Increasing obesity is associated with lower postoperative bleeding in coronary bypass patients.

OBJECTIVE: Despite inherent comorbidities, obese cardiac surgical patients paradoxically had shown lower morbidity and mortality, although the nature of this association is still unclear. Thus, the authors intended in this large registry-based study to investigate the impact of obesity on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes, focusing on bleeding and transfusion requirements. DESIGN: Retrospective registry study. SETTING: Three university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 12,330 prospectively compiled data from coronary bypass grafting patients undergoing surgery between 2007 to 2020 were retrieved from the Western Denmark Heart Registry. INTERVENTIONS: The parameters were analyzed to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and the selected outcome parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The crude data showed a clear statistically significant association in postoperative drainage from 637 (418-1108) mL in underweight patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 to 427 (295-620) mL in severely obese patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis). Further, 50.0% of patients with BMI <18.5 received an average of 451 mL/m2 in red blood cell transfusions, compared to 16.7% of patients with BMI >40 receiving 84 mL/m2. The obese groups were less often submitted to reexploration due to bleeding, and fewer received perioperative hemostatics, inotropes, and vasoconstrictors. The crude data showed increasing 30-day and 6-month mortality with lower BMI, whereas the one-year mortality showed a V-shaped pattern, but BMI had no independent impact on mortality in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with high BMI may carry protection against postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery, probably secondary to an inherent hypercoagulable state, whereas underweight patients carry a higher risk of bleeding and worse outcomes.

Fewer transfusions are still more-red blood cell transfusions affect long-term mortality in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies indicated higher long-term mortality after the transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells (RBC); newer recommendations emphasize lower transfusion rates. The consequences of the transfusion of RBCs in cardiac surgery are unclear because later studies focused on transfusion triggers and short-term outcomes. Reports on long-term complications after cardiac surgery are few. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mandatory Western Denmark Heart Registry was used to identify all adult cardiac operations performed in 4 centres from 2000 to 2019. Patients with multiple entries or previous cardiac operations, special/complex procedures, dying within 30 days and not eligible for follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 32,581 adult cardiac operations performed in 4 centres from 2000 to 2019 were included. The Kaplan-Meier survival plot for low-risk patients undergoing simple cardiac operations showed a significantly lower 15-year survival (0.384 vs 0.661) of patients who received perioperative RBC transfusions [odds ratio 2.43 (confidence level 2.23-2.66)]. The risk decreased with increasing comorbidity or age. No difference was found in high-risk patients. The adjusted risk ratio after an RBC transfusion, including age, sex, comorbidity and surgery, was 1.62 (1.48-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: Despite reduced transfusion rates, long-term follow-up on especially low-risk patients undergoing comparable cardiac operations still demonstrates substantially more deaths of patients receiving perioperative RBC transfusions. Even transfusion of 1-2 units is associated with increased long-term mortality.

Arterial and venous blood sampling is equally applicable for coagulation and fibrinolysis analyses.

OBJECTIVES: No consensus exists upon whether arterial and venous blood samples are equivalent when it comes to coagulation analyses. We therefore conducted a comparative cohort study to clarify if arteriovenous differences affect analyses of primary and secondary hemostasis as well as fibrinolysis. METHODS: Simultaneous paired blood samplings were obtained from a cannula in the radial artery and an antecubital venipuncture in 100 patients immediately before or one day after thoracic surgery. Analyses of platelet count and aggregation, International Normalized Ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), antithrombin, thrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), thrombin generation, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, and an in-house dynamic fibrin clot formation and lysis assay were performed. RESULTS: No differences were found between arterial and venous samples for the far majority of parameters. The only differences were found in INR, median (IQR): venous, 1.1 (0.2) vs. arterial, 1.1 (0.2) (p<0.002) and in prothrombin fragment 1 + 2: venous, 289 (209) pmol/L vs. arterial, 279 (191) pmol/L (p<0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The sampling site does not affect the majority of coagulation analyses. Small differences were found for two parameters. Due to numerically very discrete differences, they are of no clinical relevance. In conclusion, the present data suggest that both samples obtained from arterial and venous blood may be applied for analyses of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Comparison of free arterial and saphenous vein grafting in outcomes after coronary bypass surgery.

