Impact of frailty in cardiac surgical patients-Assessment, burden, and recommendations.

Elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at an increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. Frailty, a state of decreased physiological reserve, is highly prevalent among elderly patients. Despite being associated with adverse surgical outcomes, no universally accepted definition or measurement tool for frailty exists. Moreover, regardless of all the recommendations, a routine perioperative frailty assessment is often ignored. In addition to complications, frailty increases the burden to the healthcare system, which is of particular concern in Southeast Asia due to its socioeconomically disadvantaged and resource limited settings. This narrative review focuses to develop clinical practice plans for perioperative frailty assessment in the context of a cardiac surgical setting.

An update on transesophageal echocardiography views 2016: 2D versus 3D tee views.

In 1980, Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) first technology has introduced the standard of practice for most cardiac operating rooms to facilitate surgical decision making. Transoesophageal echocardiography as a diagnostic tool is now an integral part of intraoperative monitoring practice of cardiac anaesthesiology. Practice guidelines for perioperative transesophageal echocardiography are systematically developed recommendations that assist in the management of surgical patients, were developed by Indian Association of Cardiac Anaesthesiologists (IACTA). This update relates to the former IACTA practice guidelines published in 2013 and the ASE/EACTA guidelines of 2015. The current authors believe that the basic echocardiographer should be familiar with the technical skills for acquiring 28 cross sectional imaging planes. These 28 cross sections would provide also the format for digital acquisition and storage of a comprehensive TEE examination and adds 5 more additional views, introduced for different clinical scenarios in recent times. A comparison of 2D TEE views versus 3D TEE views is attempted for the first time in literature, in this manuscript. Since, cardiac anaesthesia variability exists in the precise anatomic orientation between the heart and the oesophagus in individual patients, an attempt has been made to provide specific criteria based on identifiable anatomic landmarks to improve the reproducibility and consistency of image acquisition for each of the standard cross sections.

Guidelines of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists and Indian College of Cardiac Anaesthesia for perioperative transesophageal echocardiography fellowship examination.

During current medical care, perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a vital component of patient management, especially in cardiac operating rooms and in critical care medicine. Information derived from echocardiography has an important bearing on the patient's outcome. The Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) has promoted the use of TEE during routine clinical care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. An important mission of IACTA is to oversee training and certify anesthesiologists in the perioperative and intensive care use of TEE. The provision of "Fellowship" is by way of conducting IACTA - TEE fellowship (F-TEE) examination. This has been done annually for the past 7 years using well-established curriculums by accredited national and international societies. Now, with the transformation and reconstitution of IACTA education and research cell into the newly formed Indian College of Cardiac Anaesthesia, F-TEE is bound to meet international standards. To ensure that the examinations are conducted in a transparent and foolproof manner, the guideline committee (formulated in 2010) of IACTA has taken the onus of formulating the guidelines for the same. These guidelines have been formally reviewed and updated since 2010 and are detailed here to serve as a guide to both the examinee and examiner ensuring standardization, efficiency, and competency of the IACTA F-TEE certification process.

Practice guidelines for perioperative transesophageal echocardiography: recommendations of the Indian association of cardiovascular thoracic anesthesiologists.

Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is now an integral part of practice of cardiac anaesthesiology. Advances in instrumentation and the information that can be obtained from the TEE examination has proceeded at a breath-taking pace since the introduction of this technology in the early 1980s. Recognizing the importance of TEE in the management of surgical patients, the American Societies of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Society of Cardiac Anesthesiologists, USA (SCA) published practice guidelines for the clinical application of perioperative TEE in 1996. On a similar pattern, Indian Association of Cardiac Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) has taken the task of putting forth guidelines for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to standardize practice across the country. This review assesses the risks and benefits of TEE for several indications or clinical scenarios. The indications for this review were drawn from common applications or anticipated uses as well as current clinical practice guidelines published by various society practicing Cardiac Anaesthesia and cardiology . Based on the input received, it was determined that the most important parts of the TEE examination could be displayed in a set of 20 cross sectional imaging planes. These 20 cross sections would provide also the format for digital acquisition and storage of a comprehensive TEE examination. Because variability exists in the precise anatomic orientation between the heart and the esophagus in individual patients, an attempt was made to provide specific criteria based on identifiable anatomic landmarks to improve the reproducibility and consistency of image acquisition for each of the standard cross sections.

Our experience with implantation of VentrAssist left ventricular assist device.

Perioperative anaesthetic management of the VentrAssist™ left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a challenge for anaesthesiologists because patients presenting for this operation have long-standing cardiac failure and often have associated hepatic and renal impairment, which may significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of administered drugs and render the patients coagulopathic. The VentrAssist is implanted by midline sternotomy. A brief period of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for apical cannulation of left ventricle is needed. The centrifugal pump, which produces non-pulsatile, continuous flow, is positioned in the left sub-diaphragmatic pocket. This LVAD is preload dependent and afterload sensitive. Transoesophageal echocardiography is an essential tool to rule out contraindications and to ensure proper inflow cannula position, and following the implantation of LVAD, to ensure right ventricular (RV) function. The anaesthesiologist should be prepared to manage cardiac decompensation and acute desaturation before initiation of CPB, as well as RV failure and severe coagulopathic bleeding after CPB. Three patients had undergone implantation of VentrAssist in our hospital. This pump provides flow of 5 l/min depending on preload, afterload and pump speed. All the patients were discharged after an average of 30 days. There was no perioperative mortality.

