47). Conclusions Our study suggests that intraoperative Impella implantation may reduce the incidence of early postoperative AKI. LVAD implantation is an approach to increase and ensure adequate end-organ (renal) perfusion and can improve postoperative recovery without dialysis requirements. Additional studies are required to understand its protective effects during the perioperative period fully.

Evaluation of Correlation between Residual Ridge Resorption and Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the disintegration of the residual alveolar ridge. Methods and Materials: The study sample comprises 144 participants (64 diabetics and 80 controls). Each participant had their orthopantomagram (OPG) taken. Considering the mandibular foreman (MF) and the lower border of mandible in OPGs as landmarks, resorption of residual ridge (RRR) in mandible was evaluated. Results: The resorption in diabetic study participants was 36.9%, while it was 19.1% in the healthy control study participants. The RRR in the diabetic group was greater than the control group (P = 0.0039). Conclusion: The resorption of RRR was greater in diabetic patients.

Chemotherapy in geriatric patients with poor performance status small cell lung cancer: Series from a tertiary care center.

Geriatric age group patients with poor performance status and advanced stage cancer are often denied chemotherapy. In this series of cases, we demonstrated that systemic anti-cancer therapy can be considered in these patients after a meticulous modification of the chemo-protocol.