Objectives. The goal of this study was to examine whether the use of free arterial grafts could reduce the need for repeated revascularization and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery grafting. Design. The cohort study included 17,354 consecutive adults with isolated coronary artery grafting from 2000 to 2016 in three cardiac surgery centers. Data were obtained from the Western Denmark Heart Registry. Propensity matching with 24 factors was used to establish comparable groups of patients receiving either vein grafts (n = 1019) or free arterial grafts (n = 1019) for outcome analysis. Results. The need for repeated revascularization and all-cause mortality was similar in both graft groups at 10 years of follow-up. Creatine-Kinase MB Isoenzyme >100 µg/L increased the risk of repeated revascularization rate after 1, 5 and 10 years. Conclusions. Long-term outcomes in revascularization and survival are comparable after free arterial or saphenous vein grafting.

Mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a Danish nationwide multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or Impella has shown potential as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to describe the gradual implementation, survival and adherence to the national consensus with respect to use of MCS for OHCA in Denmark, and to identify factors associated with outcome. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study included patients receiving MCS for OHCA at all tertiary cardiac arrest centers (n = 4) in Denmark between July 2011 and December 2020. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to determine association with outcome. Outcome was presented as survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcome, 30-day survival and predictors of 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 259 patients were included in the study. Thirty-day survival was 26%. Sixty-five (25%) survived to hospital discharge and a good neurological outcome (Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories 1-2) was observed in 94% of these patients. Strict adherence to the national consensus showed a 30-day survival rate of 30% compared with 22% in patients violating one or more criteria. Adding criteria to the national consensus such as signs of life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pre-hospital low-flow < 100 min, pH > 6.8 and lactate < 15 mmol/L increased the survival rate to 48%, but would exclude 58% of the survivors from the current cohort. Logistic regression identified asystole (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18-1.57), pulseless electrical activity (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.41), initial pH < 6.8 (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12-1.46) and lactate levels > 15 mmol/L (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16-1.53) as factors associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients presenting signs of life during CPR had reduced risk of 30-day mortality (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: A high survival rate with a good neurological outcome was observed in this Danish population of patients treated with MCS for OHCA. Stringent patient selection for MCS may produce higher survival rates but potentially withholds life-saving treatment in a significant proportion of survivors.

A systematic approach to weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with refractory cardiac failure.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is commonly used to provide haemodynamic support for patients with severe cardiac failure. However, timing ECMO weaning remains challenging. We aimed to examine if an integrative weaning approach based on predefined haemodynamic, respiratory and echocardiographic criteria is associated with successful weaning. METHODS: All patients weaned from ECMO between April 2017 and April 2019 at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, were consecutively enrolled. Predefined haemodynamic, respiratory and echocardiographic criteria were assessed before and during ECMO flow reduction. A weaning attempt was commenced in haemodynamic stable patients and patients remaining stable at minimal flow were weaned from ECMO. Comparisons were made between patients who met the criteria for weaning at first attempt and patients who did not meet these criteria. Patients completing a full weaning attempt with no further need for mechanical support within 24 h were defined as successfully weaned. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included in the study, of whom 26 (68%) patients met the criteria for weaning. Among these patients, 25 (96%) could be successfully weaned. Successfully weaned patients were younger and had less need for inotropic support and ECMO duration was shorter. Fulfilling the weaning criteria was associated with successful weaning and both favourable 30-d survival and survival to discharge. CONCLUSION: An integrative weaning approach based on haemodynamic, respiratory and echocardiographic criteria may strengthen the clinical decision process in predicting successful weaning in patients receiving ECMO for refractory cardiac failure.

A Descriptive Study of Perioperative Hemodynamics in Open Cardiac Surgery Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to describe how the perioperative hemodynamic profile before and after cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery is influenced by age and to describe the association between postoperative hemodynamics and one-year mortality. DESIGN: A retrospective registry-based study. SETTING: University Hospital of Aarhus, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 6,595 patients undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgery from 2006 to 2016. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Perioperative hemodynamic values were derived from computerized anesthesia and intensive care reports, including mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and oxygenation saturation from mixed venous blood in the pulmonary artery, during the perioperative period. Perioperative hemodynamic values were stratified according to age. Logistic regression was applied to predict the crude probability of death within one year from surgery according to hemodynamic values at six hours after surgery, stratified by age and use of inotropic agents, respectively. Lower values for cardiac index and mixed venous blood in the pulmonary artery with increasing age, across all points in time in the perioperative course, were observed. Higher probability of death was associated with lower hemodynamic values in the postoperative phase, and the probability of death was modified by age and the need for inotropic agents. DISCUSSION: This is a large registry based study describing the perioperative hemodynamic profile of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and the results enhance our understanding of age-differentiated values of CI and SvO2 in this specific population.