Determinants of renal replacement therapy after adult cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery develops in 1%-5% of patients, and is strongly associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality. The prognostic risk factors for development acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy are identified in this study. METHODS: 2585 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery during a 1-year period (November 2010 to October 2011) were studied. The patients who developed acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy were compared with matched controls. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy. RESULTS: 44 patients developed acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy following cardiac surgery. On multivariate logistic analysis, the following factors independently predicted acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy (p < 0.05): preoperative critical state, pre-existing renal dysfunction, preoperative diastolic dysfunction, and combined cardiac surgery. CONCLUSION: The risk of acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy can be fairly accurately predicted and quantified on the basis of available preoperative and intraoperative data. These predictors may be used by physicians to estimate the risk and target high-risk groups for interventions that prevent, reduce, or ameliorate the occurrence of renal failure needing acute renal replacement therapy.

Tele-education service using telemedicine network in healthcare industry.

We have used a telemedicine facility to conduct academic teaching/training sessions. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of this method of e-learning sessions. The teaching/learning sessions were organized twice a week between the two teaching hospitals. The success of each academic session was analyzed in terms of satisfaction of the participating candidates, infrastructure difficulties (if any), and the overall outcome of the program. In total, 293 academic sessions were held from 2008 to 2010. Each session's presentation was 45 min long and was made using Microsoft(®) (Redmond, WA) PowerPoint. We have found that telemedicine proved to be effective in establishing communication not only between the patient and the physician, but also between the teacher and the student. Several candidates benefited from the application of this technology. Candidates expressed satisfaction and were content with the teaching methods adapted.

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent renal dysfunction after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in high-risk patients may be associated with postoperative renal dysfunction. N-Acetylcysteine is a powerful antioxidant and has been used to prevent contrast-induced renal dysfunction. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in preventing postoperative renal dysfunction following off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery was studied. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft. The study group (37 patients) received N-acetylcysteine in the perioperative period, whereas the control group (37 patients) did not. The data obtained were analysed using the independent sample t-test (Student's t-test) and χ-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of renal dysfunction between the two groups. Three patients (8.6%) in the N-acetylcysteine group and four (11.4%) in the control group developed renal dysfunction (P value was 1.00). CONCLUSION: N-Acetylcysteine does not have any beneficial effect on renal function in high-risk patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft.

Intra-operative trans-esophageal echocardiography in congenital heart disease.

Intra-operative trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an important monitoring and diagnostic tool used during surgery for repair of congenital heart disease. In several studies,TEE has been shown to provide additional intra-cardiac anatomic information. Its ability to be used intra- operatively before and after cardiac repair makes it a unique tool. Before TEE was available for intra-operative use, significant residual abnormalities were frequently not detected. The result was often substantial post-operative morbidity and mortality and sometimes the need for re-operation. According to practice guidelines established by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, there is strong evidence for the usefulness of TEE in surgery for congenital heart disease because it significantly improves the clinical outcome of these patients. Before surgical correction, TEE helps confirm diagnosis and spot any additional lesion, while after the surgical correction, it provides baseline parameters for comparison after the surgical correction.

Telemedicine consultation and monitoring for pediatric liver transplant.

Telemedicine provides the opportunity to bring medical expertise to the bedside, even if the medical expert is not physically near the patient. Internet technology has facilitated telemedicine allowing for voice, video and other data to be exchanged between remote locations. To date, applications of telemedicine to anesthesia (Teleanesthesia) have been limited. Previous work by Cone et al., (Anesth Analg 2006;1463-7) demonstrated the ability to direct an anesthetic in a remote location using satellite communication. In this report, we describe the use of telemedicine to support two cases of elective living related pediatric liver transplants performed at the Narayana Hrudayalaya Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangalore, India with preoperative and intraoperative consultation provided by physicians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

A new association of multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome is a rare disorder. Its association with multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome is exceptional. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a new association of MCA/MR with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome in an 18-year-old Indian man. This syndrome is characterized by mental retardation with delayed development of milestones, progressive scoliosis, cryptorchidism, asymmetrical limbs involving both the upper and lower limbs, sleep apnea syndrome, bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome and Dandy-Walker syndrome. Our patient was admitted for septoplasty with adenoidectomy. Patients with MCA/MR with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome pose a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. Establishing a good rapport with these patients is imperative. In addition to that, the anesthesiologist should anticipate the difficulty in intubation and rhythm abnormalities during the peri-operative period. Bradycardia or sinus arrest is a well-known complication during the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Lignocaine should be used with caution in patients with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. Monitoring of ventilation parameters (end-tidal CO(2), SPO(2), airway pressure) is essential as these patients are prone to develop pulmonary artery hypertension secondary to sleep apnea syndrome. CONCLUSION: Based on our clinical experience in detailed pre-operative evaluation and planning, we would emphasize peri-operative anticipation and monitoring for dysrhythmias in patients with MCA/MR and bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome undergoing any surgical procedure.