Fast-track cardiac anaesthesia protocols: Is quality pushed to the edge?

Background: The quest for methods expediting rapid postoperative patient turnover has triggered implementation of various fast-track cardiac anaesthesia protocols. Using three different fast-track protocols in randomized controlled studies (RCT) conducted 2010-2016 we found minimal achievements in ventilation time together with actual and eligible length of stay in cardiac recovery unit. The comparable control group patients were evaluated in this retrospective post hoc analysis, for an association between above mentioned parameters and quality parameters, to assess whether the marginal gains have been at the expense of quality of recovery and patient comfort. Method: 90 control patients from three RCT with comparable demographic parameters and receiving standard department treatment were evaluated using time parameters and an objective/semi-objective Intensive Care Unit (ICU) score system (IDS score). Results: Ventilation time was statistical significant lower in latest study (C) than the early (A) and intermedium (B) studies (A=293, B=261, C=205 minutes; P=0.04). The IDS was lower at extubation and all time points in the early study compared to other studies (P < 0.001;). The average IDS in latest study were the double of previous studies at the end of observations, and marginally above the acceptable score for discharge. The postoperative morphine requirement A=15.0, B=10.0 and C=26.5 mg; P=0.002) was statistical significant higher in the latest study compared to previous studies. Conclusion: The implementation of strict fast-track protocols resulting in shorter ventilation time did not convert to earlier eligibility to discharge from the ICU. However, the quality of recovery appears challenged.

Impact of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation on coagulation-a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) is suggested to have favourable impact on blood loss compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation. We aimed to compare the impact of both systems on coagulation. METHODS: Randomized trial comparing endogenous thrombin-generating potential early after elective coronary surgery employing either MiECC group (n = 30) or conventional extracorporeal circulation group (n = 30). Secondary outcomes were in vivo thrombin generation, bleeding end points and haemodilution, as well as morbidity and mortality up to 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: Compared to the conventional extracorporeal circulation group, the MiECC group showed (i) a trend towards a higher early postoperative endogenous thrombin-generating potential (P = 0.06), (ii) lower intraoperative levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (P < 0.001), (iii) less haemodilution early postoperatively as measured by haematocrit and weight gain, but without correlation to coagulation factors or bleeding end points. Moreover, half as many patients required postoperative blood transfusion in the MiECC group (17% vs 37%, P = 0.14), although postoperative blood loss did not differ between groups (P = 0.84). Thrombin-antithrombin complex levels (rs = 0.36, P = 0.005) and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (rs = 0.45, P < 0.001), but not early postoperative endogenous thrombin-generating potential (rs = 0.05, P = 0.72), showed significant correlation to increased transfusion requirements. The MiECC group demonstrated significantly lower levels of creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase and free haemoglobin indicating superior myocardial protection, less tissue damage and less haemolysis, respectively. Perioperative morbidity and 30-day mortality did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional but not MiECC is associated with significant intraoperative thrombin generation despite full heparinization. No correlation between coagulation factors or bleeding end points with the degree of haemodilution could be ascertained. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03216720.

[Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy of acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults in Denmark].

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is an established treatment option in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The overall mortality in patients with ARDS has fallen over the past 30 years. VV-ECMO for selected patients has contributed to this. In Denmark, VV-ECMO is centralised to Aarhus University Hospital and Rigshospitalet, as it is a complex multidisciplinary therapy. The treatment involves many specialities and personnel groups, all with special training and experience. This review presents the current literature in the ARDS and ECMO treatment.

What the anaesthesiologist needs to know about heart-lung interactions.

The impact of positive pressure ventilation extends the effect on lungs and gas exchange because the altered intra-thoracic pressure conditions influence determinants of cardiovascular function. These mechanisms are called heart-lung interactions, which conceptually can be divided into two components (1) The effect of positive airway pressure on the cardiovascular system, which may be more or less pronounced under various pathologic cardiac conditions, and (2) The effect of cyclic airway pressure swing on the cardiovascular system, which can be useful in the interpretation of the individual patient's current haemodynamic state. It is imperative for the anaesthesiologist to understand the fundamental mechanisms of heart-lung interactions, as they are a foundation for the understanding of optimal, personalised cardiovascular treatment of patients undergoing surgery in general anaesthesia. The aim of this review is thus to describe what the anaesthesiologist needs to know about heart-lung interactions.

To jump or not to jump? A multicentre propensity-matched study of sequential vein grafting of the heart†.

OBJECTIVES: In this propensity-matched study we investigated the outcome after grafting with either a single vein or a sequential vein grafting strategy. Outcomes were primarily risk of reintervention and death in the short, intermediate and long term (10 years). MATERIALS: In the period from 2000 to 2016, data from 24 742 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were extracted from the Western Denmark Heart Registry, where data are registered perioperatively. We used a propensity-matched study in which the study groups were matched on parameters primarily from the EuroSCORE. The numbers of patients in both groups after matching were 3380. RESULTS: Single grafts resulted in significantly more postoperative bleeding and were more time-consuming. No differences were seen regarding in-hospital events such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction, dialysis or arrhythmias. After 30 days, patients in the jump graft group showed an increased rate of reintervention due to ischaemia after adjusting for confounding factors [hazard ratio (HR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.01-4.34]. In addition, after adjusting for known confounders, sequential grafts were found to increase the risk of mortality at 6 months (HR 1.51, 95% confidence limits 1.07-2.11) and 5 years (HR 1.23, 95% confidence limits 1.04-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: This propensity-matched analysis suggested, although discretely, that a jump graft as a grafting strategy is associated with a slightly increased risk of mortality and early graft failure and that a single grafting strategy to the coronary arteries should be preferred when feasible.

Blood cardioplegia benefits only patients with a long cross-clamp time.

INTRODUCTION: A clear advantage of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia has not yet been observed in smaller population studies. The purpose of this article was to further investigate the clinical outcomes of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia in a large propensity-matched cohort of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. METHODS: The study was a single-centre study. Data was withdrawn from the Western Denmark Heart Registry, which comprises a perfusion section for each procedure. A total of 4,852 patients were propensity matched into crystalloid (CC) vs blood cardioplegia (BC) groups. The primary end points were creatinine kinase-MB (CKMB) elevation, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, dialysis, coronary angiography (CAG) and mortality (30 days and 6 months). RESULTS: We found lower odds ratio in 30-day mortality in the BC group (OR 0.21; CI 0.06-0.68), but no difference in overall 6-month mortality. There was no difference in CKMB elevation, AMI, dialysis or stroke. Several end points were further analysed for different cross-clamp times. In the CC group, ventilation time above 600 minutes was seen more often in almost all cross-clamp time intervals (23.5 % vs 12.2 %; p<0.0001; χ2-test) and 6-month mortality was significantly higher when the cross-clamp time exceeded 210 minutes (64.3 vs 23.8; p=0.018; χ2-test). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find clear evidence of superiority of either type in the uncomplicated patient. When prolonged cross-clamp time or postoperative ventilation is expected, this study indicates that blood cardioplegia might be preferable.

Lower Dose of Sufentanil Does Not Enhance Fast Track Significantly-A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Adjustment in the doses of opioids has been a focus of interest for achieving better fast-track conditions in cardiac anesthesia, but relatively sparse information exists on the potential effect of psychologic and behavioral factors, such as stress, anxiety, and type of personality, on anesthesia requirements and patient turnover in the cardiac recovery unit (CRU); to the authors' knowledge, this particular focus has not been systematically investigated. In this randomized study, the authors tested the hypothesis that low-dose sufentanil, compared with a standard dose, can improve fast-track parameters and the overall quality of recovery. Opioid requirements related to personality type, pain sensitivity, and preoperative stress and anxiety also were assessed. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 60 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting with or without aortic valve replacement. SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a standard dose (bolus 0.5 µg/kg) or low dose (bolus 0.25 µg/kg) of sufentanil combined with propofol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome variables were ventilation time and eligible time to discharge from the CRU. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between opioid requirements and personality type, pain sensitivity, and preoperative stress and anxiety. The groups were comparable in selected demographics and perioperative parameters. There was no difference between groups in ventilation time (low dose: 191 [163-257] v standard dose: 205 [139-279] min; p = 0.405); eligible CRU discharge time (10.3 ± 5.0 v 10.3 ± 4.2 h; p = 0.978); or administration of postoperative morphine (25 [11-34) v 27 [10-39] g; p = 0.790). There was no difference between groups in total sufentanil administration and various preoperative psychologic and behavioral test levels nor in the time to reach bispectral index <50 during induction, except that personality type A demonstrated a longer induction time of 10 (8-12) minutes versus 6 (4-8) minutes in low-score patients. CONCLUSION: A lower dose of sufentanil, compared with a standard dose, does not enhance fast-track conditions significantly.