The efficacy of aprotinin in arterial switch operations in infants.

BACKGROUND: In the present study we assessed whether aprotinin at a total dose (40,000 kallikrein inhibitor units (KIU)/kg) is effective in reducing postoperative blood loss and blood product requirement after arterial switch operations in infants. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized study, evaluated 50 infants who underwent arterial switch operations for transposition of great arteries. Patients were randomized into a placebo group, 25 patients who received normal saline and a treatment group, 25 patients who received 20,000 KIU/kg of aprotinin after induction of anesthesia, followed by 20,000 KIU/kg of aprotinin added to pump prime. Postoperative blood loss through the thoracic chest tubes and blood product requirements (mL/kg/24 h) were measured for the first 24 h in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: Postoperative blood loss in the first 24 h was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in the placebo group (49.7 +/- 11.9 mL/kg/24 h) as compared to the aprotinin group (37.1 +/- 3.5 mL/kg/24 h). Requirements for fresh frozen plasma (mL/kg/24 h) and use of platelet concentrate transfusion (mL/kg/24 h) were significantly less in patients who received aprotinin (P < 0.0001), but did not reduce the proportion of patients transfused with blood products. The number of total donor exposures to all allogenic blood products was less in the aprotinin group [range (median) = 2-4 (3)] than the placebo group [range (median) = 7-14 (10)]. The re-exploration for excessive bleeding was significantly less with aprotinin group (16% vs 32%) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that aprotinin decreased the postoperative blood loss and requirement of transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and platelets (mL/kg/24 h) during the early postoperative period. Further, it reduced the number of donor exposures and re-exploration for excessive bleeding in the treatment population.

Bispectral index-guided anaesthesia for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring may assist reduction in utilisation of anaesthetic agents during general surgical procedures. This study was designed to test whether the use of BIS monitoring reduces the anaesthetic requirements during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This prospective - clinical trial was conducted on 40 adult patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG. Patients received either isoflurane or propofol anaesthesia. BIS monitoring, which guided the dose of anaesthetic, was carried out in 50 percent of the patients. The amount of anaesthetic agent (isoflurane or propofol) administered from the start of anaesthesia to the end of surgical procedure was calculated and were compared in four groups of patients - namely Group A (I-no BIS) received isoflurane; end tidal concentration was maintained at 1-1.2% in a low flow technique throughout the procedure, Group B (I-BIS) received isoflurane in a low flow technique; inspired concentration was dictated by BIS value maintained at 50; Group C (P-no BIS) received propofol at a dose range of 4-8 mg/kg/hr and in Group D(P-BIS) the propofol infusion rate was dictated by BIS value maintained at 50. The quantity of isoflurane was significantly less for Group B (I-BIS) as compared with Group A (I-no BIS) (37 +/- 4 vs. 24 +/- 4 ml; p< 0.05) and similarly the amount of propofol infused was significantly less in Group D (P-BIS) as compared with Group C (P-no BIS) (176 +/- 9 vs. 120 +/- 6 ml; p< 0.05). BIS guided anaesthesia reduces the anaesthetic agent required for the performance of off-pump CABG. This can be extrapolated in terms of saving agent and reduced cardiac depression during off-pump CABG.

Severe pulmonary oedema following therapeutic embolization with Onyx for cerebral arteriovenous malformation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress, infiltrates on radiographs consistent with pulmonary oedema, hypoxaemia and increased work in breathing. Infiltrates on radiographs are bilateral, but may be patchy or diffuse and fluffy or dense. It is associated with absence of left heart failure and a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of < or =200. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which was approved by the US FDA in July 2005, is used as an embolic agent for cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). It is a biocompatible liquid polymer that precipitates and solidifies on contact with blood, thus forming a soft and spongy embolus. We report a case of ARDS following therapeutic embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for cerebral AVM under general anaesthesia. Experienced perioperative physicians adopted standard anaesthetic technique and monitoring for this procedure. Acute respiratory distress and hypoxaemia developed in the patient following extubation of the trachea. Infiltrates seen on postprocedural chest radiographs were consistent with pulmonary oedema. DMSO, the solvent for the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, is excreted via the lungs after administration and we postulate that DMSO was the possible cause of ARDS in this patient. Monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (invasive blood pressure, electrocardiography) and ventilatory parameters (ETCO2, SpO2, airway pressure monitoring) are important in the recognition of this possible event. One should be vigilant and anticipate this complication following therapeutic embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer for the treatment of cerebral AVM.