High-pressure balloon fracturing of small dysfunctional Mitroflow bioprostheses facilitates transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation.

AIMS: Transcatheter valve-in-valve (VIV) implantation is usually discouraged in small surgical tissue valves. We report our first ten cases of fracturing small dysfunctional Mitroflow bioprostheses by high-pressure balloon dilatation to increase the internal diameter of the surgical valve before VIV (BF-VIV). METHODS AND RESULTS: BF-VIV was performed in 10 patients (mean age 84±4 years) with failing Mitroflow valves size 19 mm (n=3, threshold of fracture 15 atm) and 21 mm (n=7, threshold of fracture 13 atm). An Edwards SAPIEN 3 or XT 20 mm or 23 mm transcatheter valve was implanted inside the fractured Mitroflow bioprosthesis. The procedure improved aortic valve area (0.7±0.3 vs. 1.1±0.3 cm2, p=0.001), reduced peak aortic valve gradient (66±27 vs. 29±7 mmHg, p=0.002), resolved aortic regurgitation and improved patients' NYHA functional class (p=0.005). One patient had a minor stroke with complete resolution of symptoms and another patient required a pacemaker due to AV block. All patients were still alive at the end of follow-up (438±255 days). CONCLUSIONS: Initial experience with transcatheter BF-VIV suggests that this method is feasible and safe, and that it improves aortic valve haemodynamics and clinical functional capacity. BF-VIV is a promising alternative to repeat surgery in patients with small failing Mitroflow bioprostheses.

Re-exploration due to bleeding is not associated with severe postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVES: In cardiac surgery, postoperative bleeding remains a frequent complication with various possible adverse outcomes. Re-exploration due to bleeding is frequent in this type of patient. Sternal wound infection is an infrequent but serious and devastating complication. Whether re-exploration due to bleeding significantly affects the incidence of sternal wound infection is uncertain. There is no consensus on allowed severity of bleeding and timing of intervention. METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study of 15 350 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgical procedures from 1 April 2006 through 31 December 2013 in 3 different university hospitals in Denmark was performed. Re-exploration due to postoperative bleeding occurred in 873 patients. To adjust for possible confounders, propensity score matching and logistic regression analyses were performed based on the centre, EuroSCORE I/II factors, extracorporeal circulation time, drugs affecting bleeding and coagulation, postoperative bleeding and units of blood transfusions. Patients were matched into 2 groups of 779 patients each for further analysis. The short-term outcomes were sternum infection, 30-day mortality and acute renal failure needing dialysis. The long-term outcome was the number of deaths 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of re-exploration was 5.7%. In the raw data, sternal infection was higher in the re-exploration group (2.4% vs 1.4; P = 0.020). After propensity score matching, no differences in sternal infection or other measured outcomes were found between the groups, either by crude or adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that re-exploration is not associated with a higher frequency of severe postoperative complications. Probably the time of intervention for bleeding is important.

Rational and timely haemostatic interventions following cardiac surgery - coagulation factor concentrates or blood bank products.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery may cause a serious coagulopathy leading to increased risk of bleeding and transfusion demands. Blood bank products are commonly first line haemostatic intervention, but has been associated with hazardous side effect. Coagulation factor concentrates may be a more efficient, predictable, and potentially a safer treatment, although prospective clinical trials are needed to further explore these hypotheses. This study investigated the haemostatic potential of ex vivo supplementation of coagulation factor concentrates versus blood bank products on blood samples drawn from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: 30 adults were prospectively enrolled (mean age=63.9, females=27%). Ex vivo haemostatic interventions (monotherapy or combinations) were performed in whole blood taken immediately after surgery and two hours postoperatively. Fresh-frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, fibrinogen concentrate, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), and recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) were investigated. The haemostatic effect was evaluated using whole blood thromboelastometry parameters, as well as by thrombin generation. RESULTS: Immediately after surgery the compromised maximum clot firmness was corrected by monotherapy with fibrinogen or platelets or combination therapy with fibrinogen. At two hours postoperatively the coagulation profile was further deranged as illustrated by a prolonged clotting time, a reduced maximum velocity and further diminished maximum clot firmness. The thrombin lagtime was progressively prolonged and both peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential were compromised. No monotherapy effectively corrected all haemostatic abnormalities. The most effective combinations were: fibrinogen+rFVIIa or fibrinogen+PCC. Blood bank products were not as effective in the correction of the coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: Coagulation factor concentrates appear to provide a more optimal haemostasis profile following cardiac surgery compared to blood bank products.

Colloids in Cardiac Surgery-Friend or Foe?

OBJECTIVE: The right choice of fluid replacement still is a matter of debate. Recently, two large-scale studies on the use of hydroxyethyl starches (HES) in the intensive care setting have been published, which have caused a huge shift in the daily practice of volume therapy. These results have been applied to patients outside intensive care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact this change has had on the outcomes in a large population of cardiac surgery patients, with a focus on the type of colloid infusion. DESIGN: A prospective, registered, observational study, using propensity score matching. SETTING: Cohort study from 3 university hospitals using a common registry. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 17,742 patients who were referred for cardiac surgery from 2007 to 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided in groups according to perioperative fluid replacement with either crystalloids or colloids. The colloid group was further divided into HES or human albumin (HA). Analyses were based on the following 3 subsections: HES versus crystalloids, HA versus crystalloids, and HES versus HA, with use of propensity score matching or direct matching of cases. Primary outcome parameters were 30-day and 6-month mortality, new postoperative renal replacement therapy, and new cardiac ischemic events. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The groups were fully comparable in individual analyses. The use of HES had no impact on new dialysis and 30-day mortality. A Cox proportional regression analysis showed that HES had no impact on 6-month mortality and new postoperative ischemic events. When comparing HA with crystalloid use, a significantly increased risk in crude analysis was demonstrated on all outcome parameters; and when comparing HA with HES, a significantly higher risk was observed in HA patients in mortality parameters and new postoperative, but after adjustment, only the risk of new postoperative dialysis persisted. CONCLUSION: This study underlined the difficulties in establishing hardcore outcome data, even in large cohort studies. The findings seemed to diminish the magnitude of risk when using HES in cardiac surgery patients and seriously questioned the choice of HA when a plasma expander is needed.

Ultrashort acting remifentanil is not superior to long-acting sufentanil in preserving cognitive function-a randomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a well-known complication after cardiac surgery and may cause permanent disabilities with severe consequences for quality of life. The objectives of this study were, first, to estimate the frequency of POCD after on-pump cardiac surgery in patients randomized to remifentanil- or sufentanil-based anesthesia and, second, to evaluate the association between POCD and quality of recovery and perioperative hemodynamics, respectively. DESIGN: Randomized study. SETTING: Postoperative cardiac recovery unit, University Hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty patients with ischemic heart disease scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting ± aortic valve replacement. INTERVENTIONS AND HANDLING: Randomized to either remifentanil or sufentanil anesthesia as basis opioid. Postoperative pain management consisted of morphine in both groups. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning evaluated preoperatively and on the 1st, 4th, and 30th postoperative day using the cognitive test from the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. Perioperative invasive hemodynamics and the quality of recovery was evaluated by means of invasive measurements and an intensive care unit discharge score. MAIN RESULTS: No difference between opioids in POCD at any time. A negative correlation was found between preoperative cognitive function and POCD on the first postoperative day (r=-0.47; P=.0002). The fraction of patients with POCD on the first postoperative day was statistically greater in patients with more than 15minutes of Svo2 <60 (P=.037; χ(2) test). Among patients with postoperative ventilation time exceeding 300minutes, more patients had POCD on postoperative day 4 (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: We could not demonstrate differences in POCD between remifentanil and sufentanil based anaesthesia, but in general, the fraction of patients with POCD seemed smaller than previously reported. We found an association between POCD and both perioperative low Svo2 and postoperative ventilation time, underlining the importance of perioperative stable hemodynamics and possible fast-track protocols with short ventilation times to attenuate POCD.